Children and the World Wide Web

The Internet has become a widely used tool around the world these past few years. Many homes have more than one computer networked together with internet access. Some people have become so dependent on the ‘net that they would rather do a “google” search to find a local restaurant than use the Yellow Pages. With a simple click of the wrist and a mouse, you can find out what time your favorite movie is showing and even print out a map to get you there.

According to the Computer Industry Almanac, the number of worldwide Internet users topped one billion by the end of 2005. The United States was the leader with almost 198 million internet users, and according to the San Diego’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the number of children using the internet was over 77 million by the end of 2005. What is the significance of these facts and figures and how does it relate to us personally?

Basically this means that more children would rather “play” on the computer and surf the web than watch T.V. or play video games. These kids have instant access to the internet through home, classroom and the library. As parents, there are many things we need to consider when we think of our children using the computer and having access to virtually anything and everything out there on the internet. We want to keep them safe, but we want to encourage the unique opportunities that are afforded them by this ever-growing technology.

Fortunately many children’s book publishers have seen the need to bridge the gap between the written word and the world wide web by promoting a marriage of sorts between the two. One publisher, Usborne Books, based out of England and distributed here in America, has developed a cutting-edge series of 200 books that can be used with or without the computer that are completely Internet-Linked!

What is an internet-linked book?
An internet-linked book contains descriptions of websites that children can visit to take them further into the subject in a fun and informative way. They can access the recommended sites via links the Usborne Quicklinks website located at www.usborne-quicklinks.com .

What is Usborne Quicklinks?
Usborne Quicklinks save time by cutting out search engines, taking readers quickly to carefully researched, safe websites. This is an important factor for parents because it is too easy for a child to do a “Google” or “Yahoo” search and find links which may contain objectionable materials, completely inappropriate for them.

Where can Usborne Quicklinks.com take the reader?
With a simple click, readers have access to over 10,000 regularly reviewed websites, including a pronunciation guides (for foreign languages), a virtual keyboard, downloadable images, tunes to download and play along with, and lots of homework help for children.

Will the websites go out of date?
Some of the web sites change from time to time, so the recommended sites will be regularly reviewed by Usborne researchers, and the links in Usborne Quicklinks will be updated.

Must the reader have a computer to use this book?
It is not necessary to have a computer to enjoy these wonderful books! Each internet linked book stands alone as an outstanding reference book without using the Internet at all. The books contain easy-to-follow indexing and are filled with inviting colorful pictures. Each subject is covered in an “easy-to-use” manner using various learning styles for children of all ages from preschool through high-school.

Usborne Internet-Linked Books are Excellent Tools for Research
Using internet-linked books save time for teachers, parents & students! Each website is age appropriate and includes many links to games, videos, music, coloring sheets, tests, quizzes and other fun learning tools related to the subject matter. Usborne Internet Linked books are the perfect blend of printed text (books) and internet (links) and provide virtually endless opportunities for learning and exploration. There is no subscription charge to using Usborne Quicklinks, although some websites that you visit may charge a fee to subscribe to some of the other educational features listed on their site.

Each website has been hand-picked for children. The links for each page of the referenced book are targeted to the information on that page of the books, and unlike CD-ROMS, the information is always kept up to date. Academic areas include science, geography, history, math, art, music, foreign languages, and other high-interest topics!

Here are a few examples of websites that you can find at Usborne-Quicklinks.com. The name of the book and page number is listed, along with the link to the actual website. Have fun with your children exploring some of these exciting websites!

On page 14-15 of Whales & Dolphins, click on the link to find out how dolphins learn sign language.

http://www.dolphin-institute.org/resource_guide/kids/tdidream/page1.htm

On page 40 of Bugs, visit a site to find out just how yucky roaches can be!
http://yucky.kids.discovery.com/flash/roaches/

On page 44 in Drawing Cartoons, kids can follow the instructions and take a lesson in drawing in perspective. http://www.olejarz.com/arted/perspective/

On page 143 of the World Geography Encyclopedia, visit an unusual website and learn what it would be like to visit a virtual refugee camp.
http://www.refugeecamp.org/

On page 16-17 in Introduction to Music, kids can visit a site that explains about jazz composition and improvisation.
http://www.apassion4jazz.net/

On page 54-55, in First Encyclopedia of History, kids can take a journey on the Oregon Trail and see historic landmarks along the way. http://www.beavton.k12.or.us/greenway/leahy/ot/landmarks.htm

All Usborne Internet-Linked Books can be purchased from Treehouse Books and More, at 5393 Roosevelt Blvd., Jacksonville, FL

The "How and Why" of Non-Fiction Books

When you were a young child, do you remember bombarding your parents with the “how or why” questions of life? Were you curious to know where the water went as it flowed down the drain? Did you want to know how the light switch worked or how popcorn came from those little kernels of corn? I always had that sense of “wonder” when I was a child, yet there were so few good non-fiction books that could answer my questions. Thankfully, that did not hinder my inquisitive nature.

Many years ago my mom purchased this large one-volume encyclopedia for our family called “A Children’s Guide to Knowledge” and I remember reading it from cover to cover. Although it seems primitive in quality compared to the non-fiction books available today, it was the kind of book that would spark my interest in the “who, was, where” questions through out my life. (Note: Although I don’t have the original book that my mom gave me, a few years ago I found another copy of it at a garage sale.)

It was as if I was on a new and different journey each time I picked up that book. When I read about the Seven Wonders of the World, I would be a world traveler. I did get to travel to Europe years ago and will go again someday, bringing my children with me so we can discover some of those “wonders” together. I learned about all the varieties of chickens, cats and dogs and knew I had to be a farmer. I don’t live on a farm, but we own two dogs, one cat and 25 chickens who give us fresh eggs every day. I learned about gardening and flowers and planned to be a master gardener someday. I still love plants and flowers, but the only gardening I have time for now is the weeding, fertilizing and nurturing the minds of my children. Thankfully my passion for books today was fueled when my “how and why” questions were answered by reading books like that encyclopedia. It was merely a spring board for the exciting journeys yet to come.

Most children love a good story, a rousing adventure and a happy ending. I still love to read stories and picture books to my children. Yet I have noticed that many young children, including my own, tend to gravitate towards non-fiction books, just as I did. This made me wonder “why” and how come” and led me to several interesting conclusions.

Children are reality-based in their thinking and are naturally curious about their world. Once they begin to reason in more abstract ways (around the age of 3 or 4), they want to understand more about how things work. Unfortunately, some parents feel intimidated about answering those questions and often they go unanswered because parents do not know which criteria to use when selecting non-fiction for their children.

Fortunately, children’s book publishers have been producing better non-fiction books in response to all these “how and why” questions. One publisher, Usborne Books, has been on the cutting edge of developing excellent quality non-fiction books for over twenty years. Another similar publisher is DK Books. These are the kinds of books which appeal to children of all ages because they have been especially designed to encourage children to want to read.

Several components make a non-fiction book exceptional. Bite-size pieces of text which relate to the pictures on the page will help your child assimilate the information so he will remember the facts. Similarly, having a high picture to text ratio will engage the child’s mind, keeping him focused on what’s being read. Having the information presented in a two-page spread will often help the inquisitive child stay on task. Sometimes children will become overwhelmed and bored with reading if a book is cluttered with too many facts on a page or has extensive text and not enough pictures.

Non-fiction books are also critical to young readers because they provide the perfect segue into independent reading. Young children will often enjoy “reading” a book by just pouring over the pictures. Then as they begin to read on their own, they will go back to that same book with renewed excitement because they can actually read it! Be prepared--there may be times when your child will tell you more obscure facts about a topic than you’ll ever want to know. But that will be a defining moment for your child as you see the lights go on and stay on, and nothing will be able to hold him back!

It’s also encouraging to see that more schools are choosing “content-rich” non-fiction books for the reluctant reader because educators have found that students will read more when the books are filled with information that they’re interested in. The learning process for you and your family is an ongoing continuum, and you will find that best part about reading non-fiction books with your child is that you may discover together the answers to some of the questions you had when YOU were young.

Treehouse Books & More - Quality Children's Books - Jacksonville, Florida

Reading Aloud to Your Children

Many parents know the sheer delight of reading a fun new book with their child. Squeals of delight fill the air as mom reads another hilarious Shel Silverstein poem complete with silly voices and funny faces. It’s remarkable to see how this simple act of reading everyday with a child can inevitably create a life-long reader.

There may be a few parents who may feel awkward with the “read aloud” process and even wonder why so many educators make such a big deal about reading out loud with children on a regular basis. If you have a child who loves to read, he or she is probably reading good quality books. If you are reading aloud to them, they are hearing well-written words and seeing proper sentence structure. If you have them read out loud to you, they are learning to speak proper grammar. Subsequently, they will become better spellers, writers, even better listeners, often reading well above their grade level.

It may be as simple as reading Goodnight Moon each night to your two year old with their bed-time routine. Or it may be a bit more intricate as you devour suspenseful, page-turner chapter books with your third grader. If you invest fifteen minutes each night with your child, you will soon discover the amazing benefits and positive effects it can have on you both. Caution: cuddling up with your child and a good book can sometimes help wash away the worries of the world.

What about older children who may not enjoy reading? Is it important to read aloud to them? I have to say most assuredly--YES!! For the older child, it is critical to find topics of interest to them so they will be more inclined to read with you. Look for collections of shorter stories of adventure or intrigue. Many teens like the popular fantasy genre or novels about sports. You may also be surprised to find that these “reading” moments may open doors for your child to discuss with you other matters on their heart.

Another alternative is to listen to books on tape. We have a series of CD’s in our bookstore by Jim Weiss, a professional storyteller, who reads abridged versions of classics such as Tom Sawyer, Treasure Island and King Arthur. It’s amazing how this man uses his voice for the various characters in each story to bring it to life! This imagination-building activity engages the child’s mind, while enhancing their vocabulary and listening skills. (If you come to our store and mention this blog, we will give you 15% off the purchase of any Jim Weiss CD!)

Where and when do you read aloud to your child? Anytime we go anywhere, we always bring a tote-bag full of books, paper, crayons and pencils. We’ve learned to seize those unplanned moments when we’re stuck in traffic or waiting in a doctor's office. The "where" we read is not as important as the fact that we do read—TOGETHER and often!

It is great for children to have structure and routine, and ideally it is good to read to them every day. Sometimes we need to stop what we’re doing when our child begs, "read to me please," and do it. Other days, it’s enough to get them bathed and in bed at a decent hour. Be flexible and have fun, but be careful that it doesn’t become a tedious ritual. You may wish to vary “how” you read with your child. Have him read one page and you read the next. Or have him draw a picture or doodle quietly while you read the story. Or sometimes have an older sibling read to a younger sibling.

So where do we get started? There are a couple of books which may help parents make good reading selections for their children. The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease is a treasured choice that I would highly recommend. This book unequivocally extols the benefits of reading regularly with your child. Jim Trelease also includes an extensive selection of suggested books that parents may wish to acquire for their personal library.

Valerie & Walter's Best Books for Children. Valerie Lewis is a children's bookstore owner in California and Walter Mayes is their resident storyteller. Both are experts in the field of children's books, and as a new bookstore owner, this has been an invaluable tool in helping me choose quality books for our store. They review over 2,000 titles which are categorized according to title and author, as well as age, interests, and reading levels.

I hope parents who are already reading regularly to their children will continue to do so. And for those who haven’t developed this wonderful habit, why not pick up a well-loved book tonight, snuggle up close with your child, tousle their hair and begin with those famous words, "Once upon a time. . .”


To order any of the above books, please visit our website: Treehouse Books and More