Cyberbullying is becoming a big problem, especially among teens. Learn what cyberbullying is and how to protect your kids.
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Boo! It's October and it's time to start making your Halloween plans, especially if you'd like to do some of your shopping online. Since kids are really the last people you want to have helping you choose Halloween candy, I've put together a list of fun Halloween candy choices (and some non-candy ideas as well) for busy parents who don't have time to shop.
Enjoy! And try to leave some of the candy for the kids...
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Do you remember those books that came with either a tape or a 45 record (depending on how old you are) that read aloud to you and beeped to tell you when to turn the page? I loved those when I was little. They gave me some independence when I was still too young to read myself, and they were fun even as I got older. When I got the chance to preview Disney Digital Books online, that's all I could think of: take those read-along books, add in some Disney magic and brand new technology and you've got something fun and educational.
Disney has launched what is, in essence, a web-based e-reader for kids. This growing library of more than 500 Disney titles is available via subscription service. In addition to being able to read books alone or with a parent, kids can listen to some of the collection a la the read along books of my youth, and even creatively manipulate some others by adding pictures and words.
At first glance, you may think that this service is most appropriate for the preschool and Kindergarten set who love Playhouse Disney and the classics. In fact, the Disney Digital Books collection has a wide range of titles including more sophisticated chapter books appropriate for the middle school crowd who love the drama of Hannah Montana and the adventure of Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.
"It is imperative that we, as a publisher, promote reading in every medium where our readers are and to expand the ways in which we deliver meaningful reading experiences to children," said Jeanne Mosure, Senior Vice President, Group Publisher, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "Disney Digital Books furthers our core mission of getting kids to read more as it combines the stories and characters kids love with the most innovative technology and features. Our hope is to provide families with new and exciting reading experiences while reaching those reluctant readers as well."
Additional features on the site include a point-based reward system, a customizable virtual room, quizzes and a built-in dictionary. This is not your parents' read-along book collection. (I should add that the site has just launched and there a few kinks they're working out.)
Subscription costs are $79.95 for an annual subscription or $8.95 per month. The rate includes a parent account and accounts for up to three children in your household. Gift subscriptions are also available.
If you're interested in learning more about Disney Digital Books, I invite you to do the following:
As the Internet grows in importance as a reporting and communications tool, some members of our community are being left out. I typically have my computer sound muted, so I am acutely aware of when sound is required for watching a movie, TV show or news clip. More and more often there are video news segments online without an accompanying article. Without closed captioning for online content, people who are deaf or hard of hearing are denied access to information, as well as entertainment, online.
The Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 (H.R. 3101) was introduced by Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) in June, 2009. It is designed to ensure that people with disabilities (including those with visual impairments) have access to adaptive technologies, such as closed captioning and video description, while viewing Internet-based video content. The legislation calls for the allocation of funds and resources, as well as a revision of requirements for the design of video devices and programming. It is aimed at professional content - user-generated content would not be impacted by the new regulations.
Please take a moment to read a short summary of the bill. If you're interested in learning more or getting involved, you can visit the Caption Action 2 blog or the Facebook cause page.
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Unofficially started in 1995 during racquetball game by John Baur and Mark Summers and "launched" with more fanfare in 2002 by Dave Barry, Talk Like a Pirate Day occurs every September 19. How do you celebrate? By talking like a pirate, of course. Oh, and I have a few other ways to make today extra special:
1. Change your Facebook language to English (Pirate).
2. Enjoy a virtual Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disney World.
4. Make a Captain Pirate Costume.
5. Enjoy a Pirate-Themed Meal.
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