Literacy Thumball Set Winning Awards!

Announcing the 2009 Creative Child Magazine Awards!

Literacy Thumball Set- Tell The Tale Thumball™
2009 SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
(Educational Toys category)

Literacy Thumball™Set- Parts of a Story Thumball™,
2009 SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
(Educational Toys category)

Over 100 moms and educators evaluated Parts of A Story and Tell The Tale known as The Literacy Thumball Set and has awarded them the prestigious Seal of Excellence.

Enhance reading comprehension and stimulate interesting discussions about fables, fairy tales and books of every kind. Reinforce key story elements like plot, setting and conflict in a fun attention getting game. The Literacy Thumball Set is easy to play, sends a positive educational message, and is high in value while low in price.

Literacy skills are the foundation of effective life long learning! Congratulations to Answers In Motion, exclusive designer and manufacturer of Thumball products.

Team Building byTraining Wheels with Thumball

Trainers & Team Builders LOOK! 2 Fantastic New Thumball Designs:
Conflict Resolution & Debriefing http://bit.ly/tvLXv

It is exciting to see Thumball's reach expand and grow as we create custom products for forward thinking companies. Training Wheels is a known leader in the team building industry and prides itself in creating quality, affordable activities, books, and trainings for those seeking experiential resources. Owner Michelle Cummings has created a wide variety of facilitation, debriefing and team building activities that have collectively changed the way experiential educators and trainers work.

Michelle has designed two very useful tools: Conflict Resolution Thumball and Debriefing Thumball which make trainings and team building experiences even more effective and memorable. Those special designs are now available on her website and we encourage you to check them out.

There are many creative people out there in every field developing their own Thumball designs tailored specifically for their goals. We at Answers In Motion are here to turn those ideas into reality. As the exclusive manufacturers of Thumball products we are ready to serve the needs of businesses, celebrities, charities and families that want an attention getting way to convey their message. Thumballs are really catching on!

Mrs. Çalifornia Crowns Thumball The Winner

You just never know where Thumball will take us and who we may meet. Mrs. California, Lisa McCumber Gandara was an unexpected surprise for us and she delighted us with her energy and enthusiasm. We introduced Thumball products to her and after the 6 second learning curve she really got the big idea.

With 3 children she was enthusiastic about the Who Are You and Category Mania Thumballs. For gatherings with friends, families or in the workplace she loved the Ice Breaker design. Lisa is committed to family and her platform is to bring back family dinners. Thumball can start the meal time conversation with ease. Mrs. California reported her family "had so much fun playing Thumball together".

I had never met a pageant queen before and don't really know what I expected but Lisa was a wonderful surprise in her sash and crown and we wish her all the best. She may win the Mrs United States pageant this year but it seems clear she is already a winner to her family and friends.

Young Hollywood Stars Celebrate with Thumball

What fun for Thumball to be included in the gift bags at Debby Ryan's (Suite Life On Deck) Sweet Sixteen and at Brittany Curran's (Legally Blondes) 19th Pool Party. These young actresses were so gracious and lovely. They expressed real appreciation for Thumball and are still well grounded despite the demands of living and working in Hollywood. They are doing a great job on Disney and Nickelodeon TV shows and have lots of new projects in the works. We wish them a wonderful year with some Thumball fun in it too.

Thumball Goes Hollywood! Celebrity Fans Lining Up!

Sunny California a bit cloudy and gray but that didn't dampen our enjoyment of LA. The Hollywood hills make for a beautiful drive, Santa Monica Pier makes every age feel like a kid again and the art museums and galleries left us speechless with the stunning work by painters, photographers and sculptors.

Our primary reason for visiting So Cal was to participate in a Gift Suite and provide free product to celebrities for feedback, photos and autographs. The show was in tribute to the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. The incredible Slash of Guns and Roses came as did Kellan Lutz(so nice!) of Twilight and lots of others familiar faces.

Thumball made a big impression on the stars and we got phenomenal feedback from actors young and old. It was remarkable to realize that the celebs were truly impressed with US and not just the other way around. They loved that our business is a family affair and meeting our oldest children Sammy and Matt really made them smile.

I lost count of the number of "Congratulations" and good wishes we received. Spending time chatting with the stars made them real as anyone else with the same demands of life we all share (picking up kids from daycare, trying to make a movie on time, feeling tired in the morning).

The fact that we had a dream and achieved it and found a way to make a great product that truly helps people just blew everyone away. What an unexpected twist and a wonderful feeling to have a world class actor like Hector Elizondo(Monk, Cane, Chicago Hope, The Princess Diaries, Runaway Bride, Pretty Woman) giving us praise and telling us to be proud of OUR accomplishments. Celebs are focused on children, education and successful promotions so there was no end to our conversations with them.

We will share many of the special moments and fun photos from California in upcoming posts, on our website and on Thumball's Face Book page. I will remember to take a few moments to enjoy our success and thank everyone, Hollywood stars and all for being fans of Thumball!

Thumball Origins: How Our Business Began

We often get asked about our company Answers In Motion and our product Thumball and how it all came to be. From speech therapist and home contractor to entrepreneurs and business owners this has been an unexpected adventure for my husband and I. Below is a history of how things developed.

Thumball came to be while I was working as a speech pathologist. I had a challenging class of 14 students with a variety of learning challenges. I found ways to effectively combine games with language development activities but I noticed that when it was not their own turn the student’s didn’t pay attention to the activity or their classmates.

Writing vocabulary words on a small stuffed ball and allowing the students to play ball in class got their undivided attention! First passing the ball, then rolling it then gentle tosses. Finally a student asked, “Why are there words all over the ball?”. I explained the concept that when I say STOP the person holding the ball must lift their thumb and talk about the word. This worked well and best of all the students began learning from each other because they never took their eye off the ball!

After several months of making my own designs and using Thumball effectively I had a dream, a literal dream that woke me from my sleep with the instructions to “Make this product and market it because no one has time to make their own games anymore!” The dream occurred on my deceased father’s birthday and felt to me like he was communicating this idea to me almost like a gift. When I shared my dream with my partner (now husband) Gregg he immediately “got” the concept and saw the limitless potential.

The concept for this game has been used by many educators often utilizing beach balls but it had inherent flaws. I knew the ball had to be safe, easy to control, provide pleasing sensory input and use relevant content for improving communication skills. The real invention was our decision to go forth and actually find a way to get Thumball manufactured and marketed. My husband’s optimism, life experience and tenacity made my dream into a reality. (This will be the subject of another post one day).

Our life has never been the same since. It is rewarding to see therapists, teachers, parents, friends and employees get together and watch how Thumball can enhance the interactions. The only way to really know Thumball is to play it often and new ideas develop and grow. We now create custom Thumballs for companies that want a special way to market their products, supply useful learning tools to schools and effectively convey a message about their business. We look back at our beginnings and smile and encourage all to follow their dreams.

thumball.com is LIVE

The new and very updated website for Thumball products is live and ready to serve you. A fresh look, easy to use tabs and great images makes it a great place to spend some time. Learn about the product line, Answers In Motion the company behind Thumball and fun ways to play. Teachers and parents will like the Educators Resource which lists goals and objectives you can reach using each different Thumball design.

Learning a new skill such as website design feels great. Engaging new parts of the brain really does make a person feel more alive. The service we are using made the process very easy. Most importantly sincere thanks to our friend Scott who helped us every step of the way in our Thumball website journey. He has been there from the start and his expertise and friendship made the process easier and more joyful. We will show just how grateful we are for him at The Dead concert tomorrow night. What a wonderful day it was, is and will be. Peace.

Our Anniversary And Love Always Thumball

Today Gregg and I celebrate our wedding date. We exchanged vows in a ceremony filled with symbolism and meaning. Our children stood with us as we became a family of five. Then all enjoyed a rockin' reception with my brother John's band THE TOONZ playing with enthusiasm and positive energy. We provided some unique wedding favors like rocks and our custom made Love Always Thumball.

Our relationship has many unique features but the most significant is how Thumball has grown as we have; together with loyalty, patience, excitement, passion, challenges and a tremendous amount of love and faith.

My husband is a kind, thoughtful hard working man. His life has had a purpose, a journey to freedom. Our love and yes Thumball has made the adventure more fulfilling and more fun and made our lives more free.

Freedom is more than a word for us it is a feeling filled with trust and confidence and an inner peace that affirms "All is Well". I learn from my husband constantly and I have become a better person for knowing him and loving him and marrying him and creating this life adventure.

Our children learn from us many life lessons and in our relationship they see what it means to have respect for your partner and how to encourage them every day to be their best. My life is blessed and my marriage a gift I treasure more and more each day, each month and each beautiful year.

Thumball is There

It is always a great day when bloggers write about Thumball. Whether the blog is about early intervention, preschoolers, the elderly, training techniques, special needs, counseling or the President, Thumball is there. There are so many groups that appreciate Thumball and how it makes play time learning time and vice versa from age 3 to 103.
Amy Smith from Maine who writes Kids Love Learning shared her experience with Move Your Body Thumball. She found it to be a great way to get kids moving and fulfill P.E. requirements.
See her review here.
http://kidslovelearning.blogspot.com/2009/03/thumball-interactive-learning-fun.html

Thumball continues to find new and interesting camps of individuals that utilize the 18 Thumball designs creatively and effectively from home schooled students to athletic clubs to corporate trainers looking for a fun way to provide an appealing break during a presentation. Enjoy reading the blogs of your choice and you just may find, Thumball is there.

Looking For A Thrill?

The nature of business is a roller coaster ride of terror and joy. I swear I had no idea what I was getting into. I finally understand the drive and determination and obsession of entrepreneurs and business people. It's an excitement I have never felt before and sometimes I break into a sweat and lose my voice.

The way our company Answers In Motion and our product Thumball integrates running business with products for education and learning is a motivating mix for me.

Giving up being a full time speech pathologist for 22 years to become a business partner with my husband Gregg was no easy task. The educational system while gravely flawed(and often frustrating) is full of our country's most precious commodity, our children. Their honesty, curiosity and humor made every work day a great surprise. I miss seeing them each day very much.

The fact that designing, marketing and selling Thumball allows me to still see joy on the faces of children and adults as they share in a game of catch is priceless. That I get to do it with the man and children I love nearby is stunning.

I give thanks many times a day. I thank my friends and family for their support, then I give the booth attendant my ticket and get back on this rollicking ride I have chosen. They call this ride a scream machine for good reason!
Hands up, this is gonna be fun.

Thumball Reviews Rank High, Share Your Testimonials

An educational consultant from Texas called a bit out of breath to order an Icebreaker Thumball. It seems one of her students may have taken hers and she simply can't get by without one anymore, that is how essential her Thumball has become to her practice. She shared the testimonial below and recommends everyone get a Thumball carabiner to hold it in place so it won't "walk" away on it's own.

"The Thumball, has given me extraordinary results in breaking the ice.

The students just love it. I usually joke, that at no other time they would be allowed to throw a ball inside of a building unless they were in the gym so I encourage them to just have fun,while getting them to loosen up, while secretly preparing them to listen to me...I love it,it works...

So Thanks again...I could not perform my job successfully without it."

Gayla
Collegeville Station, TX

Can A Ball Make you Smarter?

An essential aspect of managing the challenges of a child having Special Needs is recognizing that the norm is not enough. We must get creative and behave like scientists trying different theories and putting them to the test. That is how Thumball™ developed into an effective tool for teachers and parents to use.

As a speech pathologist working with students having multiple disabilities including Autism and other communication disorders I needed to get attention, keep focus and maintain motivation so we could reach our individual goals. Thumball had a positive impact on all areas.

http://www.thumball.com

The challenges of daily life and learning are compounded when a children feels overwhelmed, unmotivated and isolated. Thumball engages players in a natural flow of toss and catch which promotes eye contact and social skills.

When a player lifts their thumb they get to respond to the panel under their thumb. It might be to name words in categories, answer questions about things they like or act out an emotion (18 designs available). What matters is that focus and attention are activated so the learning can take hold.

Students report feeling "smarter"' when they play Thumball and having "more fun in school". They show interest in others and build interpersonal skills. They expand their vocabularies and they learn to offer or ask for help with less reticence.

Schools are choosing Thumball as an innovative fund raising event. Parent Associations are motivated to offer a quality made product that is educational, fun and gets students moving. With the rate of childhood obesity steadily rising, cooke dough and candy bar drives are not the message they want to send to students.

Soccer Mania Thumball™for Teaching and Talking

There are so many soccer (football or futbol in most countries) clubs worldwide that the popularity and joy of the game can not be overstated. Once the first series of Thumball designs hit the market people noticed it is based on a 32 panel soccer style design. Requests soon came in for a Soccer Thumball and Soccer Mania was born.

Covered in all the key terms a player would need to know to play soccer, Soccer Mania is a favorite among coaches especially of the younger clubs. It gives children a chance to hear the position, plays and terms explained multiple times and to practice some of the moves.

Older students use it to talk about a time when they made a specific play, got a red card or scored a goal. It is also the perfect vehicle for older players to teach younger players how to play the game.
Some parents buy Soccer Mania Thumball so their child can learn the words at home and play with siblings.

Ten Thumball designs have crossed the pond and are now available in the UK and private futbol leaugues are interested in Soccer Mania Thumball. There are requests to make a custom Soccer Thumball with their team name, colors and player's numbers.

We hope to hop the pond some day soon and see our invention on European soil. Play really is the international language of all and everyone knows what to do with a ball. Soon they will all know what to do with a Thumball...Toss, catch, respond to the panel under your thumb.
http://www.thumball.com

We are All A Part of History Today: Obama Thumball too

Millions have come together on the mall in Washington DC to share in the exuberance of this day. Inauguration Day may have never captivated hearts and minds in this powerful a way before. Give credit to great TV coverage but the spirit shining today is compelling and it is the man, our President Barack Obama who deserves the real credit.

A true coming together of humanity is happening and laying a foundation for more progress in relationships of every kind. Obama Thumball shares this excitement and is available at
www.obamathumball.com. Inspired by our new President and the perfect tool for teaching the tenets of democracy and the civics curriculum.

The task is huge and after the confetti is swept up the significant issues will be there needing attention. Today however should be a grand celebration because a new level of freedom and opportunity has been achieved. The pride of our country is beginning to be restored. Political fighting can be put to rest and we can all participate in our communities under President Obama and keep this enthusiasm rolling.

Obama Thumballs Traveling Across The Country

So much goes on in a typical day at Answers In Motion it can seem hard to find time to blog let alone the focus to choose a topic and make it interesting. All days are not interesting or easy or full of inspiration. That is okay though cause it makes the joyful days even sweeter.

For today the word at AIM is "The Obama Thumballs are in Alaska on route to Colorado!"
Only one week to Inauguartion Day! Hope, Progress and Change. This feels exciting and inspiring making me remember the elation of election evening.

The newest design, President Barack Obama Thumball is a way to keep the hope and vision of the campaign alive. A chance to discuss and integrate the plans for our nation under a remarkable new leader. Visit obamathumball.com
Share a piece of history with the toss of a ball, the lift of a thumb and the confidence that better days are to come.

Cutting Back Can Bring Things Together

Plenty of chat about the economy this holiday season and it starts on a somber note. People recognize they can not spend as much as in past years and initially it seems like a bad thing. Then they remark on how reducing the Christmas list had to be done and kinda makes sense anyway.

Sometimes this leads on to seeing the value in the gifts, the feast and the tree more because it was more dear to obtain. Others see that the holidays really are not just a consumer driven carnival after all (thank you Charlie Brown, Linus and all). Ultimately they see the season in a new way. New is good, different is useful and we didn't really need another talking snow globe any way.

Challenging the status quo and moving beyond the business as usual thinking can result in holiday surprises. Special foods taste better, shiny bows look brighter, snowflakes shimmer and our families sit a lot closer together when the heat is turned down. That is a cozy answer to a Christmas with more spending limits but no limits on family, love and time to share our hearts.

Educators Come Together for Education

We here at Answers In Motion have the opportunity to show Thumball at conferences and converse with the attendees. This was a stimulating month with our participation in the New Jersey Education Association convention in Atlantic City and then the American Speech and Hearing Association in Chicago.

Thumball created a stir because it provided teachers and therapists an instant lesson plan. Educators need things they can use quickly and easily and with a definite target goal in mind. The educators we met were appreciative of the goals and objectives provided on the web site for each Thumball. With 18 designs people had difficult decisions to make. Did they want to go with the Literacy Builders, the Emotional Intelligence route, vocabulary or social interaction Thumballls. Those having very specific subjects to cover went with Numbers and My ABCs which can be customized using the free activity sheets at www.thumball.com

I have nothing but respect and admiration for the dedication of our teachers, therapists and administrators. If there were one improvement I would like to see, it would be to remember we are all EDUCATORS first and our secondary titles like 6th grade Math, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, learning consultant while important should never overshadow our primary responsibility to guide a child to learn and instill the desire to always want to learn more.

Educators have become increasingly fearful about covering curriculum, focusing exclusively on IEP goals and constantly moving from subject to subject with out the time to transition meaningfully. They feel unsure if they can go global and teach all things within the context of a greater concept. Comments from supervisors like "Why were you reading him a story? I thought you were "speech". You have to do more speech activities."are disheartening to hear. If reading and discussing a book is not a speech activity then I spent a good portion of my 22 years as an SLP doing the wrong things.

Enough of my soapbox, I really just wanted to emphasize the wonderful time we had at both of these important events. Educators became educated on a huge array of subjects and by their attendace at NJEA and ASHA showed to students we all never stop learning. I am proud Thumball contributes in a meaningful way to improved focus, motivation and perhaps to a lifelong love of learning.

A Journey Starts With Just One Step

History making days are happening in so many wonderful and startling ways. First and foremost we have a new President-Elect and his name is Barack. He is married with 2 daughters and inconsequentially is a black man. That was tongue in cheek of course, this is a remarkable turn in our humanity's evolution. Even I just two years ago said something like...our country isn't ready for a black president and not a women either.

Although it thrilled me to consider Hillary or Barack as a true candidate. The campaign run by Obama and his dedicated staff was dignified and diligently focused. Barack exuded a presidential air early on and I marveled as it grew. I watched people like me and unlike me open up to a Democrat with new ideas. I watched news, read papers and felt truly involved in the direction of our country.

On Tuesday night I gasped, stared, jumped for joy and then cried at the wonder of this winner. I saw the world and my family come together and I felt deeply touched watching Barack like a mother watching her child mature and take on responsibilities and learn and succeed.

We are on a new road headed in a new direction, led by the most unexpected yet most prepared of leaders to improve circumstances so we can all live life well and participate more fully in our communities. Early congratulations to President Obama and his beautiful family and our country as a whole.

Our custom made Obama Thumballs were not accepted at the Obama headquarters due to security issues. It is disappointing that Barack did not get to see and feel these one of a kind Thumballs but no worries. Those who did see them loved them and helped to remind them why they were voting for him. We are so glad we did both, made the Obama Ball and voted for him. Hope you did too but if not you are welcome on board with love.

Slide Show

I learned something new! after a very frustrating few days I found out where to insert the HTML code so I could include a Slide Show of Thumball™ images. I think it adds value to my blog and gives readers a good overview of the Thumball™ product line.

Learning this new world of codes and posts and images is wonderful when it is not infuriating and turning me into a whiner. Fear not novices, I encourage all to consider blogging and surfing the fascinating worlds out here in Internet land. You will be surprised and you might just surprise yourself. Refresh the Page then Enjoy The Show!

Start 'em Young; Restart 'em Old

Our earliest Thumball designs included the classroom "basics". My ABCs, numbers, shapes and animals have come to be called "Early Learners". From the youngest ages a child can push, watch, touch, roll or hold a ball. The next stage is interacting with the ball receptively.

Without requiring any verbal response just ask the player to show, find or touch specific letters, numbers, shapes or animals. Maybe just show them 2 or 3 panels and have them point to the one you name. Go ahead and give them the answer at first. You are laying great ground work for future language skills to build from.

Now expand the concept and try: "Find the letter that starts your name."
"Touch the number that comes after 2."
"Find the shapes that have corners."
"Point to the animals that have tails."
You will see the pride emerge as they find what they are looking for.

Perhaps we misnamed this collection of balls, they are for all learners esp. those with learning challenges regardless of age. The biggest surprise of all has been seeing how older adults love playing with these Thumballs.

Interaction with the Thumball and the information on them helps those with Alzheimer's stay stimulated and assists in stroke recovery or for those with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). Roll one across the table and see what gets started at the senior center.

So revisit the Early Learners and play a word game, practice math drills, find the shapes in the room and describe your favorite animal in detail. Young and old can come together in play with some brain building thrown in for fun.