Internationally recognised education
publisher Global Ed (GES) and gaming studio Custard Square, have joined forces
to enhance literacy with the launch of Bud-e Reading. Together, they formed
company Bud-e Digital and created a ground-breaking literacy product for Kiwi
kids, and the rest of the world.
Bud-e was
developed in New Zealand by resident experts and backed by significant funding
from Callahan Innovation and Education New Zealand (ENZ) to bring it to
fruition. Their support means that New Zealand children will benefit from a
unique new resource; one that can also be exported. Bud-e features a dynamic, interactive app and
suite of highly engaging, richly illustrated books, to support beginner
readers, grow their confidence and develop positive attitudes to reading.
Bud-e is a total digital and print
based literacy solution that introduces young children to the world of reading.
It prepares them for school by making learning to read and write a motivating and
rewarding experience. Research over many years
demonstrates that if children are to become lifelong learners, they must
develop core skills and knowledge in the early years of schooling. For children
in the twenty-first century, literacy learning activities with a digital
platform are pivotal to their engagement.
The power house behind Bud-e Reading is literacy
educator, author and Bud-e Director, Jill Eggleton,
QSO. In a career spanning some 40 years, Eggleton has published more than 800
children's books and spoken at many international reading conferences.
Bud-e has been reviewed and endorsed
by highly-regarded educationalist, Dr Libby Limbrick, MNZOM, who says: “It is
evident that the Bud-e Reading programme is informed by a robust theory of
literacy development; the content and structure provide sound, research-based
experiences to support the development skills and knowledge which are validated
by a wide body of research as essential for early literacy development; and is
consistent with the Core Standards expected to be achieved by the end of the
kindergarten year at school.”
Bud-e was formally launched by National Party
List MP, Ms Melissa Lee, at a ‘red carpet’ event in the Auckland suburb of
Kingsland last night. Ms Lee paid tribute to the uniqueness of Bud-e and New
Zealand’s fine reputation in producing such products. The launch was attended
by foreign dignitaries, including Her Excellency Dato' Kim Eng Lim, High
Commissioner, Malaysian Embassy, and featured a Maori welcome and Kapa Haka
performance by local school children.
At the conclusion of the launch, contracts were
signed by representatives from two major Asian distributors: Danalis
Distributor, Malaysia; and Book H, Korea. From here, Bud-e Reading will be rolled out to
other key global markets, including Australia, South Africa and North America.
International education is vital to the New
Zealand economy – it is our fifth largest export earner, generating $2.85
billion in the latest year. Over $100m of that comes from the export of
educational products and services. Crown agency Education New Zealand (ENZ) has
committed $50,000 to assist Bud-e’s efforts to develop distribution networks in
Asia. ENZ helps fund projects
that will develop new markets, products and services to grow New Zealand
education industry exports.
Bud-E Digital was
founded in 2014 by Directors Chris Bulman, Jill Eggleton and Tracy Strudley.
Between them, they have many years of experience in the fields of education,
publishing and technology, where they have held key positions of influence.
The following Bud-e Reading products
will be available for sale in bookshops and e-tailers nationwide from April 17,
2015:
·
The free to download
Bud-e Digital app
·
Out of Bubblo picture book (RRP: $19.99)
·
Bud-e Creative workbook (RRP: $4.99)
·
Bud-e Small Books,
volumes 1-20 ($6.99
each).
Additional books will be published throughout
2015 and beyond.
To download the Bud-e app, please click the
following link: https://itunes.apple.com/nz/app/bud-e-reading/id949639782?mt=8.
The Bud-e app and associated games are supported by all major tablet devices
(Windows Tablet, iOS and Android).
Global Ed (GES)
is a leading educational publishing company based in New Zealand that
exports to the world. They publish modern literacy material and supporting
teacher resources for students’ ages 5 to 12 years. GES was founded in 2004 by
literacy educator and author Jill Eggleton and sales and marketing specialist
Tracy Strudley.
Custard Square is a digital
design studio focused on meeting the increasing demand from the EdTech and
Edutainment sectors. Established by innovative business leader Chris Bulman in
2010, the studio boasts a talented team of
developers, designers and artists. Together, they have captivated audiences
with their visual storytelling through exciting
gameplay, stunning characters and creative animation.
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