Briefly, The Rainbow Race is similar to a relay race, where the lead character of each book (after the book is read by a child) hands a baton to the next lead character of the next book, and so on. The relay race keeps going until a child reads all 7 books.
The main features in The Rainbow Race are the 7 inspiring storybooks, their discussion pages and its “Certificate of Completion.” The other fun features are the bonuses that compliment each book, i.e. songs, games and karaoke tracks.
The Rainbow Race (course) is sold separate from the app and contains the storybooks, their discussion pages, and its “Certificate of Completion” that is the reward for finishing the race. This certificate is authentically signed by the author, Stella Gain and has a space for a child’s name and another adult’s signature, as a way to show a child that their accomplishment of finishing the 7 books (or the race) was important and is now official. This certificate also has words of affirmation on it, and can be a reminder to stay positive no matter what, which is its message.
The differences between the course and the app are that the bonuses are not included in the course, and with the app the Certificate of Completion is downloaded here at the site instead. The course is aimed toward children who are 2 to 7 years old, whereas the app covers all ages between 0 to 7 years old. In the course the storybooks are tangible with a child being able to turn the pages alongside an adult. This makes spending quality time a richer bonding experience that can be invaluable toward a young child’s successful development. The certificate has an authentic author’s signature, and the course’s package is sold in our on-line store, here at the site.
The Rainbow Race app:
It is recommended that when a child enters the race for the first time, an adult should help them through it. The race starts with the child reading the first book, Book 1. At the end of the book a discussion page about the story shows up. An adult is advised to discuss this page with their child. This will impart more awareness on the particular subject of the book and is also a great way to spend memorable quality time with a little one.
To keep the child enthused to stay in the race, bonus features that correspond with that book, i.e. the game, the song, and karaoke will unlock. An adult can influence the child to discuss the book with the promise that once they finish; bonuses will be given to them. The games can be played alone or with a friend. The song and karaoke offer more ways for an adult to spend quality time with a child, dancing, singing or building confidence etc. These bonuses give the child something more to look forward to! They also contribute to the child’s healthy development and self-esteem.
Once Book 1 is read, the child will observe the lead character painting the color of their book on a rainbow that is on a scroll. In Book 1’s case it will be the color: yellow. Next, the lead character will roll up the scroll and hand it to the next lead character in the next book, Book 2, and so on, similar to a live relay race. The bonuses for each book unlock every time a book is read, and can be played at the discretion of an adult. This goes on through Book 7. When all the colors of the rainbow are filled in on the scroll, the race is over. The lead character of Book 7 then rolls up the scroll and simulates handing it to the child who has been reading the stories. This scroll represents the Certificate of Completion that has words of affirmation written on it. This scroll is a reward for the child finishing the race.
When the child reads each book a code pops up. An adult must record this code on the Record Your Child’s Progress page here at the site. Once all 7 codes have been recorded the adult confirms that the child has finished the race, which will enable them to download the Certificate of Completion. This is an important reward for the child. The author Stella Gain has already signed this certificate. It has a place for the child’s name and a place for the parent/guardian to sign. This will make it official for all involved and is an accomplishment that will not be forgotten, hopefully lasting a lifetime. The child has completed an important task that allows them to play any game or song they wish, whenever they want to for hours and hours of further entertainment. All bonuses were created to help successfully develop a child’s mental growth and self-esteem.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Reading all 7 books and their discussion pages with the adult are the minimum recommended requirements in order for the adult to download the certificate for their child. The adult makes that decision, when they believe their child has understood the message in each book etc.
However, the adult can make up their own rules and add some of the bonuses to the requirements for their child to move on to the next book, which will also help the child to appreciate receiving the actual, physical certificate at the end of the race. For instance, the games can help train the child to finish a project to the end. Most of the games will let a child know when they have achieved the goal of the game and that they should keep on going until they reach it. The song and karaoke – can be added activities to play before moving on, also. Of course, the adult can decide according to their child’s age and abilities. For example, it is recommended that older children take part in all the activities and bonuses that correspond to each book before moving on to the next book and so on.
Once all the books are read and the race is over, a child is able to go anywhere on the app. They can play the games alone or with their friends over and over. Also, once the race is over the first time, the songs will be on play-all mode for a child to consecutively listen to all 7 songs, while doing chores or instead of watching TV. The karaoke tracks are a great way for an older child to build confidence or to learn how to perform in front of a crowd. A shy child will loosen up once a parent helps them to be comfortable with this activity. The games and karaoke are also a great ways for a child to strengthen their memory and they help a child to focus from a young age!
The karaoke tracks will also be on “play all’ mode and are a great way to entertain babies and toddlers while the rest or play. The tracks are instrumental and have beats and instruments especially used to stimulate young children.
Reading the books again, revisiting games, singing the songs or learning the karaoke with adults, older siblings or young friends can be stimulating for a young child and will help with their development. The games are fun when they are looking for something to do or maybe even when they want to compete with a friend. The Rainbow Race can continue over and over again until the child reaches the age of approximately 7 years old – again, depending on the child.
BTW: “Naptime” is a feature that is not part of the race mainly because it was created for babies and the first years of a child’s life. It is a feature where the author reads the 7 Rainbow Race stories in a soothing tone with the intention of lulling a baby or preschooler to sleep. The stories will repeat until a parent chooses to turn it off. Parents need a break sometimes! Therefore, “Naptime” can be played any time when needed. Babies need to be stimulated while they sleep and rest. Listening to all types of music and different readings will exercise the growing neurons in their brains and will empower their brain development. The karaoke tracks “play all” can help this endeavor with its upbeat music, which can strengthen the development of a baby’s mind, while they nap/rest. See Parent Info