Girls Go Games

Girls Go Games

www.girlsgogames.com

About

Girls Go Games is produced by the multi-national company SPIL GAMES. SPIL GAMES provides online games through more than 50 game portals localized in 20 languages worldwide. Since 2004, they've provided online game portals targeted to specific segments including Family, Tweens and Girls. Each portal is fully localized in every territory, including game content, language and domain. 

Review
The Girls Go Games portal is specifically designed for girls. Activities include adventure games, animal games, dress up games, celebrity games, make up games, doll games, painting games, princess games and much more. I was introduced to this site by my middle school students. The girls love it. The boys want to play it, but won't because it's pink! There is an incredible amount of kid safe and friendly games on this site.


Genre: Digital Media - Games
Warnings: May be addictive
Advertisements: Yes
Target Audience: Tween Girls


I love this site because it is free and safe internet games specifically for girls.

Scholastic.com

The Stacks - Scholastic.com

http://www.scholastic.com/kids/stacks/index.asp

Scholastic is a global publishing, education and media company. Their stated corporate mission is to help children around the world to read and learn. Founded in 1920, Scholastic has over $2 billion in revenues. Scholastic distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and Scholastic.com.

The Stacks has tabs for Books & Authors, Games, Blogs, Videos and Opinions. There are book previews arranged by genre, book reviews in the blog section, live chats with authors, interviews with authors, message boards and games. This is an excellent site for tweens who like to read and share their opinions about books. Kids can keep abreast of new releases from Scholastic and read about and chat with their favorite authors.

Genre: Digital Media - Website
Target Audience: Tweens
Warnings: None
Advertisements: Yes

This website is included because it is a great site for kids who like to read.

Kid's Planet.org

Kids Planet

http://kidsplanet.org/

Kids Planet is produced by the organization Defenders of Wildlife based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1947, Defenders of Wildlife is one of the country's leaders in science-based, results-oriented wildlife conservation. They are committed to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them. Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

Kids Planet has a link to a list of endangered species by continent. There are links which lead one to a factsheet about that animal, including photos and video. There are pages titled Cool Stuff (which includes coloring pages and ideas for advocacy), Teacher resource pages, Games and more. This site was given a Great Website Award by the American Library Association Services to Children.


Genre: Digital Media - Website
Target Audience: 8 to 13
Warnings: None
Advertisements: No

This site is of high interest as it is focused on endangered animal species. It teaches advocacy which is an important lesson for tweens to learn.

National Geographic Online

National Geographic and National Geographic for Kids Online
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/

About
The National Geographic Society is headquartered in Washington, D.C. It has been in existence since 1888. Its mission is "to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge while promoting the conservation of the world’s cultural, historical, and natural resources."

Review
National Geographic and National Geographic for Kids online provides information on a variety of subjects including geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation, and the study of world culture and history. There are videos, photos, articles, games, activities and a page devoted to education. Nat Geo online is informative and educational. It is attractive and easy to navigate. This is a fun site for kids.

Genre: Digital Media - Website
Warnings: None
Advertisements: For National Geographic Products
Target Audience: Age 10 - Adult

National Geographic online is included because it is a beautiful, informative site from a trusted source.

Discovery Kids

Discovery Kids Online

http://www.discoverykids.com/

About
Discovery Kids is produced by Discovery Communications LLC. Discovery Communications is the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries.  Discovery claims to empower people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater. It also produces consumer and educational products and services. It is a publicly traded company.

Review
Discovery Kids is a graphically pleasing website. It features videos about science, places and animals. It features educational games, puzzles and quizzes. One is warned when leaving the main page that advertisements from Discovery's  sponsors will be displayed on other pages. This site features many fun and educational games for young tweens.

Genre: Digital Media - Website
Warnings: None
Advertisements: Yes
Target Audience: 9 to 14

This website is included because of the really fun educational games.