Jessica Arbelaez and Brandi Dugal aren’t just teachers—they’re women on a mission to change the way children experience reading. After years of witnessing their students struggle with traditional literacy methods, these two educators have created Squishyland, a groundbreaking game that transforms reading into a joyful adventure for young learners.
Their journey to Squishyland started in separate classrooms, where both Jessica and Brandi faced the same heart-wrenching challenge: watching bright, capable kids fall behind in reading. No matter how hard they worked, the traditional methods weren’t enough to engage every child or meet them where they were. Jessica, a special education teacher, spent long hours crafting lessons to help each child in her class without making them feel left out. Meanwhile, Brandi, a teacher and reading specialist, juggled a classroom of students who needed more than the system was giving them.
The pressures of the job were immense, but their passion for helping children learn kept them going. That passion ultimately brought them together.
Fate intervened when Jessica saw Brandi’s appearance on Shark Tank—a moment that felt like destiny. “You have to meet her,” Jessica’s husband said. And so, Jessica reached out, not knowing if Brandi would respond, but feeling that there was something powerful waiting on the other side of that email.
When they finally connected, it was clear that their vision was shared. Together, they believed in the magic of education, and they knew they could create something that would help kids thrive. That belief became Squishyland.
Squishyland isn’t just a game; it’s a labor of love by two teachers who understand the challenges kids face when learning to read. Designed for Pre-K to Grade 3, Squishyland combines fun storytelling, interactive challenges, and proven reading techniques to guide kids from basic sounds to advanced skills.
With flexible card packs for different reading levels, children of all abilities can play together while using materials suited to their needs. Parents and teachers can easily track progress, making Squishyland both an engaging adventure and a tool for growth.
Now, they need to gather everyone’s support to make Squishyland a reality. By supporting their Kickstarter campaign, they’re inviting everyone to be part of a movement to bring the joy of reading to children everywhere. Every contribution will help bring this life-changing game into classrooms and homes, ensuring that all kids—no matter their background—have the tools they need to succeed in reading and beyond.
Squishyland is more than just a game; it’s a chance to make a difference, one child, one game, one story at a time. Join Jessica, Brandi, and a community of supporters in transforming how kids learn to read. Together, there is a future where no child struggles alone.
Help Squishyland come to life!
Check out some of the other games they created on their website here!
Find Squishyland On Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thefidgetgamebrandi/squishyland-a-reading-adventure-board-game-for-kids
Media Contact
Company Name: The Fidget Game
Contact Person: Brandi Dugal
Email: Send Email
Phone: 7372072438
Country: United States
Website: https://www.thefidgetgame.com/collections/all-games