We created Buzz-in-a-Box (BIAB) after 10+ years of delivering our in person, Education IN Arts programmes, via teams of facilitators, to 100s of schools, We evidenced that drama, music & movement undoubtedly develop children’s 21st-century skills & social-emotional learning. Research echoes this: arts exposure help children thrive.
Our innovation, BIAB, brings that benefit (previously reserved for the Creative Arts lesson) into everyday teaching: learning is transformed
Teachers are overwhelmed & under-resourced with no time or tools to plan embodied, playful lessons.
Since 2013, we have offered in-person teacher training on how to use the arts to bring PLAY, boosting engagement, discipline & learning. into EVERYDAY classrooms.
BIAB does this at scale. We use tech to train the teacher, the child has a screen-free, embodied exchange with their teacher. Better for early learning
BIAB is also in response to the rise in medicating children for not sitting still. The isn’t always a learning disability—it’s often a teaching one. Children learn best through play until at least Grade 4—yet most classrooms look like lecture halls.
BIAB puts simple, creative teaching tools into teachers’ hands. It’s low-cost, aligned to learning themes, equipment-free & inclusive. Children—especially the neuro-diverse: more engaged & successful. Teachers = less stressed, more confident & reconnected to their purpose. This is learning through play—through the arts. Education THROUGH the arts.
BIAB is a digital handbook for educators, of 0-9 y/old children, who log in, select the grade & topic they're teaching & are directed to a dedicated webpage, featuring short, easy-to-use audio & visual tools to up-skill the pedagog, incl: video demos of fun, educational movement & story-telling activities. The teacher watches & delivers (in person) to class. Each activity is rooted in pedagogy, with deeper reading available. Additionally, there are fun, catchy, original educational songs crafted specifically for each learning topic, encapsulating all the key info about the topic. Content aligns with various countries’ national curricula & frameworks like IB, Montessori, & Reggio Emilia, & supports neurodiverse learners.
Unlike most Edtech platforms, BIAB isn’t designed for teaching reading / maths. It supports teachers in delivering subjects like science, geography, history (referred to as life skills), with the added benefits of vocab development, SEL, & general knowledge.
The BIAB METHOD teaches in a STYLE that AI can not. Through: creativity, collaboration, and communication which develop these future skills in children. They don’t get screens—they sing, move, imagine, & connect. This balance—screen for prep, body for learning—is a powerful model for the future of edtech.
“My students have shown real academic & social progress—and I’ve saved hours of prep. I no longer need to search for fun, curriculum-linked activities—Buzz-in-a-Box has it all.”
Over the past year, Buzz-in-a-Box has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its user base twentyfold. This surge is attributed to strategic partnerships and the platform's adaptability to diverse educational contexts.
In South Africa, Buzz-in-a-Box has been adopted by several legacy schools and the country's largest private school network, integrating seamlessly into their curricula. Internationally, pilot programs have been initiated in Kenya and the United States, aligning the platform with their respective national curricula. These adaptations have facilitated the platform's entry into new markets, demonstrating its versatility and global appeal.
Buzz-in-a-Box continues to empower teachers and enrich student learning experiences worldwide.
"Buzz-in-a-Box has truly transformed our classroom! The children are absolutely captivated by the engaging songs and lively movements, which have made learning both fun and effective. It's incredible to see how much they enjoy and benefit from the interactive approach. Buzz-in-a-Box has become an essential part of our weekly routine, and the positive impact on our students is undeniable. Their enthusiasm and participation have soared, making our classroom environment more dynamic and exciting than ever before. We couldn't be happier with the results! – Danica Bellingan, Grade 1 Teacher, Pinnacle College Founders Hill
Buzz-in-a-Box has evolved significantly over the past year. Initially focused on the Foundation Phase (Reception to Grade 3, ages 5–9), we've expanded to cover the entire preschool (ECD / Kindergarden) spectrum, tripling our content offerings. This expansion provides educators with a more comprehensive resource, aligning with diverse educational needs.
We actively engage with our teacher licensees through visitations and regular surveys, gaining valuable insights into what works and what doesn't. This feedback loop allows us to iterate swiftly, enhancing the platform's usability and impact on children's learning experiences.
To accommodate the educational landscapes of Kenya and the United States, we will continue to adapt our content to align with their national curricula and thematic requirements. These modifications ensure relevance and compliance with local standards, facilitating smoother integration into new markets.
Our commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to educator feedback has been instrumental in our growth, reflecting our dedication to delivering effective, play-based learning experiences globally.
https://buzzkidz.org or
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reach out to The Buzz Team on info@buzzkidz.org or
Hanneke Mackie, hanneke@buzzkidz.org.