As a mother of a 6-year-old who has a unique learning style, I'm always on the lookout for creative books that teach fundamentals, such as the alphabet and numbers. I found just that in a little book for kids titled Zelza Zero. The book features Zelza, a zero-digit, who tries to find her value. In the process, she learns that in unifying with other numbers, everything expands and becomes greater. The message of unity and value is a strong one for both children and adults. Regardless of how old you are, it's nice to be reminded that you add value everywhere you go.
It turns out that Zelza Zero is such a great story that it is currently being developed into an animated television series for children. Upon further research, I learned that the pilot episode of the series is being funded through Kickstarter. Kickstarter, as you probably know, is the latest way in which artists and small business owners can raise money for their ideas. The program also allows supporters to become a part of the project's community and development by offering various rewards to those who back the project. I was so excited about this book and the upcoming animated TV series about numbers that I called to ask what I could do to help this campaign.
So here I am spreading the word about "the little number that could." Here's why I'm so excited about this project: in our current educational system, you'd be hard-pressed to find tools that touch children on many levels. If you are a parent of a child with special needs, like I am, you know firsthand that if the learning tools stimulate the child emotionally, mentally and physically, there's a greater chance of retention. My son, who has Downs Syndrome, learns best when he is moving, singing, dancing and having fun. There's no way I can easily get him to sit down, focus and retain information that he cannot connect with. But when I add character, excitement and expectation to the learning process, my son lights up, and he remembers the information.
Here's what I love about Zelza Zero and the upcoming educational animated children's show. Zelza is not just a number that I expect my son to memorize. Zelza is a number on a mission. She has personality, desires, dreams and hopes to discover more about herself and others. My son can relate to her feeling different and trying desperately to learn how she fits in and the value she brings. Although Zelza is a number, her plight is one that we can all find within ourselves. The added bonus is that Zelza and her comrades go on very human journeys that teach children about early math, while entertaining them with heartfelt stories. My son loves this book, and because he loves it, I want to do everything I can to bring it to television and any other media that will serve the development of children.
Please visit their Kickstarter pagehttp://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1163401846/the-adventures-of-zelza-zero-and-friends?ref=live. to learn more about The Adventures Of Zelza Zero & Friends. It's up to parents to see to it that their children fulfill their unique potential and learn, like Zelza, that their lives are of incredible value.