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KidDesktop is a kid friendly Windows desktop alternative providing a safe PC learning experience without allowing access to inappropriate files, programs, or Internet content. This blog provides information parents and teachers can use to help children get the most out of their computer experience, including updated information about KidDesktop and reviews of kids’ websites and kid friendly YouTube videos.
March 2nd marked Dr Seuss’ birthday, and the National Education Association’s annual Read Across America Day. To celebrate, schools across the country sponsored programs encouraging reading. Our local middle school did a great production of Seussical the Musical, which our whole family attended. The 6-year-old had seen a taste of the show at his elementary school earlier in the week, and the 4–year-old loves the “Horton” books; they both thought it was great. But Dan and I also enjoyed the show. Who wouldn’t? For more than 50 years both kids and adults have adored Dr. Seuss!
Naturally, this all got me wondering about online Dr. Seuss resources for my own little, silly-rhyming enthusiasts. My first stop was Seussville, an inclusive site with click-and-play computer games, as well as a biography and a catalog of Dr. Seuss books, music, clothes and other items. Kids who are not yet reading will need a grown-up to walk them through the games the first time, but afterwards they should be able to manage by themselves. Reading kids will enjoy making their own Horton-based storybook with the Storybook Maker.
On the YouTube front, there are many great Dr. Seuss videos from which to choose. The Zax is an amusing example of what happens when two people refuse to compromise. (Parents of small children, does this sound at all familiar?) The Cat in the Hat is an oldie but goodie, basically guaranteed to please. The Sneetches Part I and Part II are pretty long — Part I is 6 1/2 minues and Part II is 5 1/2 minutes — but kids with a longer attention span will enjoy the classic animation and music, while maybe even learning not to discriminate against others.
There are also YouTube videos from different presentations of Seussical the Musical. None, alas, from our local middle school. But Monkey Around has been taped by several productions and usually features some fancy footwork and fun music; this version is one of my favorites. Solla Sollew, where Horton sings about a place where everything is alright, is a bit more mellow, but quite cute. Biggest Blame Fool (in the Jungle of Nool) is more upbeat and fun, as is Amazing Mayzie (which is also under two minutes).
Check out these great Dr. Seuss resources, and don’t forget to read the books to your kids, too!
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