Collections by Michelle Brown WSG Critter Kin Collective's Founder Jena Ball

CritterKin is a children's media property that uses stories and project-based learning programs to teach kids social-emotional and core communication skills. It is the brainchild of multimedia storyteller Jena Ball who has 25 years of professional writing and editing experience, 15 years of designing and teaching online courses, 13 years working on immersive learning environments in 3D worlds. Jena has spent 12 years working as the Creative Director for the CritterKin Coalition.

The CritterKin Coalition is a community composed of creative professionals, educators, parents, and community members, businesses, and organizations that understand education is a lived experience extending far beyond the classroom. The mission is to make emotional intelligence (EQ) a priority and help each child discover, develop, and share their unique interests and abilities. 

Of all the things learned from working on CritterKin these past 10 years, is that it takes a global community to raise our kids. That community needs to be composed of creative professionals, educators, parents, and the community.

Even before the pandemic many parents were questioning the quality of education especially in public schools.  Was the focus on “teaching to the test” failing our children? Were standard lesson plans keeping children from being able to think critically? Were their minds being influenced by media images that limit the ability to be empathetic, compassionate and communicate?