Guide to Children's Resources
 

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The following information is taken from the Bill & Melinda Gates pamphlet "A Guide to Children's Resources on the Internet."

Introduction

The Internet, World Wide Web, cyberspace, and information superhighway are words that describe an exciting and ever expanding learning tool for children.  With a click of a mouse, children can learn about a variety of topics, "visit" interesting places and explore the outer reaches of the universe.

A "Guide to Children's Resources on the Internet" is a reference tool designed for children and adults who have some experience using a computer and a basic knowledge of the Internet.  The purpose of this guide is to acquaint both children and adults with the variety of children's resources available on the Internet.

Site Categories

The Web site listings are divided into the following categories:

bulletSafety on the Internet
bulletSites for Parents 
bulletHomework Help and Reference Tools
bulletMuseums and Interesting Places to Visit
bulletJust for Fun
bulletSites for Young Children

Selection Criteria

When exploring sites on the Web, it is important to know that the information sources are reliable, accurate, and timely.  The sites included in this guide were selected using the following criteria:

bulletThe Web site publisher is clearly identified and can be contacted from the site.
bulletThe Web site's purpose is stated in writing and is obvious when looking at the content.
bulletThe information provided encourages exploration and thinking.  It is appealing to, and suits the age level of the children for whom it is designed.
bulletThe Web site is well known in the educational and library community.  It is cited in multiple subject resources, both print and online.
bulletthe information provided is current and regularly updated.  Revision dates are posted on the site.
bulletthe Web site is well organized and easy to use.  Text should be easy to read and not cluttered with distracting graphics, fonts, and backgrounds.  Spelling and grammar should always be correct.
bulletThe Web site includes search or index functions for easier navigation.

Safety on the Internet

The Internet is full of interesting places that can provide many wonderful learning experiences for children; however, it is important to understand the risk involved for children.  The following sites provide information about keeping children safe while using the Internet.

bulletChild Safety on the Information Highway
Larry Magid, syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times, offers tips for becoming street smart about the Web.
bulletFamiliesConnect
Created by the American Association of School Librarians, this site is designed for families to learn about the Internet together.  Includes online classes about Internet basics, safety, and other tips.
bulletThe Parents' Guide to the Information Superhighway
A comprehensive look at the information superhighway and what parents should know to help their children use it safely and wisely, created by the Children's Partnership.  A Spanish version is provided.
bulletParents' Guide to the Internet
The U.S. Department of Education offers suggestions on how parents can help children tap into the wonders of the Internet while safeguarding them from its potential hazards.

Sites for Parents

These are Idaho Sites to answer questions on health, financial aid, etc.

bulletChild Idaho
A gateway to children's services and information
bullet Early Child Information Clearing House
This site provides information about young children, birth to age three, including links to Idaho programs and worldwide information, current practice and research, and child development information.
bulletMcGruff the Crime Dog

Homework Help and Research Tools

These Web sites provide a sample of the variety of sites available to help students in all school subjects.

bullet50 States of the United States
This site features all the help any student would need to write a state report.
bulletAsk Dr. Math
A comprehensive math site searchable by grade level covering elementary school math through college.
bulletHomework Center
The Homework Center contains sites that concentrate on K-12 homework subjects.  Resources on this site are revised and maintained by librarians from Multnomah County Library.
bulletInformation Please Kids' Almanac
Start surfing this site when you type a word or phrase you are interested in.  You can also look up interesting facts about dates.
bulletInternet Public Library Youth Division
Part of the Internet Public Library Collections, this site was designed for children ages 4-11.  Includes an online story time, "Dr. Internet," and a large "Dewey Decimal Collection" of sites.
bulletInternet Public Library Teen Division
The Internet Public Library site designed just for teenagers.
bulletKidsConnect
Online question and answer service for kids from kindergarten through high school.  Sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians.
bulletScience Fair Project Resource Guide
An excellent resource from the Internet Public Library that links kids to all sorts of resources for their projects.

Museums & Interesting Places to Visit

These are just a few sites to begin your exploration on the Web.  Most sites include links to other interesting places to visit.

bulletKids' Castle
The Smithsonian Institution's site for kids offers an interactive look at the museum's treasures.  It's bright, colorful, and lots of fun.
bulletFranklin Institute Science Museum
A wealth of fun, educational, and exciting information from the famed Philadelphia museum.  Visit the online exhibits.  Educational "hotlists" offer valuable homework connections.
bullet National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for Kids
Find out how to get photos from space, see a launch, and more on this out-of-this world site designed for kids.
bulletAmerican Memory
Contains documents and historical materials that portray the people and events that have made our nation what it is today.  From the Library of Congress collection.

Just For Fun

bullet700+ Amazing, Spectacular, Mysterious, Wonderful Web Sites for Kids and the Adults who Care About Them
This is the largest collection of children's sites in cyberspace.  This site includes links to online resources for fun and learning reviewed and organized by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.
bulletComics.com!
Comics.com! is designed for children who love comics and cartoons.  Catch up on your favorite comic strip characters, see what they are doing on the Internet, and learn about the artists who created them.
bulletFunBrain.com
Great fun!  These learning games are organized by age and are the Internet's more advanced cousin to old-fashioned flash cards.
bulletSports Illustrated for Kids
A colorful site with articles about sports figures, league standings, games, and more.
bulletPBS Kids
This site, part of PBS Online, contains links and activities related to its popular television shows.  The "techknow" section has a quiz, "Get Your Web License Here" that asks you what information is safe to give out online.
bulletYuckiest Site on the Internet
Young people who love yucky things will enjoy a visit to this site to learn about worms, roaches, and many other gross and cool things.

Sites for Young Children

These sites are specially designed to appeal to younger Web surfers, ages 8 and younger.

bulletFun for Kids 8 and Under
This site, organized and maintained by Multnomah County Library, features links to Web sites for younger children
bulletMother Goose pages
A collection of nursery rhymes, with tips on how to share them with children of different ages.

Return to Children's Computer Fun 
Return to Links to Help Parents
Return to Internet Information Links

 

 

Contact us by sending  email to Oneida County Library with questions or comments about this web site or contact us by mail or phone at:
Oneida County Library
31 N. 100 W.
P.O. Box 185
Malad, ID  83252
Phone & Fax:
208/766-2229
 

Last modified: 01/02/08 Hit Counter