Have storytime without leaving the couch
As some of you may already know, Barnes & Noble stores host free children’s storytimes on weekend mornings. (Click here to see a schedule for Oklahoma City stores.)
But did you know that they also offer the storytime experience online?
With Online Storytime, children can hear their favorite books read aloud by authors and even celebrities. This month, author Judith Viorst reads her story “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”
Just go to http://www.barnesandnoble.com/storytime/index.asp to have storytime in the comfort of your own home.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
On Facebook? Then ‘like’ this.
If you’re on Facebook as much as many moms I know, take advantage of a resource a friend of mine recently introduced me to. It’s called Freebies 4 Mom.
I’ve been following the site for about 4 days now, and already have seen great deals. Free photo books, food samples, free Coke, and many other discounted and free offers.
If you use Facebook, just search for Freebies 4 Mom or go to http://www.facebook.com/Freebies4Mom. You’ll see the deals updated in your news feed throughout the day.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
Catch up on all things kids on NewsOK.com
Here’s a roundup of some interesting stories that recently have appeared in The Oklahoman and on NewsOK.com:
The Edmond Children’s Safety Village is hosting a three-day challenge next week for kids. Click here.
The Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Edmond has a really cool summer sports camp for kids. Click here.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre is coming to town to audition children for roles in “The Wizard of Oz.” Click here.
First-graders from Central Elementary School in Guthrie share their own recipes. Click here.
Our outdoor blog writer has written about the youngest person to climb Mt. Everest and why that record may stand indefinitely. Click here. He has also written about how young people are seeking adventures, but sometimes at a big cost. Click here.
Oklahoma City University to host a youth basketball camp, to teach life skills on and off the court. Click here.
Oklahoma’s oldest practicing pediatric dentist retires. Click here.
A photographer is combing the state, looking for children to photograph for a new coffee table book. Click here.
Happy reading!
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
To post or not post pics on the Web?
Are you one to share pictures of your children online or do you shy away from posting photos on the Web?
Recently, The New York Times had an article about the surge in sharing kids’ photos online. Many parents use sites such as Flickr, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and other social networking sites to share countless moments of their kiddos – whether they’re in a Halloween costume, at Grandma’s house or (gasp!) playing in the tub. But in some cases, photos have ended up used in ways not intended by the parent.
Some examples include photos of baby being passed off as someone else’s who is faking a pregnancy; use of children’s head shots on profiles on a social networking site in Brazil, even getting “sexy” ratings. And of course, parents are concerned about pedophiles singling out their children and in turn finding out where they live.
But some parents say this is the age of the Internet. No longer are moms and dads sending pictures of their children through the mail to the grandparents in another state. These days, grandma and grandpa are hooked to the Web to see instant pictures.
So is it exploitation or unsafe to post pictures? Or are the fears irrational and this is just how the 21st century is? It’s a decision only parents can make. But if you do post pics, be sure to use password-protected Web sites and always check your privacy settings on these sites.
And when given the choice of “Share with the world” or “Private” … don’t always go with what the site “recommends.” Go with your gut instinct instead.
-Erica Smith
esmith@opubco.com
