UNPLUGGED KIDS
on-line resources for off-line fun
Some Suggestions
Reading, books & libraries
www.ala.org
Find many "Recommended Reading" lists
for all ages
at the American Library Association (ALA) website
www.thebestkidsbooksite.com/
Mega resource for books, fingerplays and other activities
related to children and books
www.rif.org
"Reading is Fundamental"
literacy site has kids' activities
Arts & Crafts
www.brightring.com
A long list of kid-art activity sites
(click on "Cool Links")
Kids Cooking
www.cookingwithkids.com
An entire site dedicated to cooking with kids
www.recipesource.com
(click on "miscellaneous and others" and "kids")
Kids Garden
www.jmgkids.us/
Tons of information on gardening with kids
(National Junior Master Gardener program
--
start one in your town)
Kids 'n Math
http://www.ixl.com/
Math Kangaroo says this is the
best kids math site on the web
www.mathkangaroo.org/
International mathematics organization
dedicated to
encouraging kids to master
their mathematical knowledge.
Musical Kids
www.oriscus.com
Opens to a mega-database
relating to musical instruments.
Also
www.massculturalcouncil.org
(clicking on "services" and "matchbook"
brings up a certified list of Massachusetts-based
performers and artists.
Some offer workshops to groups.) |
Is TV a Member of Your Family,
or a Guest in Your Home?
Do you live in a home where your guest is putting a strain on your hospitality?
Three nonprofit organizations that encourage children and adults to watch less TV in order to promote healthier lives and communities.
www.screentime.org
www.limitv.org
www.truceteachers.org
Other Useful Media Sites
www.aap.org
The website of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Find a range of information on children and TV.
www.medialit.org
Center for Media Literacy promotes critical thinking and media production skills.
www.childrennow.org
California organization to promote the welfare of children including watching and advocating for a positive media environment.
Books
Reading together from good books fosters reading skills. How much skill does it take to watch TV?
Books are important because they foster brain development and are crucial in the development of language, reading and critical thinking skills. Spending time browsing with your children in the public library teaches both you and your children about books and the significant learning children experience when they are read to. Books are also entertaining and a great resource for times without television.
There are many retail sources for new and used books. Public libraries are the primary source for free books. Public Libraries are like free bookstores. They own more books than most people could ever afford to buy. These books may be borrowed free from your community library for a few weeks and then returned to the library.
Public Libraries
Public Libraries have many resources besides books that are free to the public. They include magazines, newspapers, and music CD's, CDRom's and subscription databases. To get a free public library card, visit your town library with proof of address, or call your local library for more information. You can find your Massachusetts town library on-line here.
Subscription Databases
Access your local public library's web-based databases from home or at the library. Each library in Massachusetts has access to various subscription databases, which are then provided free to patrons. All you need is your card. Click here to read the Scientific American journal article "Television Addiction Is No Mere Metaphor".
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