San Jose Mercury News features Cullen’s abc’s Preschool Education Videos

San Jose, CA, March 23, 2007 – Just recently spotlighted on YouTube, Cullen’s ABC’s (www.cullensabcs.com) continues to gain popularity, momentum, and recognition for its educational preschool site. Now, the San Jose Mercury News has profiled Cullen’s abc’s educational videos in its article, “Couples Web site: It’s really kids’ play” (http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_5493697).

In the article, Dean Takahashi outlines how Cullen’s abc’s Idea Videos started, the strategy behind using YouTube to host the videos, the decision not to accept vendor advertising, and the high viewer response. Takahashi comments, “Their experience shows that the Internet levels the playing field and gives those with a do-it-yourself initiative the chance at creating something viral…” Takahshi continues, “They are thrilled that their videos have become the center of an educational community, and they hope to inspire other educators to realize the instructional power and reach of the internet.”

Cullen Wood, the creator of Cullen’s abc’s is quoted in the article on the effectiveness of using video rather than traditional text to explain an idea. “Reading about a children’s idea or project with a still picture is a lot like reading a recipe in a cookbook compared to watching (TV chef) Emeril make the dish.”

Cullen’s abc’s uses short and free “Idea Videos” to share creative, low-cost ideas that stimulate children's development at home. The idea videos are for parents, family, relatives, friends and teachers of preschoolers and include interactive book readings for children, book reviews with tips for grown ups, art ideas, rhymes, songs, and activity ideas.

YouTube has made it possible to share ideas through free, easy-to-understand videos. Cullen's abc's went live in mid-December, 2006 and has been posting at least five Idea Videos each week. The Idea Videos on YouTube have been viewed over 12,000 times. One of Cullen’s abc’s educational goals is to influence the creation of a YouTube educational category.

Cullen’s abc’s (www.cullensabcs.com) is pioneering the use of YouTube to share idea videos that stimulate preschool development at home. Cullen’s abc’s is the creation of Cullen Wood, who has been working with young children since 1994. She currently is a Preschool Teacher at St. Tim’s Lutheran School in San Jose, California. Cullen has also authored the article titled: “How to Select the Best Preschool for Your Child – Inside Tips from a Preschool Teacher.