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University Games

TOP BOARD GAME MANUFACTURER ACQUIRES LEADING LEARNING PRODUCTS COMPANY

Updated: Apr 12

San Francisco, CA – University Games, the US’s top manufacturer of literary-based learning games for children, has taken another big step on its educational sojourn by acquiring The Learning Journey International, an award-winning maker of educational, sensory, active-play, electronic, and construction toys. JB and Debbie Frere, the founders of The Learning Journey, will continue to manage The Learning Journey, which is now a division of University Games.

“This is our 14th acquisition and one of our biggest,” noted Bob Moog, President of University Games. “There are so many reasons why this is an ideal fit for University Games that I can’t name them all, but I’ll try—a strong team, great products, access to new retail customers, 29 years of proven success in making interactive educational toys, and the primary reason: The Learning Journey shares our commitment to making toys and games that improve kids’ lives by combining fun and learning. How could we resist a product line that includes STEM-based roller coasters, talking shape sorters, and gear-driven dino-bots?”

JB Frere, co-founder and President of The Learning Journey International, added, University Games has the broadest domestic distribution of any game company and subsidiaries in the UK and Australia, so our products will now help even more children around the world than ever before.”

“One of the secrets of our success, although now it’s not a secret anymore, has been our ability to test products in our childcare centers,” said Debbie Frere, co-founder and CFO of The Learning Journey. “Having our own focus groups ensures that our new products are always kid-tested and kid-approved.”

The Learning Journey will continue to be based in Phoenix, AZ.

For more information please contact:

Maddy Lehman

[email protected]

www.ugames.com

415 934 3744

The Learning Journey International

[email protected]

602-787-1115 x111

www.tlji.com

ABOUT UNIVERSITY GAMES

University Games is a leading game and puzzle publisher founded in 1985 by Bob Moog and Cris Lehman. This is the 14th acquisition for University Games and the first time being acquired for The Learning Journey. University Games also markets under the Briarpatch, Front Porch Classics, Great Explorations, Forbidden Games, and Bepuzzled brands in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and throughout the world.

ABOUT THE LEARNING JOURNEY INTERNATIONAL

Since its inception in1995, The Learning Journey has been designing, manufacturing, and distributing an exclusive line of award-winning children’s interactive educational products. The Learning Journey has continually focused on creating products that offer consumers excellent value and offer children valuable educational content to help build confidence, developing the skills they need to prepare for school and beyond. The Learning Journey sells 250+ products worldwide.

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Learning in a playful way helps children more easily perceive new information and in large quantities. I am studying at university, but there are subjects in which I don’t have very good grades and some sciences I don’t understand. One day I decided to read the online dissertation help literature review and began using the writing service. I managed to complete an essay and a thesis on literary topics in a short time. I'm glad that I found helpers and improved my academic performance.

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Meet the Founders By: Learning Journey -->

by Learning Journey | 09 Aug 2021

Biographies and Interviews

Biographies and Interviews | 09 Aug 2021

Meet the Founders of The Learning Journey International, LLC

A look into the inspiration behind the award-winning, educational product line.

August 9th, 2021

Names, Past & Current Titles, Where from?

J.B. Frere –  President and Owner . JB worked 10 years at General Electric in the Appliance Division

Debbie Frere –  CFO and Owner . Debbie was a small business lending officer at First National Bank of Maryland.

We are both from Maryland.

How did they meet each other?

We met on a blind date. Debbie’s sister was dating JB’s college roommate (best friend). That’s how they were introduced.

Best parts of being husband and wife business partners?

As married business partners you have someone who you know and trust giving you solid and honest feedback about the decisions you both make on a daily basis. Sometimes, you just get tired of talking about work though!

What inspired you to create The Learning Journey?

Back in 1994, we had the opportunity to join World Book International’s UK division. They were looking for a new way to expand their UK and worldwide markets and recruit more salespeople to sell encyclopedias. At the time party plan was all the rage. We started a new sales force for them selling low-cost educational toys in a party plan format. We rolled out the program in six countries and had nearly 5000 sales consultants world-wide. As you know, our toy industry margins lack significantly behind those made on a high end set of encyclopedias. Seeing the writing on the wall, we approached World Book with an offer to buy The Learning Journey. On January 1, 1998, we launched The Learning Journey International, LLC. 23 years later, we remain  “true to the core”  of the company’s main focus of offering  high quality, award-winning, non-licensed   educational products  for children.

What's the mission of The Learning Journey?

As parents ourselves, we have a strong passion to  inspire creativity  and  spike curiosity  in a fun and educational way. We are on a   Journey  to make learning fun by creating kid-friendly toys and games. On this journey, it is our goal to help children  build confidence  and  develop skills  that are vital during their early learning years.

What was your first product? 

We had quite a few for our catalog, but the most memorable first of our proprietary, designed from scratch products was Quiz Kid. It was a handheld electronic learning toy with touch sensors and question cards.

How do you come up with ideas for more product?

We collaborate between the creative team and our sales team to come up with new ideas. We get feedback from our buyers and take that into consideration too. We also own and operate a Child Development Center – Explorers In Learning – where we test our products to see how kids react before the products go out to market. It gives us great,  honest feedback  – straight from the mouth of babes.

What makes the Learning Journey product special?

When we create new products we look at curriculums and create the concepts that are being taught. It’s about  creating intentional products  that hone certain skills. We like to provide a great product, but also at an  affordable price .

What were your favorites toys/games growing up? What are they now?

Debbie had one of the first Cabbage Patch Dolls and played a lot of BattleShip and Sorry.

JB had the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle and loved it. Still does actually!

During COVID when things were shut down tight, our adult daughter and her boyfriend ended up staying with us for three months. We played board games several nights a week and completed several 1000 piece puzzles. Ticket to Ride is our favorite board game – it now comes on family vacations with us! Billiards, Ping Pong and Cornhole are also high on the list.

How do you see the future of The Learning Journey?

The name of the company is very appropriate as every day is  "A Learning Journey" . We hope to continue to grow and evolve. We are changing as the market changes - learning new ways to create and sell. When we look at our logo, we always say  “as long as the sun is rising and not setting, we are OK!”

What advice can you give to inventors who are presenting new toy or game ideas to you?

Use the  “So What”  factor. Don’t just present a new concept, be ready to tell why it’s different, unique, and what’s compelling about it. Read your product description and at the end ask yourself “So What?”  If you have a good answer, then you’re ready.

What advice would you give a young adult graduating from high school or college today?

Take advantage of internships, part-time jobs, and work experience. Get exposure to the real work world so you can see how things operate and have a better idea of where your skill set might best be suited, and what you enjoy doing.

Where can people shop Learning Journey products?

Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s, Aldi, most e-commerce sites, specialty stores

Social Media links / other resources?

Instagram: @the_learning_journey   https://www.instagram.com/the_learning_journey/

Facebook: @learningjourney  https://www.facebook.com/learningjourney

LinkedIn: @the-learning-journey-international  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-learning-journey-international

Pictures, videos, etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DowRXtK5RUQ

http://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-debbie-jb-frere-learning-journey-deer-valley-airpark/

http://edplay.com/staying-course-20-years/

http://www.catholicsun.org/2017/12/22/santa-comes-early-for-diocesan-preschool-classrooms/

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Over 30 NEW releases coming in 2024!

The Learning Journey

Match It! Spelling

SKU: 119648

100 in stock

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This colorful set of (10) three-letter and (10) four-letter puzzle cards provides children with an introduction to spelling. They can learn to spell by associating the object with the word and correctly assembling the puzzle pieces. The puzzles are self-correcting — only cards with the correct sequence will fit together. Match It! Spelling is a fun and easy way to learn this essential skill. 

KEY FEATURES - The Match It! Spelling collection of puzzles teach a range of early reading skills including letter recognition, word formation and spelling. By putting the cards together to form a word, the child gains important understanding of the mechanics of reading, all aided by the pictures which provide a clue to the word being formed. Includes 20 self-correcting puzzle sets. Recommended for ages 4+ years.

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS - 

• Build on early reading skills
• Encourage confidence in literacy
• Introduce key problem solving skills
• Improve motor skills
• Increase attention span & focus

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The Learning Journey Jumbo Floor Puzzles USA Map (50 pieces)

Out of Stock

About this item

• Learn About US Geography – Children will encounter lots of early geography lessons with this fun and colorful puzzle, showing state boundaries and flags and introducing early map reading skills.
• Increase Concentration & Focus – The puzzle encourages the child to build up concentration as they work to complete the puzzle and discover each new illustration. Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to improve a child’s ability to focus on a task to completion.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills – Working out which piece goes where is a wonderful way to develop problem-solving skills. Using trial and error, with the pictures to guide them, children will work out new techniques for solving the puzzle. These problem-solving skills will help them as they undertake other tasks.
• Boost Self-Esteem & Confidence – Completing a puzzle, either together with an adult or independently, gives a child a sense of achievement that provides them with a healthy boost to their self-esteem. Learning new skills is a great way to increase a child’s sense of self-esteem.
• Improve Motor Skills & Hand-Eye Coordination – Putting the puzzle together is a good physical challenge for children, boosting their developing motor skills and improving their hand-eye coordination; two transferable skills that will help them in many areas of their education.

Description

The above item details were provided by the Target Plus™ Partner. Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels.

We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at 1-800-591-3869.

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