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A Walk in the Woods (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/woods)

common sense media says

A perfect first step to exploring the great outdoors.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this low-tech site is designed to engage young children (and even some older ones) in the beauty and fun of nature. Specially targeted to newbie explorers, this site covers all the basic safety and ecology rules (leave only footprints, take only pictures) while giving a comprehensive glimpse at a slew of common forest residents, from fungus to rodents. Parents should find the teacher guides useful for tailoring activities to aspiring naturalists, while enjoying the sound advice that reminds kids to stay away from poison ivy and stinging bugs, among other things.

Educational value: Kids can learn essential outdoor safety tips, such as making sure to hike with a group and carry insect repellent, as well as the specifics on various woodland residents in colorful mini e-books.
Positive messages: The website promotes the benefits of spending time around nature as well as responsible stewardship of the forest. Offering tips about polite hiking etiquette and proper treatment of natural lands, the site imparts advice without being preachy.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: The only information collected is for the Timber Talk feature that lets visitors post stories. Here visitors provide their city and state of residence.  
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on A Walk in the Woods

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about nature and ecology. What things can you do to help the environment and preserve open spaces. How do things like conserving resources and recycling help forests?

  • What are some rules of hiking? How can you protect yourself? How should you behave so that you stay safe and let others enjoy the quiet of a park as well? Are there some common rules that apply to both safety in the outdoors and safety online?

  • Families can talk about how fun a walk in the woods can be. How is going outside and exploring nature different than surfing the internet or playing a video game? What can you do to balance out your indoor electronic time with outdoor exercise?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The beauty of A WALK IN THE WOODS lies in its simplicity. Like a babbling stream or a butterfly silently resting on a flower, this site celebrates all the little wonders of nature. That's no small feat in the digital era, where things need to be immediate and high energy. You won't find a massive chat room here with animated cartoon creatures or the chance to make your pet a virtual penthouse. And that's just fine! Instead, kids can get an introduction to all the cool plants and animals that are easily detected on a simple stroll through the real woods. Through the use of up-close pictures, videos, and soothing narration, this site equips kids with the knowledge to get them ready to grab a backpack and a buddy and explore the natural world around them.

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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