Children worldwide inspired to learn English with new ‘Timmy Time’ app
Skwigly
Children around the world can now learn English alongside woolly favourite Timmy as the British Council and Aardman Animations launch their first Learning Time with Timmy tablet app.
As the latest venture in the unique partnership between the two organisations, the brand new app takes young learners on their first steps into learning the English language through a series of stimulating and playful activities.
Children will discover new English words for learn numbers, colours and shapes while playing games with Timmy and his friends, the stars of the popular animated television show ‘Timmy Time’. Listening to the narrator they follow the instructions to place toys and classroom objects in a box and sweep away leaves and snow to find food and objects hidden beneath. As children progress in the app, the games get more challenging and they can collect stickers watch videos to reward their achievements.
Commenting on the app’s launch, Neil Ballantyne, Mobile Learning Manager at the British Council, said: “As an organisation, we have over 80 years of experience in English language education so we know that parents are keen to see their children being exposed to English listening and speaking at an early stage.
“In the app, young learners will be able to hear how words sound in English and practice their skills by listening to instructions from the narrator, as well as develop their motor skills through games which encourage the use of swiping, tapping and dragging. The games are all designed to introduce children to the English language through listening and free play – a fantastic way to develop these vital life skills at an early age.”
Lorna Probert, Head of Digital Production at Aardman Animations, added: “Timmy Time is a show without dialogue whose characters can excite and encourage children whatever language they speak. Drawing on these values the app uses Timmy and his friends to inspire young children to discover and start learning simple English words in a fun and playful way.”
The Learning Time with Timmy tablet app will be available from February 2015 onwards. Parents can download it for their children from the Apple, Google Play and Amazon app stores for GBP2.29.
For more information about the app, visit: http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/apps
Learning Time with Timmy is part of a global partnership and complements the British Council’s unique learning centres that will feature Timmy and Shaun the Sheep.