As many of you know, I have been a Literacy Specialist in New York City public schools for over seventeen years. Throughout my tenure, I have had a first-hand look at how reading affects children positively in every aspect of their life. As a result, I am always on the lookout for opportunities for kids to improve their comprehension through creativity.
Netflix has recently announced their first interactive “branching” narrative episodes Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale and Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile, where Netflix members have control over how the story develops and ultimately unfolds. Non-linear stories like these allow children to tap into their imagination and to really think about the story elements and events taking place involving the characters.
My son and I recently had the opportunity to be among the first Netflix Stream Teamers to experience this interactive storytelling together. As an educator, it was so rewarding to see him so engaged with the storyline and using his decision-making skills to make choices that directly affected the outcome of each adventure that he viewed. I could tell that he felt empowered as he decided how the story proceeded and what Puss in Boots did next!
This new world of storytelling possibilities launched globally this month on Netflix with Puss in Book: Trapped in an Epic Tale while Buddy Thunderstruck: The Maybe Pile is coming soon on July 14. Additionally, their third branching narrative Stretch Armstrong: The Breakout is in the works, coming to Netflix next year. In each interactive title, you can make choices for the characters, shaping the story as you go! Each choice leads to a different adventure, so you can watch again and again, and see a new story each time.
At launch, these titles will be available on most TV experiences as well as iOS devices. The Adventures of Puss in Boots and Buddy Thunderstruck are children’s series that are currently on Netflix, but these particular interactive adventures are brand new, standalone episodes. I can’t think of a better way to experience Netflix than through engaging with this interactive content. It will open a whole new world of possibilities and further encourage love of reading in children!
Let’s Discuss: What do you think your family will love the most about the new interactive content on Netflix?
Disclosure: This post is part of a blogging campaign in collaboration with Netflix. As a member of the Netflix Stream Team, I attended a media event to preview their new interactive content. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
© 2017, Tough Cookie Mommy. All rights reserved.
When my Little one is old enough Im sure he will love the interactive kids’ programming. Right now my hubs and I watch a TON of nexflix!
Love this so much! I had no idea you were a reading specialist! And in NYC of all places where the need is so high! Kudos to you!
I had not heard of these interactive “branching” narrative episodes before. We watch Netflix sometimes, but we are totally book people in my house!
This looks like so much fun! Kind of like the “choose your own adventures” books I read growing up.
OMG, how fun!!! We just love Nextflix in this house! Honestly I don’t know how parents parented before Netflix lol… it’s always saving the day.
How fun that your son was able to experience the new feature first-hand! We just got this on Netflix and my 6 year old will soon discover it, I’m sure!!
My kids would love this! Seems like another reason I need to subscribe to Netflix again.
Oh wow!! This is really neat. I will be sure to check into this for when the grandkids come over. Thanks for sharing.
My boys are always saying they are so bored this summer. I need to make sure they try this out, they will love it!
WE need to get Netflix!!! I think I’m the only one who doesn’t have it yet. I hear great things about it but right now we have another means of watching movies…which is about to change. I think you’ve convinced me now is the time!!
I think it is great that there is this new, interactive programming on Netflix. When kids watch TV, they usually take such a passive role. I’m sure it really uses their imagination to take part in these interactive stories. I know I would have loved something like this as a kid.
My kids are always so “bored”. Poor things! We do enjoy netflix, especially now with the download option, which makes it awesome for travelling.
This sounds like so much fun! I used to love reading those books when I was a kid, of course there had to be digital versions now. Your son must have had a great time and feeling special to be one of the first to try this new Puss in Boots story.
Wow! What a fun experience. I think Netflix is really reaching out and helping families make great choices for the children.
That sounds like a really cool idea. I did not know Netflix offered interactive content like this. I am going to show my 6 year old!
This sounds like such a fun thing to do! And as a teacher this is something that really excites me. In that classroom setting it would be a really good way to look at how stories are put together and would really engage and interest the children.
Wow. It really looks so much fun my son was really bored this summer he always wants to go outside with his friends or watching Netflix all day.
That seems so cool and what a fun activity to partake in. I would have loved this when I was younger and I probably wouldn’t have been so bored.
Looks like Netflix is taking the viewing game to the next level. I think this will get kids interested in stories more and it’s awesome that they can be a part of it as well. Love the concept!
Wow, this is so cool. Netflix is really taking things to the next level. It seems like such a fun and cool activity to be a part of.