ALA ALSC Great Websites for Kids
ALA’s ALSC division has put together a reputable collection entitled Great Websites for Kids. This compilation is a useful place for kids to go to to find websites related to their interests.
FactMonster
FactMonster is an Information Please created resource that strives to be a comprehensive reference center for kids ages 8-14 through the provision of a database that includes an encyclopedia, an atlas, a dictionary, and multiple almanacs. In addition, FactMonster continues to expand and update its materials so as to be a dynamic reference that remains relevant and timely for its users. The site layout is clear including such helpful features as a reference desk, a search box, and daily and current features.
International Kids Space
International Kids Space of Kids, by Kids, for Kids is sponsored by the non-profit educational Kids-Space Foundation. Kids-Space aims to “demystify the Internet experience through clear organization” and to “engage child’s minds and curiosity, stimulating learning through self-discovery”. The main sections that foster these purposes are the Creative Activities, Communications Activities, and Guide and Learning (led by the Kids-Space guide bear).
- Internet Public Library Kidspace for Kids
The Internet Public Library Kidspace for Kids incorporates many resources for the inquisitive child (e.g., homework help, fun stuff, reference, learn HTML). It is well-organized so that kid’s will be able to utilize this site’s myriad resources with minimal frustration. - Internet Public Library Teenspace For Teens
The Internet Public Library Teenspace For Teens incorporates many resources for the inquisitive teen (e.g., homework help, graphic novels guide, FAEQ (Frequently Asked Embarrassing Questions), technology). Particularly useful in terms of research help is the Section A+Research and Writing which guides users through the steps of research paper with section called InfoSearch dedicated to teaching the basics of searching.
KidsClick! Web Search for Kids by Librarians
KidsClick! is just what its motto says—a web search created by librarians for kids. The idea behind the website is to provide guidance to young persons in using the Internet effectively. It also has a Worlds of Web searching page that leads young users through the process of performing an internet search in a interactive, visual way. KidsClick! was created by a group of teacher-librarians at the Ramapo Catskill Library System as a means of placing libraries as vanguards in aiding young users to age-appropriate, serviceable web sites.
KidsKonnect
KidsKonnect purports to be “a safe Internet guide for kids…created and maintained by educators.” The goal of the site is to enable kids to utilize curriculum-related information on the Internet by guiding them towards high-quality, reputable, content-rich websites.
TekMom Search Tools for Students
TekMom Search Tools for Students compiles a variety of search tools in one location making it a convenient resource to incorporate into the search step of the research process.
ThinkQuest
ThinkQuest is a construction geared to engender opportunities for students to think and learn together. Built on active learning principles, students work in teams to create the most informative websites.ThinkQuest’s competition is an excellent project-based learning example for students to participate in and for teachers to note and attempt to replicate and or encourage/participation in. Also noteworthy is the end product of the students projects are published on the Web in the ThinkQuest Library for other students to peruse and learn from as well as to galvanize ideas for future projects. The site encourages all students to “Start Thinking.”
4Kids.org
4Kids.org is “your link to the latest tecKNOWLEDGEy on the Web” and is a website devoted to providing newspaper articles regarding the latest Web technology offerings for kids. 4Kids.org also offers games and cool spots sections making the site a fun playground for developing information literacy skills.
Book
Armstrong, Thomas. You’re Smarter than You Think: A Kid’s Guide to Multiple Intelligences. Minneapolis: Free Spirit Press, 2002.
Thomas Armstrong encourages kids to explore the different ways they are smart by providing a cogent explanation of Gardner’s theory. Armstrong dedicates one chapter to each of his eight different intelligences—word, music, logic, picture, body, people, self, and nature. The kid-friendly design of his book incorporates the principles he is trying to relate by constructing the text to appeal to a variety of styles (e.g., aptitude quizzes, entertaining sidebars, trivia, anecdotes, suggestions for developing each kind of intelligence). Armstrong also has a website, which is largely commercial, but also contains a useful section dedicated to web links relating to the multiple intelligences.
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