About Erika NJ Alperin

http://kazaanablog.wordpress.com

Posts by Erika NJ Alperin

Kazaana in Kidscreen Magazine

Kazaana in Kidscreen!

. Press, Social Media . , , ,

“While Facebook continues to mull over the idea of opening its social network to kids under 13, developers have been persistent in giving the demo its own unique virtual play spaces. Menlo Park, California-based startup Kazaana (formerly PixyKids) has recently joined that group. But where popular social sites like Moshi Monsters, Club Penguin or Everloop either focus on interactive gaming or social networking, Kazaana plans to bring the two features together.”

- Read more in the latest issue of Kidscreen Magazine

cc courtesy by elisasizzle on Flickr

Making sure those new BFFS stay BFs Forever

. Kids & Tweens, Opinion . , , , ,


Keeping up with Camp Friends

For the more than 10 Million kids who go to camp ever year, according to the American Camp Association, summer camp is a truly special experience that they will treasure the memories of  for their entire lives. Going off for weeks at a time (without parents around) to learn new skills and meet new people is a great way for kids to develop fast friendships that could last forever.
 
I remember by own Girl Scout camp experience and those friendships I made seemed destined to continue past the time our parents came to pick us up after 2 weeks of horseback riding in the Sierras. So, we traded addresses and became pen pals… for a while at least.  After a year or so, our letters to each other became less frequent, and since none of us lived near each other, the friendships quietly faded away. I still think about those girls I met at camp and wonder what they are doing now, but honestly, I am hard-pressed to even remember their names. Continue reading →
cc courtesy of tinkerbrad from Flickr

Five Technology Study Tips for Back to School

. Education, Kids & Tweens

In school I had a unique, and kind of tedious, study method. I would write up notes in class, type them up at home, then print them and highlight important sections. But now there are apps that practically do that for you – and more! Technology has made it easier for kids to keep up with their studies, and the five tips below will have your kids studying effectively this school year. Continue reading →

BlogHer'12 in NYC!

WellConnectedMom and Kazaana in NYC!

. Bloggers, Events . , , , ,
We had the pleasure of sponsoring Lori Cunningham, WellConnectedMom and nationally respected mom blogger, for BlogHer12.  We couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome and wanted to personally thank Lori for her commitment to Kazaana’s launch and further introducing our platform to the over 5,000 mom and dad bloggers attending the conference.  From what we’ve heard, it was certainly the place to be in NYC for mixing, mingling and chatting about all topics important to making an impact in the blogosphere for parents and families. In fact, bloggers have such an impact in relating to America’s families that President Obama himself opened the BlogHer conference as a keynote speaker, via a live feed!
cc courtesy from daz smith on Flickr

Fun Summer Science Experiments for Kids

. Education, Families, Kids & Tweens . ,
If your kids are into science, there’s no reason for the learning to stop when school is out. By raiding your pantry and Grandma’s candy supply, you can build a miniature laboratory in your kitchen. These experiments are appropriate for kids as young as six, with varying levels of help from Mom or Dad.
Check out the instructions below for two science-packed summer days.

Continue reading →

cc courtesy of JefferyTurner on Flickr

4 Great Day Trips for Kids

. Families, Kids & Tweens . , , ,
Summer is fully upon us, and once school is out the days can get a little long. It’s great to mix up the routine when you can, but busy schedules and tight budgets can put a full-fledged summer vacation out of reach. Instead, consider doing a monthly or bi-weekly day trip with your kids. It’s a great way to get them out of the house and keep their minds sharp until fall. Below are three ideas for successful day trips.
Be a world traveler. If you travel without a plan, your kids will pick up on it and get restless. Use a world culture as a theme, and plan your day accordingly. Download a translator app on your smartphone and learn a few phrases in the language you choose. Then, order lunch from your country of choice! Listen to music from that culture, and check out a few books from the library about faraway places.
cc courtesy of cyclonebill on Flickr

10 Great Classic Movies That Both You and Your Kids Will Love

. Families, Kids & Tweens . ,
After a long summer day at the pool or on the beach, it’s time to curl up with your family and watch a great movie. Choose one of these 10 classic kids’ films to guarantee a night of family-friendly fun -that will also ignite some serious childhood nostalgia!


1. The Wizard of Oz

Your children will be inspired by this adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s classic novel in which Dorothy uses all her courage to navigate through a fascinating but dangerous magical world and return home to Kansas. With remastered bright colors, peppy songs and unusual characters, this movie has overarching appeal.


2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie’s tale is one of overcoming poverty and loss with pluck, honesty, and love. This colorful rags-to-riches story features catchy songs and includes fantastic characters (Oompa Loompas, anyone?) that your kids will love.


3. Old Yeller

This timeless story of a boy’s bond with his dog deals with themes of love, companionship and change–topics that your kids are learning to understand. Old Yeller does include some violence and is more suitable for older children.

Continue reading →