Website Review: Admongo

The ADMONGO.GOV website helps tweens learn about advertising so they can become more discerning consumers.

Sponsored by the Federal Trade Commission, the multimedia campaign teaches advertising literacy concepts through engaging interactive games.

After creating a login, students begin the experience by learning to navigate the gaming environment. They then work their way through a series of challenges. For students who prefer to skip the gaming aspect, an interactive text-version of the learning experience is also available.

The learning environment presents participants with a series of experiences where they learn to identify advertising and marketing messages. Then, tweens are asked to apply critical thinking skills to make informed consumer decisions.

Parent and teacher sections provide lesson places and teacher videos. Educational materials including lessons, worksheets, and family handouts are aligned with national standards. The materials can be downloaded or hard copies can be ordered for free. In addition, a help area and glossary are also available.

Librarians will find this website to be an engaging way to teacher consumer literacy skills.

To learn more, go to http://www.admongo.gov/.

Tech Review: Smokey Bear Website & App

The SMOKEY BEAR website and app provide information about how you can prevent wildfires.

Sponsored by the National Association of State Foresters, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Ad Council, the website is divided into four major sections.

The WILDFIRES! area provides information about wildfire prevention, wildfire science, and fighting wildfires. These short, fact-rich pages would be effective for informational reading experiences for children. Video clips and images add to the experience. Keep track of current wildfires with the real-time wildfire map. The website also encourages users to take the “Get Your Smokey On” pledge.

The SMOKEY’S JOURNEY section provides a timeline of Smokey’s history teaching people about reducing human-caused wildfires. Users can explore posters, memorabilia, radio and television segments from the 1940s through the 2010s.

In the SMOKEY KIDS area, youth can explore Smokey’s cabin to discover facts, activities, games, and other information.

The last section features TEACHING RESOURCES for grades K-2 and 6-8. Materials include downloadable, standards aligned lessons, mini-books, and activities. Additional links are provided for more ideas and resources.

To extend the experience, explore the social media elements at Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, and Instagram.

A Smokey Bear App is available for the mobile web, Android, and iOS. The app includes a campfire safety guide and social media links.

For more information, go to the website at http://smokeybear.com/.

Website Review: Weight Control Information Network

Many children and young adults make weight-control part of their New Year’s Resolution. It’s important to provide quality information so youth can make healthy decisions. Check out WIN (Weight-control Information Network) from the National Institute of Health at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/.

This government website focuses on “up-to-date, science-based information on weight control, obesity, physical activity, and related nutrition issues”. Explore resources specifically geared to youth.

Take Charge of Your Health: A Guide for Teenagers is an online booklet that discusses steps to becoming healthy including a healthy diet and exercise. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/take_charge.htm.

Charge Up! Is an online booklist focusing on healthy snacks and meals for teens. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/chargeUp.htm.

The Binge Eating Disorder online booklist provides information about the hazards and consequences of binge eating. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/binge.htm.

The Resources sections provides links to many more resources. Go to http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/resources/index.htm. You can also follow the project at Facebook.

Promote healthy habits through library bulletin boards, displays, and activities. Keep in mind that weight concerns can be a sensitive issue with children. Read Helping Your Overweight Child at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/over_child.htm for ideas. Check out an infographic on childhood obesity at http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/infographic/childhood_obesity.htm.

The WIN project will send up to 100 copies of their booklets FREE to distribute in your library. They would be great for classroom informational reading activities.

Website Review: Digital Literacy

DIGITALLITERACY.GOV is a U.S. government initiative providing resources to assist practitioners including librarians in delivering digital literacy training. This interagency project is intended for all age groups and stages of learning.

The “Find Educator Tools” area provides a quick way to search for resources by skill, topic, or keyword. The “Learn the Basics” section contains an overview of basic technology skills. The section on Child Online Protection links to dozens of quality, online resources on topics including cyberbullying, privacy, and other topics related to child safety. The “Learn Job Skills” provides practical resources related to finding a job, career exploration, creating a resume, and other valuable information.

To learn more, go to http://www.digitalliteracy.gov/

Website Review: Native American Heritage Month

The NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH website celebrates the culture and heritage of indigenous people throughout the month of November. This US Government website hosted by The Library of Congress includes a list of events held across the United States.

The About the Month page provides an overview of the history of the event.

The Exhibits & Collections page includes links to resources available at the Library of Congress, National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, and Smithsonian Institution.

The Images page links to notable contemporary and historical images. A Pinterest page is also available with photos.

The Audio/Video page connects to webcasts, musical recordings, and unique sound artifacts and stories.

The For Teachers page connects to lesson plans and instructional materials that could be used in conjunction with the month-long event.

This outstanding website is the perfect starting point for teacher librarians seeking library and classroom integration ideas for this special month.

To visit the website, go to http://nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/.