Brainspace magazine has partnered with the Toronto Star to distribute their quarterly kids magazine to the masses.

While there is still some fine-tuning to be done on the deal, readers can expect the program to go into play as of the November, February and May issues. Brainspace will be distributed to schools that have a Toronto Star newspaper or electronic paper subscription in an effort to get the education-based publication to more young children—specifically those ages eight to 13.

In addition to the magazine being a learning tool, its unique, in that it is the only magazine targeting this demographic, while incorporating augmented reality to teach kids about a variety of topics from geography to language arts. Publisher Nicky Middleton said this sort of cerebral content is key in the age of the Smartphone and tablet.

“The schools are feeling a great deal of pressure to integrate digital learning tools into their classrooms and iPads have been purchased en mass for grades seven and eight,” Middleton said. “Tablets are only as smart as the content that comes with it. I've often said that Brainspace is to iPads what butter is to bread. It's smart, curated content in a safe, intelligent package.”

Middleton got in touch with Nadine Chevolleau, manager of The Star's News in Education program and Chevolleau thought Brainspace would be a great addition to their offer to schools, through an initiative called Classroom Connection. Middleton said the fact that The Toronto Star has used Layar, the platform for augmented reality in the past and is establishing some familiarity with their readers is helpful as well.