Early Learning Company Tiggly Launches Tiggly Counts, The First iPad Compatible Physical Math Toy For Children

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- New York-based edtech startup Tiggly, a learning company pioneering an innovative way to educate children in the digital age, announced today the launch of Tiggly Counts, the first iPad compatible physical math toy for children age 3 and up.  Designed to combine the proven benefits of tactile math manipulatives with developmentally-appropriate digital content, Tiggly Counts aims to do nothing less than transform at-home math education for a new generation of connected kids.

"Tiggly is on a mission to improve at-home math education for preschoolers in an era when learning is going digital," said Dr. Azi Jamalian, Tiggly Co-Founder and Chief Learning Officer.  "Playing with manipulatives at a young age is essential for the development of mathematical thinking and numerical reasoning, while our software provides guided, scaffolded learning opportunities and instant feedback to keep kids engaged and entertained as they learn."

Inspired by the classic cuisenaire rods used in Montessori classrooms and powered by breakthrough capacitive-touch technology, Tiggly Counts features five lightweight counting toys children can hold in their hands to physically interact with parent- and educator-approved Tiggly learning apps.  When used together during playtime, Tiggly's counting toys and apps help children develop number sense, counting skills, and a basic understanding of math operations such as addition and subtraction.

"We are living in a new era where toddlers know how to manipulate tablets before they know how to count to ten or tie their shoes," said Phyl Georgiou, Tiggly Founder and CEO.  "Tiggly is focused on making the most of digital playtime for kids by creating connected next-generation physical manipulatives that have proven essential to early learning.  Our new approach to playtime seamlessly blends hands-on play with digital content to create a uniquely modern learning experience for tech-savvy kids."

For the first time in the edtech space, Tiggly Counts toys provide children with a physical tool for early math learning.  Coming in five bright, distinctive colors, each counting toy represents a number concept from one through five to allow children to understand the relationships between numbers both concretely and spatially.  Holes in the center of the toy blocks allow young children to easily grasp the toys and "count" each number concept with their fingers during playtime.

Designed by the award-winning team behind Tiggly Shapes, Tiggly Counts comes with three free apps rooted in academic theory.  Available in 10 languages, the apps engage children in fundamental, age-appropriate mathematical thinking as described here:

• Tiggly Cardtoons: This app stretches children's imaginations while they learn basic math ideas such as one-to-one correspondence, counting and equal sets.
• Tiggly Addventure: Children use counting toys to build bridges and ladders while gaining an introduction to number line concepts and improving their number sense.
• Tiggly Chef:  Children prepare silly recipes with Tiggly Town's greatest chef while learning numbers, early addition concepts, math symbols and problem solving.

Tiggly Counts ships with a felt carrying pouch for easy storage and transportation.  The product retails for $29.95 and is available in limited release at Apple Stores, on Apple.com and on Tiggly.com in November with broader distribution to follow.

About Tiggly
Tiggly is a learning company pioneering a new way to educate children in the digital age.  Launched in 2013, the NYC-based edtech startup was co-founded by Phyl Georgiou (Founder & CEO), Bart Clareman (Co-Founder & COO), and Dr. Azi Jamalian (Co-Founder & Chief Learning Officer).  Phyl and Bart are graduates of Harvard Business School, and Azi has a Ph.D. in childhood development from Teachers College, Columbia University, where she also serves as an Assistant Adjunct Professor.  Tiggly is available in more than 20 countries and in more than 300 Apple Store locations across four continents, in addition to specialty retailers worldwide. 

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SOURCE Tiggly