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Vol. 4: This Issue
Dr. Dave's Family Favorites
Picture this: a wide-eyed four-year-old nestled on the
lap of a caring adult reading a book that appeals to the
child's sense of curiosity and imagination.
The Institute recognizes the vital role of books and reading
for kids and is working to help parents introduce books
to their children.
Target Stores, in partnership with the Institute, is launching
a children's book program in January (1999) called Dr.
Dave's Family Favorites. Guests at Target Stores will
find a selection of books that have been reviewed by the
Institute and are recommended for children. Each group of
picks will have a theme, will be directed at children age
1 to 18, will promote diversity and encourage children to
read.
Why encourage kids to read?
- Children reading sets the stage for lifelong interest
in books.
- Books expose children to creativity, imagination, emotions
and the stories of people around the world.
- Early introduction to books and being read to frequently
by adults helps secure a child's success in school.
Video games: Rating system works
if used
Video games are the latest medium to get a ratings system.
However, ratings are only helpful if they are used.
"The weakness of the ratings," says David Walsh,
Ph.D., National Institute on Media and the Family executive
director, "is that they are not enforced at video game
stores."
The rating system is a good one, Dr. Walsh says, but enforcement
is the issue. He and the staff at the Institute are
developing a set of initiatives to strengthen the system,
the focus of which is a Video Game Report Card.
The Report Card will survey retail/rental stores and arcades
to evaluate the use of ratings, assess access and content
of on-line and down-loadable games, talk with parents to
track viewing habits and evaluate filtering software.
Look for the Report Card in the news and on our Web site.
At last, MediaWise!
A Resource Kit for the Media Age
 What
can we do about the powerful influence of media on our children's
lives?
The new MediaWise tool kit
provides some answersfor parents. Available now, MediaWise
will teach families why and how to be "mediawise."
What's in the kit?
- Leader's Guide
- Participant Workbook
- MediaQuotient®:
a computerized personal media report
- Education Videos
- Handouts
- Activities
- Action Plans
MediaWise is designed for educators
and trainers who lead parent or professional education programs
in schools, work sites, clinics, religious organizations
and other community forms. Development of MediaWise
is supported by Target Stores' Take Charge of Education
program. The kit will be available for $249.95. Call the
Institute for more information at 1-888-672-5437, or visit
our MediaWise web page.
Curriculum debuts at first
Tobacco Summit
Teachers and students from across Minnesota attended the
nation's premier Tobacco and the Media Summit in September
(1998). Sponsored by the National Institute on Media and
the Family and the Minnesota Office of the Attorney General,
the Summit addressed how tobacco is promoted by the tobacco
industry and how kids can be media smart.
Attendees were introduced to the Institute's new curriculum,
Smoke and Mirrors®: Media Literacy & Tobacco, for
5th to 8th graders. The curriculum is packed with interactive
lessons, powerful teaching tools and compelling information,
including facts from Minnesota's landmark legal case with
the tobacco industry.
Concerned about how media
violence and disrespect affects your family?
What: Support
the important work of the National Institute on Media and
the Family.
Why: Kids
need your help. The Institute is a nonprofit organization.
Your gift helps us help parents and educators help children.
How: Send
your tax-deductable gift to:
National Institute on Media and
the Family
Riverside Professional Building
606 24th Ave. South, Suite 606
Minneapolis, MN 55454-1438
Who: YOU
can make a difference for our children.
Also: How
you can help.
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