Categories
BLOG

Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Great Britain

About Great Britain | Tiger and Tim Junlge

Well, hello there, my royal Tiger Cubs! It’s me again, Tiger! Before we release a new Tiger and Tim video that kids (and grown-ups) will definitely enjoy, I’m back with another round of fun facts for all of you!

As you can recall, Tim and I had a fun trip around London and even met the Queen herself in one of our learning videos for kids – our Great British Culture episode! We looked at the different fun places and things that we can find in the capital of England, and now I would like to share with you more cool and exciting things about the land I call my second home.

  1. Big Ben

Big Ben | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

No one will ever deny the beauty of Big Ben. Found at the north end of the Westminster Palace, it is one of the most recognisable icons of Great Britain.

Great Britain | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

Not many people know that the name ‘Big Ben’ actually refers to the bell that is inside the clock tower. Its actual name is the Great Bell, and the clock tower is named after Queen Elizabeth II (whom we also met in one of our videos for kids!). Another fun fact about Big Ben is that it is the largest four-faced clock tower in the world!

  1. Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

The world’s longest-reigning living monarch is none other than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. I was so nervous when we met her, but I think I managed to give a perfect bow – I don’t know about Tim, though! (Watch how we met the Queen in our Storytime with Tiger and Tim learning videos for kids!)

Queen Elizabeth With Tiger and Tim | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

It is no secret that Queen Elizabeth II is an awesome queen, but what made her TIGER-RIFFIC is her love for animals! She loves horses and dogs, corgis, to be more specific. Her corgis have made their way to different paintings, official photographs, and even statues! Meanwhile, she is known to spend a lot of time with her horses at the Balmoral Castle, and she also loves watching horse racing events.

  1. London Underground

If London is the heart of England, then the London Underground are the veins that keep the city alive! Also called The Tube, it first opened its tracks to Londoners in 1863. Since then, it has served millions of passengers every year.

London Underground | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

Apart from its official name and its more popular nickname, the London Underground has also been called ‘Twopenny Tube’ back in the day, referring to the train’s flat fare. Grown-ups and kids can also watch shows while inside the stations because musical performances or busking is allowed in the London Underground.

  1. Fish and Chips

Ahh… fish and chips! No true Brit can ever say no to our national dish!

It’s hard to tell how this delicious combination first came about, but it has been a staple in the British diet for hundreds of years! It has been served to soldiers and saved many families from hunger during the Second World War. Aside from being delectable, fish and chips are nutritious, too! Do you know what can make fish and chips even more scrumptious? Have them while watching Tiger and Tim learning videos for kids!

  1. Union Jack

Union Jack | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

As Tim mentioned in our Great British episode, the Union Jack is the official flag of Great Britain. Its official name is not actually Union Jack, but rather the Union Flag. And did you know kids that it shows the three flags of the three countries that make up Great Britain – England, Scotland, and Ireland? Each cross also represents their respective patron saint. The red cross belongs to England (Cross of St. George), the white saltire represents Scotland (Cross of St. Andrew), and the red saltire represents Ireland (Cross of St. Patrick).

  1. Double Decker Bus

Double Decker Bus | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

No part of a London tour is ever complete without riding those famous red double-decker buses!

General Omnibus Company | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

But this iconic mode of transportation was not always red. Before 1907, the bus’ colour would differ, depending on the bus’s route. However, The London General Omnibus Company decided to paint their buses red to stand out from the competition. Eventually, they became the largest bus operator in London, and the rest was history!

  1. Beefeaters

Beefeaters | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

As Tim said in our Great British Culture episode, the guards that are manning Buckingham Palace are called the Beefeaters (find out in our learning videos for kids why they are called Beefeaters!). These guards who are decked in their colourful uniforms are the ceremonial guards of the Tower of London. Initially, the Beefeaters’ job was to guard the prisoners in the tower. Nowadays, they act as tour guides for people touring the city.

Yeomen Warders | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

Additional fun fact: Their actual name is ‘The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, and Members of the Sovereign’s Body Guard of the Yeoman Guard Extraordinary. Phew! I think I’ll stick to Beefeaters – it’s sounds more fun, too!

There are so many more amazing facts about Great Britain that I could go on and on! If you want to get a taste of London and the Great British culture – check out our Tiger and Tim episode, and I’ll see you all again soon!

Tiger xoxoxo

Categories
BLOG

Why Should Your Tiger Cubs Read Tiger and Tim Books

Tiger and Tim adventures

Tiger and Tim adventures are now available in books! Here’s why you should bring home a copy (or copies) of the Tiger and Tim children’s books.

You all know that I love books and reading is one of my favourite hobbies (along with eating, playing, and napping!). So Tim and I have a special treat for all the Tiger Cubs out there – Tiger and Tim children’s books!

Yup, you’ve read it right! Tiger and Tim is not only found on YouTube, now kids can read our adventures in books over and over again! Our books are the same original and funny stories in our videos for kids but made even better because Tiger Cubs can either read the stories on their own or with the grown-ups – a great off-screen activity at any given time!

Tiger and Tim with Octopos

But just in case you’re not yet convinced, I’ve listed down a few reasons why your Tiger Cubs should read the Tiger and Tim children’s books, and hopefully, you’d give one (or all three) a try!

 

  1. Engaging story

Engaging story | Tiger and Tim

Just like our show’s episodes, kids will find the Tiger and Tim children’s books engaging! Aside from Tim and I, our stories feature my many animal and human friends from all over the globe (yes, including Her Majesty, the Queen herself!). We’ve written these stories with your Tiger Cubs in mind, so they will have just as much fun reading them as they did watching them on the screen.

 

  1. Appropriate for Kids

Just like our videos for kids, the Tiger and Tim children’s books are age-appropriate for young Tiger Cubs. I had loads of fun writing these stories (with a little bit of help from Tim, of course), and I know that Tiger Cubs and even grown-ups will undoubtedly love reading them over and over again! Just like the videos that your Tiger Cubs watch on YouTube Kids, you can be sure that the Tiger and Tim children’s books are appropriate for young kids and even the ‘young once’!

 

  1. There’s a moral lesson in every story

Moral lesson in every story | Tiger and Tim To be confident | Tiger Tim

 

What’s a good children’s book without a moral lesson at the end? And, of course, our books always include a moral lesson in every story. Moral lessons teach children (and tigers!) how to behave in the world. Young Tiger Cubs are very impressionable, and they love to learn about the world around them, including how to become a good person – and that is something they can learn when they read Tiger and Tim children’s books!

 

  1. Good for literacy and language development

Reading books will always be great for the literacy and language development of Tiger Cubs, so why not make reading fun and more exciting with Tiger and Tim children’s books? Our stories are funny (like our videos for kids) and full of varied words that will help with your Tiger Cubs’ vocabulary. Reading with your Tiger Cubs will also develop their language skills, while older Tiger Cubs can practice reading our books on their own, too!

 

  1. Vibrant and fun illustrations

The Tiger and Tim children’s books quickly come to life, thanks to the fun and vibrant illustrations! We know that kids love colours, so we made sure that our books are eye-catching and exciting, making the plot, characters, and setting even more interesting, especially for very young readers. Kids love our videos, and now they can peruse (a new fancy word I learnt from Tim) the illustrations up close with the Tiger and Tim books!

 

  1. The star of the books is ME!

Do you know what the best part of the Tiger and Tim children’s books is? It stars ME! Who else would it be about? Not Tim (but he plays essential roles in the stories) and definitely not The Art Critique but TIGER – and that’s me, the TIGER PRINCE!

Want to check out our books? I know you do! Tiger and Tim children’s books are available in e-book and paperback versions at affordable price ranges. Check out Tiger and Tim’s African Adventure (where we met fun jungle animals!), Tiger and Tim Become Masterchefs (where I learnt to cook breakfast for the first time!), and Tiger and Tim A Royal Tiger Tale (featuring a MAJESTIC figure) on Amazon. Be on the lookout for more upcoming Tiger and Tim books that will be released soon!

 

Tiger xoxoxo

 

Categories
BLOG

Tiger and Tim Interview with Lois of Fish Face Publishing for Kids

cool cats | | Tiger and Tim Books

Hey, cool cats! This week’s blog post is a little bit different. Recently, Tim had a lovely chat with Lois of Fish Face Publishing. Lois is an accomplished author of books for kids and a big fan of our learning videos and our storybooks, too! She even featured our story ‘A Tiger’s Tale’ on her website. So awesome!

In case you still do not know, we recently released our own Tiger and Tim children’s books on Amazon. Yup, you read that right! The original stories we feature on our videos for kids are now also in e-book and paperback versions which you can read with the whole family. Now your Tiger Cubs can watch our funny videos AND read our storybooks for kids – a great way to learn through reading!

Have fun reading the interview and check out the Tiger and Tim books for kids after. Don’t forget to catch our latest show out now on our YouTube channel! Talk to you again soon, kids and grown-ups!

Lois | Tiger and Tim Fun Faqs

Tim’s Interview with Lois of Fish Face Publishing

Tim Interview Lois | Tiger and Tim Books

Tim:  Hi Lois, it’s great to be here! Thanks for having us, and thanks for everything that you do around literacy.

Lois: Can you tell us a little bit about your interesting background? When did you become a BBC presenter and show host? 

Tim Interview

Tim:  In 2010 I was selected by the BBC from around 3,000 applicants and became part of the BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme. It was a great privilege for me, and one of the highlights of my life giving me opportunities that I had only dreamt of – to be a sports journalist on television. I got my first job soon after that in sports broadcasting as an assistant producer, very much an early stage entry job which evolved and led to an application to the BBC. I was employed by them full-time from 2011 and was there for eight and a half years. I used my training to become a Presenter, Reporter, and Journalist, focusing on national and international news. As a BBC broadcaster, I worked on TV bulletins on BBC One, BBC Two, BBC News and BBC World, as well as on BBC Radio and BBC online. I have also worked for NBC in America and the English Premier League as a freelance reporter.

Lois: I believe that ‘Tiger and Tim’ were born from the Covid-19 lockdown, to heal and help people, especially children, from the effects of loneliness and isolation. What sparked your idea of being best buddies with a tiger, and did the books or the shows come first?

‘Tiger and Tim’

Tim: That’s a great question! I’ve always been a fan of Wimbledon and loved watching Tim Henman who was known as ‘Tiger Tim’. As much as I liked watching him and wanting him to win, I never thought of him as a tiger! But it made me think that it was a cool name, and obviously I’m Tim, which got me to dream about a book series – the adventures of Tiger and Tim, which I never did anything about. But then when I was in lockdown I thought this is exactly what kids needed. I looked at literacy stats and I was truly shocked. 20-25% of primary school kids leave not being able to read and write! I thought I could transpose my ideas into a show! I saw a gap in the market for kids’ learning, which evolved into a part human and part animated show. My background in broadcasting and journalism was well suited to this, and when I was younger I did a lot of acting which stood me in very good stead. We are now looking to get the show licenced all over the world to address the global literacy gap.

Lois: You have some wonderful titles in your book series. Where do your ideas come from?

Books | Tiger and Tim Books

Tim: I have lots of ideas! Too many! It’s about choosing the right ones. Seeing the kids react and love the show is very rewarding. The names of the books, well that’s my thinking, plus I have two educators who work with me and help with some of the ideas. We call the kids who read our books and watch the show, Tiger Cubs, because ultimately we are a vehicle to make them into great young people.

Lois: I know that you feel very strongly about the literacy problem that exists around the world today. Did you always have this passion, to tackle the literacy gap and educate in this way?

Tim: I don’t think I have always had this passion because I didn’t know about it until 2020. When I came up with the dream of the adventures of Tiger and Tim over ten years before I actually implemented it with the show, I didn’t know about the literacy gap. Covid 19 changed everything for everyone, and it brought forward digital learning by at least 10 years and has massively impacted the literacy standard and the literacy gap. I haven’t always been a fighter for literacy equality until 2020, but I have always at heart been an educator. I have a 1st class honours in History. I know the value of education. There can be no more important message than reading being the gateway to all learning. I’m the son of a speech and drama teacher who very much inspired me to become a broadcaster and journalist, and actor when I was younger. I truly believe that Tiger has a chance of trying to close the literacy gap because he represents the children. He is a child prodigy himself who has learnt everything himself. When he left the jungle to come into the “real world” Tiger couldn’t read or write, he learnt it all, and any child can do the same. That is what he stands for, he stands for all of them, and I’m just here to help him on his way, to deliver on that.

Lois: It’s obvious that you are a complete natural when it comes to entertaining! What is your first love? Being an author, or an actor presenting the shows?

Tim is now a fellow of the royal society

Tim: I’m definitely not a complete natural, I’m very shy underneath, but like all actors, you perform for your audience. My mum taught me really well when it came to acting, and that’s how I started when I was 7 or 8, I began acting. I sat the LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) exams. Many of the most famous actors trained with LAMDA including Dame Judi Dench. I carried on for about 11 years taking the exams until I achieved the gold medal in acting. But definitely I was trained. And I’ve always loved the written word.

Lois: What is it that you find most challenging in your work?

Tiger and Tim

Tim: That is definitely time! I’m always late Lois! To help all the millions of kids who I want to help is a big commitment. It’s not easy and takes time.

Lois: What is it that gives you the greatest sense of achievement in your work? 

Tim: The vision that I have, to help millions of people. Consider how bad literacy statistics are in the UK, and then imagine how bad it is in other countries where children don’t have the resources of the UK. There are kids around the world who don’t have a single book in school or out of school! That’s wrong. It’s not going to be an overnight change. It needs to be a global movement, and Tiger and Tim is the vehicle for that social movement, and Tiger ultimately is the vehicle for that. I’m just his sidekick. He is truly the star. He really is a star in the making. We need someone like him to change the narrative, because if we don’t, things are going to get much worse.

Lois: Thank you Tim, for giving us a fascinating and inspirational insight into the world of ‘Tiger and Tim’! Before you go, just tell us what’s next on your agenda. Is it another book or a show?

Tiger and Tim

Tim: It’s both Lois! We’re always releasing new shows as regularly as we can, but it comes down to financials, unfortunately. We’re looking for an investment raise for the show to be commissioned on TV, and ultimately for it to be taken all over the globe as a result of that commission. That’s our next plan. For every show we now make, we make a book. Education is best when it doesn’t feel like education. Reading and video are not to be separated. You have to go to where the kids want to go, to take them to where you want to go. Ultimately that is what Tiger and Tim is all about. So books and shows are going to be here for the foreseeable future including formal learning. In my dreams, it is to be known in every country around the world and by hundreds and millions of children and helping, more importantly, hundreds and millions of people and Tiger Cubs around the world. Thank you Lois, thank you everybody, appreciate your support, and I hope you will join us on the journey and support us.

Tiger and Tim

Please subscribe to our YouTube. Please follow the links! Appreciate your time Lois. Appreciate everybody who is reading this. We’re on the homeward stretch of Covid now. Out of every dark situation always comes light, and I believe that Tiger offers more light than most, and I hope others will agree with me. Thanks everyone!

Tiger and Tim Children’s Books: African Jungle Adventure, Tiger and Tim Become Masterchefs, A Royal Tiger Tale

Check out other books by Lois here!

Categories
BLOG

Easter Sunday 2021: Fun Easter Activities for Kids

cool cats | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Spring is upon us once again, cool cats! And you know what that means – it’s EASTER!

But sadly, Easter this year may be a bit different because of the safety protocols we have to follow. But that doesn’t mean Easter has to be cancelled, especially for kids. While watching learning videos (like Tiger and Tim!) is excellent on any day, there are other ways we can celebrate Easter. With a little bit of creativity and a dash of fun, this year’s Easter will be a memorable one!

Here are some ways we can celebrate Easter even at home:

  1. Indoor Easter Egg Hunt

Indoor Easter Egg Hunt | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Who says you can’t have your yearly Easter egg hunt indoors? Well, I say you can! Mums, dads, and other grown-ups at home will have to get a little creative in hiding the eggs in various nooks and crannies of the house. Whip out your camera and record the kids‘ reactions when they present their baskets – watching the funny videos for everyone at the end of the hunt is a great way to end the day.

  1. Plant flowers

Plant flowers | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Spring is the time of bloom, and Easter symbolises rebirth. What better way to put both ideas together than planting flowers? Typically, flowers are planted during the autumn season so that they’ll bloom right in time for spring. But you and your Tiger Cubs can grow them any time of the year! You can buy flowers that are already in bloom and transplant them into your backyard. If you already have flowers in your garden, spend the afternoon watering them with your kids.

Gardening is a great learning opportunity for kids, too. Before gardening, watch some videos about the life cycle of plants so that they be able to appreciate gardening even more.

  1. Do some Easter arts and crafts

Do some Easter arts and crafts | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

The Art Critique is busy filming his Picture This segment in Tiger and Tim learning videos for kids, but he made sure to suggest!

Spend the day creating some fun Easter arts and crafts like bunny ears and Easter bonnets. There are tons of great ideas to choose from online, so there’s one for every kid out there. Don’t forget to take a photo of the artwork (LANDSCAPE, PLEASE!) and send it over to us to get a chance to be featured by The Art Critique himself!

For other days of the year, check out The Art Critique’s art activities inspired by famous artists here!

  1. Read Easter and Spring books

Read Easter and Spring books | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

While we are excited for the arrival of spring, sometimes, Easter Sunday happens to be a rainy day. But do not fret! Books are here to save Easter! Read spring and Easter-related books to keep the day going. Check out this Book Finder tool for titles to stock up on before Easter comes.

You know that I love reading books. But do you what I also love to do? Writing stories! The stories we’ve been sharing with you on our learning videos on our channel are also books for kids! Click here, here, and here! Choose which Tiger and Tim children’s book you’ll get for your Tiger Cubs as their Easter present. The best part is that our storybooks are suitable for all seasons and holidays of the year!

  1. Cook Easter brunch

Cook Easter brunch | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Food makes any celebration even more fun, and Easter is no exception! Prepare a lovely Easter brunch just in your backyard. Keep the meals simple so that your Tiger Cubs can help out in the kitchen. Browse recipes on YouTube that are easy enough for kids. Yum yum!

  1. Play Easter games 

Play Easter games  | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Take a break from watching videos on the screen and spend some time playing funny Easter games for kids and grown-ups!

Care for a round of Easter Bingo? Perhaps some Easter Egg Toss would be your family’s new Easter tradition? There are also Easter-related board games available that will make the celebration even more joyous. Check out other gadget-free Easter games right here.

Our Easter celebration may be different this year but as long as we are with our families and loved ones, Easter, even done indoors, can still be fun and exciting.

Happy Easter, cool cats!

Happy Easter, cool cats! | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Tiger xoxoxo

Categories
BLOG

Art Activities Inspired by Famous Artists (by The Art Critique)

Art Activities Inspired by Famous Artists | Tiger and Tim

Well, hello there, boys and girls! It is me once again, the one and only Art Critique here to inspire you about the beauty of art!

filming Picture | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Let me take a break from filming Picture This (check it out on YouTube, kids!), and share with you once again my expertise and knowledge in the sophisticated world of arts.

Last time, I discussed with you how young Tiger Cubs could benefit from doing arts and crafts. And because I love arts so much, I would like to share some activities inspired by famous artists worldwide (also known as my friends). Doing these activities could serve as a nice break from remote learning and watching educational videos for your kids!

So gather the art materials, and let’s get creating!

Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Without a doubt, Pablo Picasso is one of the most famous artists in the world (ahem, aside from me, of course!). Picasso is known for his Cubist-style of painting – where artworks are created with stark geometric shapes. That’s fancy talk for squares and rectangles!

Take a look at the following art activities inspired by the legendary Pablo Picasso:

Picasso-Inspired Cubism for Kids

Black Glue and Watercolor Picasso Portraits

Picasso-Inspired Cubism for Kids | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Picasso Faces – Easy Art for Kids

Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Starry, starry night, paint your palette blue and gray…

Oh, don’t mind me. I’m just singing away my love for the works of Vincent Van Gogh. The Dutch Impressionist painter is known for his dreamy paintings, Starry Night and Sunflower, to name a few.

Van Gogh lived an extraordinary life. Before trying out these activities, you might want to show a short documentary on YouTube to your kids about the artist’s sad but incredible biography (I tear up just by thinking about it).

Here are some fun art activities for kids inspired by the master, Vincent Van Gogh.

Starry Night Fork-Scraped Painting

Starry Night Fork-Scraped Painting | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Recreating Sunflowers

Van Gogh Art Project

Claude Monet

Claude Monet | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Claude Monet is another master in painting dreamy landscapes. The French artist is also known for his impressionist-style artworks, including the world-renowned series called Water Lilies, featuring what else but water lilies!

Get the kids to learn more about the Impressionist movement by watching some videos online before making the artworks here:

Water Lillies Paper Craft

Water Lillies Paper Craft | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Kids Impressionist Art Activity: Painting Without a Brush

Tissue Paper Monet Art Projects

Henri Matisse

Henri Matisse | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Kids love to play around with colour (and so do I!). So without a doubt, they will love doing some Matisse-inspired artworks!

Henri Matisse is a French painter known for his expressive use of hues and shadows. There are several videos online that kids can watch to learn more about this influential artist.

Here are some art activities inspired by Henri Matisse:

Paper Cut-Out Project

Paper Cut-Out Project | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Snail Cut-Out Art

Fun with Matisse

Paul Klee

Paul Klee | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Abstract art is one of my favourite art movements, and I have painter Paul Klee to thank for pioneering this famous art style. Klee is known as the Father of Abstract Art and has wowed (and puzzled) people with his works.

Making abstract art is a fun way for kids to express their creativity. Watch some videos about Abstract Art and Paul Klee to further appreciate this style of painting.

Here are some art activities inspired by Paul Klee:

Paul Klee Block Painting

Paul Klee Block Painting | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

Paul Klee-Style Collage

Colourful City Collage

Colourful City Collage | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

More art activities are inspired by famous artists out there waiting for you and your Tiger Cubs to discover! Don’t forget to share your children’s masterpiece with us, and I might just feature it on Picture This! Very exciting! 

LANDSCAPE Art | Tiger and Tim activities for kids

To get a chance to be featured, simply take a LANDSCAPE photo (yes, it has to be said in all-caps for emphasis, mums and dads!) of your child’s work of art and send it through this link. Who knows, your future Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet, Matisse, or Klee might be featured on one of Tiger and Tim’s learning videos for kids! Now that is just SUPER!

Wash your hands | | Tiger and Tim Wash your hands

I’ll have to get going now…  art needs some curating and critiquing somewhere in the world. I’ll be waiting for your submissions, boys and girls! Toodles!

The Art Critique

Categories
BLOG

Tigers for Kids: Fascinating Facts About Ancient Egypt for Kids

 

fascinating facts for kids | Tiger and Tim

From the amazing facts  to the spooky ones… learn more about ancient Egypt with these fascinating facts for kids!

There’s something about ancient Egypt that intrigues me. The pyramids, the marvellous jewels, the artefacts, and even the mummies (yikes!)… It’s so interesting to me and my human buddy Tim Hague, that we explored this exotic wonder in one of our learning videos for kids. (Check it out here).

Tim and I were so fascinated that we wanted to share with you 10 fascinating facts about the world of ancient Egypt! But, we’re warning you, some of them may be weird and spooky! 

  1. Ancient Egyptians loved their pets – especially cats!

Ancient Egyptians loved their pets | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Everybody loves their pets, and ancient Egyptians were no exception! Their pets ranged from baboons, elephants, crocodiles, and even tigers. However, only the rich and powerful of their society had many pets (I wonder if I was a majestic pet tiger of some Egyptian Pharoah in my previous life?!).

While they mostly regarded animals as their property, ancient Egyptians put cats on a pedestal. Cats were extra special to them because they believed that these furry felines brought them good luck. 

  1. Both men and women wore make-up

Both men and women wore make-up | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

I can’t imagine Tim Hague wearing make-up, but men in ancient Egypt wore make-up just as much as women did!

However, the kind of make-up they used to wear is quite different from today. Ancient Egyptians loved to paint their faces with intricate designs and vibrant colours. For them, make-up was more than just a way to decorate their face; it was also used for protection from the sun and even used as medicine.

  1. Ancient Egyptians believed in the after-life

Ancient Egyptians believed in the after-life | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

For ancient Egyptians, life does not end with their death. Instead they believed that they continued living in their after-life. They also believed that they needed all their possessions in the after-life, everything from their jewelry, furniture, and even their slaves! I wonder if they could watch learning videos for kids in their after-life?

  1. Many of the things we use today were invented by ancient Egyptians

Many of the things we use today were invented by ancient Egyptians | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Ancient Egyptians were clever and resourceful (like tigers!) and prolific inventors. Most of the items for kids and adults that we have today were invented by the Egyptians, including musical instruments, medicine, pens, papers, locks, keys, and even toothpaste!

  1. Ancient Egyptians built HUGE pyramids

Ancient Egyptians built HUGE pyramids | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Do you remember Sneezer from our Time Travel learning video for kids episode? In the story, he went on an adventure inside a pyramid and met a mummy (spooky!). But for ancient Egyptians, the pyramids were significant to them because the gigantic structures served as their tombs. Pyramids are so huge that the biggest pyramids are equivalent to the size of 16 Empire State buildings! No wonder Sneezer got lost inside the pyramid!

  1. Many of the items owned by ancient Egyptians can still be seen today

Egyptians can still be seen today | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Since ancient Egyptians brought their possessions with them inside the pyramids, most of their stuff was so well-preserved that it can still be seen today. Many of the items are now housed in different museums all over the world. Maybe I should start carving a statue of my human buddy Tim Hague to put in a museum someday!

  1. Paintings are significant for ancient Egyptians

Paintings are significant for ancient Egyptians | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Ancient Egyptians loved to tell their stories through paintings. There are several paintings found inside pyramids and temples that show how they lived during their time. Through their paintings we learned a lot about them and their world. For kids, these paintings serve as lessons from the past, much like the videos we watch today.

  1. It takes 70 days to complete the mummification process

70 days to complete the mummification process | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

The process of mummifying the dead is a looooong process. For ancient Egyptians, the whole process is considered very sacred, and they did it with the utmost care. The entire process took about 70 days to complete. For tigers and kids, that amount of time feels like an entire year!

  1. Ancient Egyptians loved playing board games

Ancient Egyptians loved playing board games | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

I love me some good board games! It’s one of my favourite activities to do with Tim Hague when boredom strikes. Did you know that ancient Egyptians loved to pass the time by playing board games, too? Their favourite is the game called Senet. Like our learning videos, playing board games is an excellent way for kids to sharpen their minds!

  1. Ancient Egyptians used mouldy bread as medicine

Ancient Egyptians used mouldy bread as medicine | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

What do you do with mouldy bread? Do you throw it away? Well, ancient Egyptians used it as medicine! Mouldy bread is believed to heal wounds and stop the spread of infection immediately. Talk about smart ways to use stale food!

(Insert video here: https://youtu.be/dH5EqzkE41U)

That rounds up our fascinating facts about ancient Egypt! If you are hungry for more information on mummies, pyramids, and mouldy bread (kidding!), watch our Time Travel learning video here! For kids who love books (who doesn’t?!), they can also look forward to our Tiger and Tim children’s storybook about Sneezer and one interesting mummy coming out very soon!

‘Til our next adventure, cool cats!

Tiger xoxoxo

 

Categories
BLOG

How to Choose the Right Book for Kids (and for Tigers, Too!)

March 7 is a special day for book-lovers like me. Do you know why? It’s because it’s World Book Day!

Reading books | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Reading books is one of my favourite things to do in the world! Whenever we’re not busy making our learning videos for kids, me and my buddy Tim Hague often read books together and write our own stories! I get excited when Tim asks me to choose a new book to read, because there are so many to choose from! So many, that my tiger brain often struggles to select the right one. For kids, the process of selecting a book can be exciting and overwhelming. However, there are many ways that grown-ups can help their Tiger Cubs pick the right book, and we’ve listed down a few ideas to help you out.

Before your next visit the library or bookstore, check out these essential guidelines to help you choose the right books for your child:

Infants and Toddlers

Infants and Toddlers | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Tim introduced me to books when I was a wee little cub, and for babies and toddlers, early exposure to books is essential to their brain development. The little ones are usually attracted to books with brightly coloured pictures, while books that sound good to read, this means books with rhyming word patterns, are also another popular choice. Since infants and toddlers are still developing their motor skills, and are very curious about the world around them, sturdy board books and cloth books work best for this age group.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Besides our learning videos for preschool-aged kids, reading books that show objects and experiences familiar to them is always a hit. A fair amount of repetition of words in books can help them understand new words better. Like me, they also love toy-like books that have pop-ups or are made with different materials. These type of books makes reading more enjoyable for tigers and kids!

Early School Years (5 to 8 years old)

Early School Years | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Around this age, children start to learn how to string sounds together and read words more efficiently. For kids this age, books and learning videos with beautiful illustrations that are attractive work best. Kids aged 5 to 8 years old also love picture books that have a strong plot and character development – like Tiger and Tim storybooks!

Upper Elementary Levels (9 years old and above)

Upper Elementary Levels | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Tiger Cubs already have specific interests at this age, and they like reading books that are about their hobbies and things they find fascinating. I love reading cookbooks because I’m passionate about EATING! I even became a MASTERCHEF!

Choosing books from the library | Book for kids

Choosing books from the library or at the bookstore can be a little intimidating for kids and sometimes tigers, too! Here’s a handy trick my smart human BFF Tim Hague taught me to help me pick which book to bring home.

Just remember – P. I. C. K.!

P – Purpose

P - Purpose | Book for kids

The purpose is the reason why your child wants or needs to read. Is it for pleasure, or is it because they need to learn something? Will they be reading the book aloud? If so, who will be their audience?

These questions can help your child narrow down their choices.

I – Interest

I - Interest | Book for kids

What your child is interested in can also help them determine which book to read. Do they like to read books and watch learning videos about animals, trucks, or adventures? For kids, the choices are endless! Consider having them pick both fiction and non-fiction books to get them more interested in the things they like.

C – Comprehend

C - Comprehend | Book for kids

For kids (and tigers) to enjoy reading, they need to comprehend or understand the book. A book too easy or too tricky might make your child lose interest in reading it.

Some children’s books are labelled with the appropriate age or reading level, which can also help when choosing which book to read. You can help your Tiger Cub determine if they were able to comprehend the book that they just read by asking them:

  • Did you understand what you read?
  • Do you remember what you read?
  • Did you know most of the words?

K – Know the words

Children need to be able to decode the words from what they are reading. Knowing the meaning of the words makes reading more manageable and fun for tigers, kids, and even adults!

To get a good idea if the book is too easy or too difficult for your child, you can help your child gauge it by looking at the number of unfamiliar words:

If the book has 0 to 1 unfamiliar word, then it is too easy.

If the book has 2 to 3 unfamiliar words, then it is just right.

If the book has 4 to 5 unfamiliar words, then it is too difficult.

It’s always good to keep in mind that by having unfamiliar words in the book your child is reading, it will help him or her practice their contextual clues skills.

There you have it, cool cats! Reading can be even more exciting for kids and cute tigers like me when considering these tips! Learning through books and videos for kids is a great way to have fun while discovering the world, so I hope you continue to read more!

Celebrate World Book Day on March 7 with Tiger and Tim storybooks out now!

Read more parenting tips for grown-ups here.

Categories
BLOG

Life Lessons Sports Can Teach Kids (Works for Tigers, too!)

There’s more to sports than just winning and losing. Here are essential values kids can learn from sports.

Playing sports remains one of the most popular hobbies for many children, including tigers for kids like me! If you remember, one of our learning videos for kids was all about sport (check out The Wonderful World of Sport here), and playing football is one of my many favourite activities (just ask Coach Tim Hague)!

But when kids pick up a sport and spend countless hours playing it, they are not just honing their skills, but are also learning different valuable lessons along the way. 

Here are some of the life lessons kids can pick up from playing sports.

  1. Teamwork

Learning the importance of working as a team is something that Tiger Cubs grasp when playing a sport, especially team sports. Teamwork is not just about playing as one unit. It also includes learning communication skills, building trust, respecting each other, and working together to achieve a common goal. All these skills are essential not just in sports but in real life, as well.

  1. Leadership

Many Tiger Cubs are natural-born leaders (like me! I got it from my buddy Tim Hague), and playing sports can give them opportunities to lead. They can also learn how to make decisions and be responsible for their actions. Besides leading, kids also get to experience how to be a good follower, something a good leader also needs to be.

       3.Grace’

As much as Tiger Cubs are all winners in my eyes, there will always be a winning team and a losing team in sports. Letting kids experience the highs and the lows of playing sports can teach them to be gracious winners and losers. 

Playing sports allows children to be humble when they win and also accept defeat. It felt terrific when we won against the Wolfpack Wanderers in episode five of our learning videos for kids, but it’s also not nice to show-off, mainly because I know the other team worked hard too and they probably don’t feel so great about losing.

  1. Hard work

To excel in sports, one must practice, practice, practice! In improving their skills, children learn the value of hard work and sacrifice. All those long hours of working on drills on the court or the pitch will not only improve children’s agility, but their resilience as well. 

I know this very well because we worked hard every day to win the game for our fans – adults and kids alike, as part of team Tiger United. And our hard work paid off in the end – as we hope you saw from The Wonderful World Of Sport video! 

  1. Friendship

Being involved in sports gives children the chance to socialise and meet a lot of other kids, and spending time playing already lays the groundwork for a good friendship. Meeting kids from other teams during matches and tournaments also expands a Tiger Cub’s understanding of different people. Children can also develop life-long friendships with adults, such as their trainers and coaches, like the one I have with my coach, Tim Hague!

  1. Respect

One of the messages that we love imparting on our learning videos for kids is the value of respect, and kids can also learn the importance of this virtue through being involved in youth sports. They develop respect for the game and its rules, for their coaches and teammates, for the opponents, and most especially for themselves.

These are just some of the vital life lessons children can develop from getting physical with sport, and there is still so much more that they can learn from the whole experience. I love playing sports because it keeps me healthy and strong, in mind and body!

Watch The Wonderful World of Sport episode and our other learning videos for kids on our YouTube channel!

Talk to you again soon, cool cats!

Tiger xoxoxo

To read Tiger’s other blogs, click here.

Categories
BLOG

Fun Valentine’s Day Ideas for Kids and the Whole Family (Including Tigers)

Fun Valentine’s Day Ideas | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Make Valentine’s Day 2021 extra memorable for you and your Tiger Cubs with these fun activities!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, cool cats! V-Day is not just for the grown-ups, though. Kids can also get in on the fun of celebrating the Day of Hearts! Having something special to do on Valentine’s Day is a nice little break from remote learning and watching educational videos for kids, too.

So gather up your “special Valentines” (mine is my best friend, Tim Hague, of course!) and make this year’s Valentine’s Day a memorable one!

  1. Special breakfast

Special breakfast | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Most Mums and Dads prefer to go on a lovely dinner date, so why not make breakfast (or brunch) a special one for the kids on Valentine’s Day? 

The breakfast meal itself doesn’t have to be fancy to make it memorable. You can make some heart-shaped pancakes and pair them with delicious pink strawberry milk or a cup of hot cocoa to warm both the belly and heart! Don’t forget to top it off with some heart marshmallows, and you and your Tiger Cubs have yourselves a fun and unique Valentine’s Day breakfast!

  1. Love Letter

Love Letter | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

What’s Valentine’s Day without writing and receiving sweet love letters? Write your Tiger Cubs a friendly little Valentine love letter, and you can read it together. For older kids, you can also have them write their love letters to other members of the family. Writing a love letter on Valentine’s Day is a lovely gesture that can also be a great learning opportunity for your kids

  1. V-Day Bake Session

V-Day Bake Session | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Valentine’s Day is a day when sweets and treats reign supreme, and staging a fun-filled baking session is an excellent idea to spend the day! Heart-shaped cookies, red velvet cupcakes, and red-and-pink doughnuts are just some of our favourite desserts for Valentine’s Day. Thankfully, there are plenty of recipes on Pinterest that you can do with your Tiger Cubs. 

If working the oven is not your forte (like my buddy Tim Hague!), there are several ready-to-eat options from your local bakeries / supermarkets / cafes that you can still enjoy. If it’s safe in your area, you and your little ones can take a short trip to choose some Valentine’s Day desserts.

  1. Hearts and Crafts

Hearts and Crafts | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

There’s nothing like doing some fun crafts with your Tiger Cubs – something The Art Critique would undoubtedly agree with!

There are many Valentine’s Day crafts available online to choose from. You can make some cute heart-shaped cards or some paper flowers. Younger kids can practice their fine motor skills with this heart stamp craft using empty tissue rolls. 

Snap some photos of your V-Day artworks and send them to us for a chance to be featured on our future episodes (with The Art Critique)! Another fun way to enjoy Valentine’s Day and Tiger and Tim learning videos for kids🙂

  1. Valentine Movie Marathon

Valentine Movie Marathon | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Who doesn’t love watching a good movie on Valentine’s Day? Stream some great family-friendly Valentine-themed films that the whole family can enjoy (take a look at our picks of streaming apps here). Classic favourites like the “Lady and the Tramp” and “A Charlie Brown Valentine” are brilliant picks for the young ones and the young-at-heart. Watching movies and videos is also an entertaining way to gain new insights and learnings for kids

  1. Decorate the house

Decorate the house | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your Tiger Cubs is to decorate the house with everything hearts, reds, and pinks! Make some heart garlands and hang them in the living room. You can also get some cheap heart-shaped balloons and have your older kids help you inflate them. Use pink and red napkins and other Valentine’s Day-themed plates and cups. If your area permits it, you can have your kids tag along to the nearby flower shop to pick some lovely flowers for the home, too. 

  1. Read Valentine-themed Books

Read Valentine-themed Books | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

There are plenty of V-Day-themed books that are excellent for kids (and tigers, too!) of all ages, and you can take advantage of them for some fun Valentine’s Day readathon at the comforts of your own home. Books like “Llama Llama I Love You” and “The Day It Rained Hearts” are popular choices for this special occasion. After reading some Valentine-themed books, check out our Tiger and Tim books, as well!

Besides spending some quality time with your little ones, they are also developing their reading and literacy skills simultaneously, something Tiger and Tim learning videos for kids also do!

  1. Do a Drive-By

The lockdown restrictions may have made it difficult for your kids to see other people outside your bubble, but there is still a safe way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends.

You and your Tiger Cubs can do a drive-by to their friends’ house. The kids can bring a small gift or a lovely little Valentine’s Day card to give to their friends, cousins, aunts, and uncles who are within your vicinity. I’m sure that seeing their friends and loved ones at this time is something your kids won’t forget. Just make sure that everyone is practicing safety health protocols at all times.

Whatever you decide to do with your Tiger Cubs on Valentine’s Day, the vital thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy each other’s company, not only on this day but on different days, too!

Have a sweet little Valentine’s Day, cool cats! I love you all.

Love and hugs from Tiger xoxoxoxoxoxo

Tiger Cubs on Valentine's Day | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Read other blogs by Tiger here

Categories
BLOG

Best Streaming Apps for Kids (And Tigers, too!)

Best Streaming Apps for Kids | Tiger and Tim

Getting bored at home? So watch some good learning videos that are safe for kids from the following child-friendly streaming apps then! Let’s beat those lockdown blues!

Hey, cool cats! We are now in the middle of Lockdown Version 3.0 in the UK, and I hope everyone is holding up ok! At this point, I have searched almost every nook and cranny of my best buddy Tim Hague’s house (sorry Timbo!) in search of my next adventure just to fight off the humdrum of daily life. 

learning videos for babies

A lot of grown-ups are also working from home whilst the Tiger Cubs are in the thick of remote learning, making things a little too close for comfort on the homefront. Luckily, technology has proven to be very useful during these times! Tiger Cubs can watch learning videos for kids in different family-friendly streaming apps that are not only safe but also have many educational videos to choose from – a huge help for Mums and Dads! I like to plop on the couch myself and enjoy some of my favourite shows on these streaming apps, suitable for tigers and for kids!

Here are some of the best streaming apps that are kid-safe and parent-approved (and where you’ll also find Tiger and Tim episodes!)

YouTube Kids

Youtube | Tiger and Tim

YouTube Kids is perhaps one of the most accessible streaming apps for kids. There’s a whole lot of learning videos and cartoons for young to older kids. Suggested videos are also age-appropriate, and each child would have their own profile. 

Grown-ups also get control of many of the app’s features, such as pre-approved videos and a timer.

HappyKids.TV

Happy Kids TV | Tiger and Tim

HappyKids.TV is another excellent kid-friendly streaming app that grown-ups can trust. Tiger Cubs can choose from a wide variety of learning videos, shows, and nursery rhymes for toddlers and kids – including Tiger and Tim! HappyKids also carry all-time favourite shows such as Teletubbies and Care Bears, as well as new shows aimed at older children, such as anime and game-based titles. The videos are also grouped according to age, so the grown-ups can be sure that what their Tiger Cubs are watching is age-appropriate. 

Tiger and Tim episodes

But what’s the best part of HappyKids? That your Tiger Cubs can watch Tiger and Tim episodes on the app for free of course!!

Kidoodle

Kidoodle | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Looking for more kid-safe options? There are more learning videos and fun shows for kids on Kidoodle TV! Aside from over 40 Tiger and Tim episodes, there are lots of fun and educational videos for tigers and for kids to watch. Kidoodle also has a free app which does not contain explicit and annoying ads. Every piece of content is reviewed by a human to make sure that it’s parent-approved!

Toon Goggles

Toon Goggles | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Toon Goggles offer free learning videos and shows for kids – from preschoolers to pre-teens. There are hundreds of titles to choose from, and the app recommends shows based on age and interests. Upgrading to a premium account also allows unlimited, ad-free streaming. Toon Goggles features fun filters so that Tiger Cubs (with the permission of grown-ups) can share their photos and videos on the app! Another cool feature of Toon Goggles is that Tiger and Tim episodes are also available here to be enjoyed by tigers and for kids alike!

KidsBeeTV

KidsBeeTV | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Looking for something more than just watching videos? Then KidsBeeTV is the answer! Boasting more than 1,500 learning videos (including Tiger and Tim, of course!) for kids aged four and above, KidsBeeTV features fun interactive quizzes that children can answer after watching videos too. The app also offers educational games for tigers like me and for kids to enjoy while learning!

Channel-based Apps

Channel-based Apps | Tiger and Tim Amazing Facts

Popular kids channels, such as Disney, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, and PBS, have their respective apps that feature shows that are also found on their corresponding TV channels.  Aside from learning videos and shows for kids, these apps also include songs, educational games, and other cool features.

For the Whole Family

For the Whole Family | Tiger and Tim

My buddy Tim Hague loves to relax with a good movie once in a while. Good thing there’s Netflix and Amazon Prime for family-friendly movies we both can enjoy!

If you are looking for streaming apps for the whole family, then Netflix and Amazon Prime are obviously great (and well-established) options. Both apps carry a vast selection of family-friendly content, both TV shows and movies. Not only do Netflix and Amazon Prime have popular titles, but they also produce their own content that are often strong contenders for family movie nights!

Space travel with tiger and tim

With these streaming apps that are kid-safe and family-friendly, being stuck at home is not that bad, after all! Tiger and Tim and the other learning videos for kids featured in these apps are opportunities for your Tiger Cubs to learn and discover more about the world around them. Watching family movies is also a great way to bond and spend some quality time in each other’s company – don’t forget to grab the popcorn!

‘Til my next blog post, cool cats! See you later!

Love from Tiger xoxoxo

For more blog posts from the world’s smartest Tiger, click here.