B-Dag

The Internet now touches almost every aspect of modern life. Even children’s education is jumping on the bandwagon, as proven by the fact that you are reading this article on a blog. However, the variability of the Internet means there are many sites that you wouldn’t want your young child exploring. The challenge lies in how to introduce them to this valuable resource while still keeping them safe. Enter the Children’s Educational Network.This software company is devoted to offering children a way to explore the world wide web in ways that are fun and interesting. To start with, parents and children should check out Club TUKI, a comprehensive online children’s community. You can access some of the games for free, but to get the full experience you should sign up for an affordable monthly membership of 9.97. There is also a yearly payment option of 97.00. (more…)

Audiobooks are a great way to either encourage reluctant readers or introduce a child to the magic of stories. When they’re done right, audiobooks bring a story to life through distinct characters and sound effects. They can also be used to teach reading skills by following along with the actual book. Here are some of the best choices for parents and children, as recommended by the Young Adult Library Services Association.Picture Books:

• Louise, the Adventures of a Chicken by Kate DiCamillo, read by Barbara Rosenblat: This story follows Louise, a French chicken with a nose for adventure. It’s worth it to get the actual book for Harry Bliss’s humorous pictures, but the audiobook includes exciting music and a wide range of voices by Rosenblat.
• I’m Dirty! by Kate & Jim McMullan, read by Steve Buscemi: Actor Steve Buscemi makes an entertaining children’s star as well in this story about a young backhoe loader. The audiobook will make you feel all the energy and hustle and bustle of a real construction site. (more…)