R & D Studio is pleased to announce the launch of bitskis games, a series of iPhone apps for children. The games are designed for preschool to first-grade aged children to have fun while mastering early math and literacy skills.

bitskis ABC - Spelling Game develops letter identification and spelling skills.
bitskis 123 – Counting Game teaches counting and number recognition skills.
bitskis Pick the Word – teaches word recognition skills.
bitskis bubble pop – helps to develop hand-eye coordination and counting skills.

These iPhone apps were developed by R & D Studio, a husband-and-wife creative team, Roxanne Wolanczyk and Dyske Suematsu. They live in the East Village, New York with their 4-year old daughter, Annika. Noticing how Annika loves to play with an iPhone, Dyske decided it would be fun to create an iPhone application for kids using the characters that Roxanne had developed over the years.

When kids see something on an ordinary computer monitor, their immediate response is to touch the monitor, but, to their disappointment, nothing happens. The combination of a computer monitor and a mouse is too disconnected for preschoolers, which has hindered these kids from using computers before. Now with iPhones they are able to touch what they see, and many parents have noticed that their kids love interacting with them. This opens up a lot of new possibilities for how we can teach kids around this age.

The use of iPhone apps to educate kids has many advantages over books. Since iPhone apps are interactive, they are more engaging. Sound and motion makes it possible to teach things that books cannot. Because iPhone apps do not require physical materials and shipping, they are cheaper than books, can be obtained immediately, and are eco-friendly. They do not wear out or take up room in your house. The best of all, you can take them with you everywhere. They are especially great to have during car travel, a doctor’s waiting room and the like.

Roxanne and Dyske plan to keep adding to their line of bitskis apps. The games have been well received by many of Annika’s friends, and will hopefully give enjoyment to a great many children.