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IN THIS ISSUE
1. Letter from the President
Letter from the Editor
Readers’ Comments
2. New Endorsements
3. Media News
4. Family and Parenting News
5. Something For Everyone by Christine L. Pollock
6. Is Mel’s Passion Four Kids? by Ranny Levy
8. Member News
* Permission to forward or reprint the content herein is granted with
complete attribution
Welcome to KIDS FIRST!® NEWS. All articles are by Coalition for
Quality Children's Media unless otherwise noted.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"Curiosity is one of the permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous
mind." Samuel Johnson
Dear Readers,
March came in like a lion in Santa Fe, with snowstorms almost every day. I hope
this means that we will go out like a lamb because we, like most of you, have
had a long cold winter. Even with that, our KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festivals
have been going fabulously and I thank everyone who’s written us about
their experiences. We listen to you, your suggestions for improvements, and
your kind comments about what you liked. Believe me, we are dedicated to making
this a positive, mind-enhancing event for everyone.
OK, all you last-minute producers, remember that March 15 is our early deadline
for our fall KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festivals. In order for your title to
be considered, you need to submit it for evaluation and endorsement by our juries.
Our festival has added a year-round component with children's museums and related
institutions so, even if your title isn't selected for the full festival, it
may be included in the KIDS FIRST! Film Club at these museums. Also new this
year is offering those museums the possibility of selling these titles in their
gift shops. For an application form, please go to http://www.cqcm.org/kidsfirst/html/submit.htm
Thanks to everyone who sent in their submissions in January for our summer
festivals. We'll be selecting titles for our June, July, and August festivals
and film clubs this month.
Best,
Ranny Levy
Founder and President
Coalition for Quality Children's Media
KIDS FIRST! Film and Video Festival
Dear Friends,
I am amazed at how this month has flown by-even with the extra day in February.
This morning as I walked with my children, we noticed the seasons warring with
each other. My boys and I waded through snow and mud in the pouring rain and
behind us the sun was fighting to come out. Soon we’ll be finding our pots
of gold at the end of the rainbows as we count the days until spring.
This month we have some exciting news from a couple of the members of KIDS
FIRST!. We are also getting very positive feedback on the film clubs.
I would like to send a warm thank you for your kind notes after my first newsletter.
You are a very welcoming group of readers.
Have a wonderful month!
Christine Pollock, Editor
NEW ENDORSEMENTS
*****************************************************
Video/DVD- Ages 0-2
** BABY EINSTEIN: NUMBERS NURSERY. The perfect introduction to the numbers one
through five for one-year-olds and up. This playful and interactive exploration
of numbers uses brightly colored toys, common shapes and everyday objects to
show what numbers mean. Adult Juror Comments: Heartily recommended. It's fun
to watch, educational and offers a number of opportunities for caregivers, parents
and grandparents to help young ones learn to count. You could watch this innumerable
times and still find things to discuss with your toddler Kid Juror Comments:
Very engaging for the one- to two-year-olds. Captured their attention. Some
repeated the words, capped their hands, and danced around. When given the same
type of toys they saw in the video, they imitated what they watched. Offers
good stopping points. VideoDVD. 30 min.; $19.99; Age: 0-2. BUENA VISTA HOME
ENTERTAINMENT/DISNEY.
** BABY WONDERS: WONDERS ON THE FARM. A costume adventure where fifteen toddlers
introduce animals, fruits and vegetables from the farm. Features classical and
contemporary melodies performed by world-class musicians. Explores new vocabulary
and farm experiences. Adult Juror Comments: Simple production, bright colors
featuring babies, animals, and flowers. Good cinematography, uncluttered. Units
short enough for infant attention span. Inspires an active imagination. Kid
Juror Comments: Younger kids were less attentive but pointed at the animals.
Older kids reacted when they saw something they liked. One boy wanted a tracker.
One girl wanted to be a flower. They repeated the names of the animals. One
child found the animals scary. DVD. 30 min.; $14.95; Age: 0-3. J.A.M. PRODUCTIONS
INC.
** BABY LOONEY TUNES: MUSICAL ADVENTURES. Features puppets, Baby Bugs and friends,
experimenting with sounds and playing musical instruments. Introduces a wide
variety of classical music. Adult Juror Comments: Easy, simple structure. Offers
a pleasant introduction to musical instruments with lots of opportunities to
interact with your child. Demonstrates major instruments and the sounds each
one makes. Kid Juror Comments: Difficult to understand the characters. Younger
children could not follow the speech but it was largely unnecessary as long
as an adult interacts with the child. Video. 36 min.; $14.95; Age: 1-3. CHILD
SMART.
Video/DVD-Ages 2-5
* BRAD'S BUCKETLOADER BIRTHDAY Brad shares a great birthday party event with
his friends: they get to "help" demolish and repair a driveway with
real equipment and a real crew. Watch as Brad's crew learn the importance of
sharing and the value of teamwork. Adult Juror Comments: Popular topic at a
slow pace. Easy language; pop-up words for emerging readers. Good manners and
generational mix. Home-video feel. Kids appear to operate equipment; hard hats
not always worn. "Kids shouldn't be encouraged to play around heavy equipment."
Kid Juror Comments: Watched intently at first. "I like the gears and the
big load part." "I like the big rocks." Didn't consistently hold
their interest. "It's not too bad, but it's not too good." One boy
went to find a tractor to ride. "I want to ride it like those kids."
DVD. 35 min.; $14.99; Age: 2-5. BUILDER'S EYE PRODUCTION CO. INC.
* BRAINY BABY - ART (EXPLORING THE WORLD OF ART.) Teaches the fundamentals
of art introducing color, texture and mediums, finger painting, sculpture, and
classic art, combined with great music and lots of kids. Adult Juror Comments:
Attractive but too many topics are presented too briefly. Vocabulary and content
are not in sync with one another. Content is appropriate for 2-year-olds; vocabulary
is geared to 4-year-olds. Expects too much of younger kids are not enough for
older ones. Kid Juror Comments: Younger viewers had trouble staying focused.
Older kids talked about warm colors and pointed out colors that they were wearing.
Most wanted to do some art afterwards. "There are lots of cool pictures."
"Fun to watch, but not the whole thing at once." Video. 45 min.; $15.95;
Age: 2-5. THE BRAINY BABY COMPANY.
*** BROTHER BEAR SING ALONG SONGS - Sing, dance and play along with your favorite
Disney songs from 101 Dalmatians, Peter Pan, Hercules, Treasure Planet, Brother
Bear, and more. Introduces dance steps, gives the lyrics to the songs, and invites
kids to sing karaoke-style. Adult Juror Comments: A full platter of musical
fun. An enjoyable showcase of songs from some of Disney's best kids' titles.
Dance sequences are enjoyable to watch and to try. The steps are simple and
easy to follow. Truly interactive. Good role models and messages. Kid Juror
Comments: Enjoyable. Kids sang along and called out the beasties names they
knew. Older ones were familiar with all the movies in the clips. One five-year-old
loved that he could play the games. "Makes us want to see the movies that
we hadn't already seen." DVD. 44 min.; $24.99; Age: 2-8. BUENA VISTA HOME
ENTERTAINMENT/DISNEY.
** HARRY THE DIRTY DOG…AND MORE TERRIFIC TALES - Running from dreaded
bath time, Harry the mutt gets caked in mud. But the question is, will his family
recognize him in this Gene Zion's classic, which headlines this special collection
of doggie tails. Adult Juror Comments: Fine family viewing. Interesting mix
of video with still photography and different kinds of artwork and illustrations.
Unique way to teach safety rules. Especially good for animal lovers. "A
great DVD to show kids about art and different mediums." Kid Juror Comments:
Liked all the animals. "I like the dogs and ducks. Gloria the dog did funny
tricks." "The dog was nice to the policeman and the ducks were angry."
"I LOVED the policeman story." Tended to lose interest after first
two stories. "I want to get a dog." DVD. 60 min.; $14.95; Age: 2-5.
NEW VIDEO GROUP, INC. Video/DVD-Ages 5-8
*** BARBIE OF SWAN LAKE Barbie magically comes to life in her third animated
movie based on the brilliant music of Tchaikovsky and the beloved Swan Lake
fairy tale. Adult Juror Comments: Excellent production that appeals to both
adults and children. Provides a glimpse of a treasured ballet in a way that
kids can understand and appreciate. Technically proficient. Well written, fast
paced. Twist on an old story about love and challenges. Kid Juror Comments:
Girls were mesmerized. "It was beautiful. I loved the costumes and the
music." They also loved the unicorn. "We love Barbie and the prince."
They liked the struggles between the good and bad characters. "We learned
about people who are greedy and unkind. DVD. 83 min.; $19.98; Age: 5-8. ARTISAN
ENTERTAINMENT.
*** A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A GARBAGE TRUCK. Offers quality entertainment that
engages, informs and inspires. Wink and Blink teach kids about garbage trucks,
recycling and the environment with innovative graphics and fun music. Adult
Juror Comments: Very tastefully done. Through the characters from the Land of
Imagination, the kids follow the life of a garbage truck. Clever presentation
which encourages the children to protect the environment. Safety is stressed.
Offers a positive view of the future. Kid Juror Comments: Enjoyable, especially
by the boys. They liked learning about trucks - how to build one fascinated
them. Some thought the puppets were weird. "I liked seeing the real trucks
and the real places they worked." VideoDVD. 30 min.; $12.95; Age: 5-8.
LAUREL HILL ENTERTAINMENT.
** HOT WHEELS: WORLD RACE Buckle up and hold on tight as the supercharged world
of Hot Wheels racing explodes onto the screen in the first ever, full length
movie. Adult Juror Comments: Very intense sound and action. Strong personalities
that are not well mannered but redeem themselves in the end. Good story, long
for this age. Good CGI animation. Woman driver is in trouble more than the others
and sometimes whiney. Kid Juror Comments: Enjoyed the animation and the fast
pace. It was too long for most kids - it's almost two hours. DVD. 110 min.;
$19.98; Age: 5-8. ARTISAN ENTERTAINMENT
** INFANTASTIC LULLABYES ON VIDEO VOLUME 2. Interactive, featuring colorful
animation and beautifully orchestrated nursery songs. A musical picture book
for baby and parents to share. Enchanting shapes, colors and familiar objects
to help baby develop language skills and prepare your child to read. Adult Juror
Comments: Beautiful animation, excellent music. A series of classic tunes with
abstract illustrations. Using the abstract illustrations assumes the viewer
already is familiar with what they represent making this most appropriate for
five to eights. DVD. 55 min.; $19.98; Age: 5-8. V.I.E.W. VIDEO.
Video/DVD/Book-Ages 8-12
*** A LUCKY DOG: OWNEY. A historical journey to warm the hearts of all dog-lovers,
child or adult. Who among us was aware of this real life story about Owney,
Mascot of U.S. Rail Mail Service in the 1890s? What dog could have traveled
alone all over the United States rail system Adult Juror Comments: Ms. Kenna¹s
wonderful illustrations lovingly illustrate the text and offer a glimpse of
life at the turn of the century from inside the post office where Owney lived
for nine years, to mail wagons and mail cars. Kid Juror Comments: Here's a story
that could have disappeared like milk bottles and horse-drawn carriages - filled
with values of good, old-fashioned human kindness. Book. Age: 6-12. MADE TO
ORDER PRODUCTIONS/RAINBOW.
* CARTOON CRACK-UPS The only place you can find seven great Hanna-Barbera cartoons
together in the same new video. Includes Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones,
Yogi Bear, and more! Adult Juror Comments: Typical silly cartoon entertainment.
Good production quality, rich colors and recognizable characters. Content is
not new nor presented with positive conflict resolution. Characters use deception
and trickery. "One character hits another with a plunger." Kid Juror
Comments: Very amused. "The characters were silly and funny to watch."
"They played tricks on each other." "They weren't nice to each
other, all of the time." "We learned what we should NOT do to others."
"We liked all the different stories and characters." DVD. 116 min.;
$14.98; Age: 7-12. WARNER HOME VIDEO.
** SCOOBY-DOO'S SPOOKIEST TALES. Zoinks! Get ready to shake and shiver with
Scooby-Doo and the Mystery, Inc. gang as they collect clues and capture crooks
as only they can! Those teenage super-sleuths have the villains on the run in
four mysterious adventures. Adult Juror Comments: Classic cartoon fun. Clear
images, good sound and visual effects. Problem solving through collecting clues
benefits reasoning abilities. Frightening scenes - vampires, monsters - may
be too much for younger viewers. Some stereotypical characters. Kid Juror Comments:
Intrigued and entertained. "Scooby is silly." "I tried to figure
out the mysteries and what was going on." "They help each other and
are partners, but they don't act like teenagers." "Some of it was
scary, but it's a cartoon so I wasn't too scared." DVD. 40 min.; $14.98;
Age: 5-12. WARNER HOME VIDEO.
MEDIA NEWS
****************************************************
Something for Everyone
By Christine L. Pollock
Cable, satellites, Internet, radio. They have all changed the way of life in
rural communities. But is that good? In many ways, yes. In others, no.
It is true that now, even in the hills of Appalachia, anyone can go to a web
site and click to buy things rather than spend a day driving to the nearest
mall. It is also true that we can keep closer tabs on global politics and culture.
These are wonderful benefits of media in the modern world.
On the flip side, the urban areas are being exposed to city realities that
their children would never see in their hometown, and now the children want
to become part of those realities.
Protecting children from media is a full time job. How does one learn what
to watch out for and how to teach their children to evaluate media? The urban
areas have film festivals, workshops and trainings that our small towns can’t
afford.
The Coalition recognizes this problem and has done something about it. They
created the KIDS FIRST! Film Club for this market. Ann Church and Ranny Levy
have created programming and workshops for community gathering places around
the country—including rural settings.
The KIDS FIRST! Film Clubs are popular with museums and are small enough to
run in local schools. The only equipment required is a DVD/VHS projector and
screen.
Currently, there are four programs available with films for three different
age groups (2-5, 6-8 and 8-12.) They are designed to bring ongoing programming
to communities. Some of the programs are for entertainment and some are educational.
Films with family pizza parties are very successful as are Toddler Mondays or
Friday night gatherings for tweens.
In some cases, the KIDS FIRST! Film Clubs are group efforts like the Kids Movie
Saturday Program held by the Denver Film Society on February 7, 2004. One hundred
thirty children gathered together at the Starz FilmCenter to watch "Pete's
a Pizza and More William Steig stories."
For this particular occasion, prizes were donated by the Janus Foundation.
The Starz Film Center staff assembled coloring bags with crayons and sheets
with scenes from the movie. One of the Denver Film Society volunteer moms introduced
the film. Xcel Energy Foundation is a program underwriter.
Between February and April, families attending the Kids Movie Saturday Program
will be able to enjoy quality media for children of all ages. They will even
get the unique chance to watch "Ice Age" in Spanish.
Eventually, KIDS FIRST!® plans to have more focus programs such as: parenting
programs, inventors, painting, Native Americans, etc. The KIDS FIRST! Film Clubs
can be used as fund raisers for events, curriculum supplements for home school
groups, and curriculum enhancement for public and private schools.
With society becoming more aware of the negative effects of media, the small
towns need to get involved. Media literacy is taught through local universities
and in the schools. Even home school co-ops teach courses on the media and its
effect on the viewer.
Learning what to teach your children is now much easier. KIDS FIRST!® offers
workshops along with the KIDS FIRST! Film Clubs that help teach media awareness.
Some places, such as Albuquerque, New Mexico, are holding Junior Film Critic
and Facilitator training workshop along with their film festivals.
The KIDS FIRST!® Junior Film Critics Club program is a 10-session course
in critical viewing skills for children ages eight to 13. The program teaches
children how to be aware of what's real and what's not in media, how to recognize
stereotypes, the difference between gratuitous and non-gratuitous violence and
to remember the "real life" consequences of violence.
The KIDS FIRST!® Junior Film Critics Facilitator’s Training has certain
goals. Facilitators are taught to critically evaluate children’s media,
recognize the importance of teaching children critical viewing skills, help
children make informed media choices and to learn to identify and source outstanding
children’s media.
Children are taught to critically evaluate media using standardized criteria
and tools. They learn to interpret messages received through the media, look
at how violent, biassed or unsafe programming influences viewers and also learn
to watch, evaluate and critique media verbally and in writing.
By the end of the trainings, the attendees will be able to become a facilitator
of a Junior Film Critics Club, watch, evaluate and critique media with groups
of children, become more critical media users and become KIDS FIRST!® Jurors.
If one lives in an area that does not have a theatre to display films, try
the public school. KIDS FIRST!® is developing programs that correlate with
school curriculum so that public school auditoriums can be used for KIDS FIRST!
Film Clubs. Home School Associations can often find a screen at local colleges
or churches.
In March of this year, the KIDS FIRST! Film Club will open at the Fargo Film
Festival. There will also be a festival at the Children's Museum of Richmond
where it will run from March 20 - May 20.
For more information about bringing the KIDS FIRST! Film Club or training workshop
to your area, please contact Ann Church at 505-471-3500.
Is Mel’s Passion For Kids? by Ranny Levy
As the debate continues about the appropriateness of allowing children to see
Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” I would like to add
my thoughts, as a member of the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media,
in regard to “Should kids see bloody, brutal ‘Passion’?”
(The Line, February 26).
There is no doubt that the story of Christ has a profound influence on humankind.
However, this movie focuses on his violent end in extreme graphic depictions.
To expose young children to this is acutely irresponsible. If this movie was
about any other character than Christ, no minister or pastor would be recommending
it to their young people. This is not a documentary. This is Mr. Gibson’s
own interpretation of Christ’s story.
Roger Ebert calls this movie “the most violent film I have ever seen.”
More than half of it is filled with violent images, which stay with us. For
adults who can manage to watch it to completion, it may be a profoundly moving
experience. For children, it is certain to be profoundly disturbing.
The message of Christ is one of mercy, compassion, forgiveness and love. This
is the essence of Him, His Life and His teachings. To portray His life in terms
of His suffering and death is sidestepping these teachings at a time when the
world is divided enough culturally, religiously, and economically. We know the
power of the media on children. Let’s act responsibly as parents.
****************************************************
KIDS FIRST!® Film Festival Submissions
Submit your title for KIDS FIRST!® endorsement and for the KIDS FIRST!®
Film Festival Fall 04 Festival Early Deadline - March 15 Fall 04 Festival Late
Deadline - May 10 http://www.kidsfirst.org
REAL WHEELS debuts on PBS
Real Wheels will come back for a 2nd season with 13 additional episodes to debut
on Public TV. Real Wheels provides reality-based programs as an alternative
to animated kids shows. While animated shows set in a world based on fantasy
help develop imagination, children need to understand how the real world works,
too. Real Wheels builds on a child’s natural curiosity about the world
around them. For more info, go to website www.realwheelsTV.com.
Breaking the Mold on PBS
Debuting on public television stations nationwide, this “comic fable about
toxic mold” entertains and teaches about indoor air pollutants and asthma
using a mystery story based on a reality tv show. The film takes its teaching
further into the classroom with a companion web site, lesson plans, and teacher
resources (http://enviromysteries.thinkport.org). For more information, visit
www.mpt.org
Center for Media Literacy MediaLit Kit
The Center for Media Literacy presents their MediaLit Kit and Orientation Guide.
Like a map for a journey, the CML MediaLit Kit provides a path for navigating
our global media culture. FREE on their website. http://www.medialit.org
CPL Seeks Brainy Young Journalists
The kid journalists at Children's PressLine (CPL) are looking to pick the brains
of other young people on a variety of kids' issues. CPL is compiling a database
of kids, ages 10 to 17, from all across the country to take part in interviews
on many topics. To apply, e-mail your full name, birth year, gender, phone number
and email address to [email protected]. For more info, go to http://www.connectforkids.com.
Hip-Hop Power
Rap-inspired math, spelling and science lessons are fast becoming music to the
ears of kids in both urban and suburban settings. Superheroes like Grammar Man
and CDs like De-U Records' "Multiplication Hip-Hop" aim to be the
Schoolhouse Rock for a new generation. Join Robert Capriccioso as he takes a
look behind the music. http://www.connectforkids.org/benton_topics1544/benton_topics_show.htm?doc_id=210243
Kid Beat for Journalists
Connect for Kids announces "Kid Beat," a new pressroom section that
looks at some of the latest news and research on issues important to youth.
Share our pressroom resources with journalists in your area so they have what
they need to write about kids and the policies that affect them.
http://www.connectforkids.org/newsletter1538/newsletter.htm
FAMILY AND PARENTING NEWS
*****************************************************
Setting Boundaries and Discussing Tough Subjects
Learn how to discuss tough topics with your children and discover why it’s
so important. Find out what boundaries are all about at http://news.fen.com/subchannel/0,2794,65-187,00.html?wtlAC=sac0225,email-h
What to Do About Bullies
Some children are bullies and others are being bullied. Either way, it’s
important for parents to know what is going on in their child’s life. Find
out how to help your child at http://news.fen.com/topic/front/0,1156,66-24134,00.html?wtlAC=sac0225,email-h
Total Teen TV
For the first time ever-–a network about, by and for teenagers. Varsity
TV features quality programming covering music, talent, sports and entertainment.
http://www.myvtv.com/pages/index.asp?id=19186
Protect Children From Advertising
The American Psychological Association is calling for federal restrictions on
advertising aimed at children less than eight years old. The coalition to Stop
Commercial Exploitation of Children, a coalition of health care professionals,
educators, advocacy groups and parents who counter the effects of marketing
to children through education, advocacy and research, fully supports this stand.
http://www.commercialexploitation.org/Pressreleases/apa.htm
From Connect for Kids: http://www.connectforkids.com
The Role of Media in Childhood Obesity
A new report by the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation reviews more than 40 studies
on the role of media in the nation's dramatically increasing rates of childhood
obesity. Although it endorses no solutions, it discusses possible policy changes
like regulating or reducing food advertising aimed at children. http://www.kff.org/entmedia/entmedia022404pkg.cfm
Early Learning Left Out
Although targeting the youngest learners (at ages when the brain develops rapidly)
pays off, most education money goes to older children. A report from the Child
and Family Policy Center of Iowa and Voices for America's Children finds 13.7
cents of every per-child public education dollar goes to younger kids. Congress
is debating a $1.2 billion increase in the Child Care and Development Block
Grant's annual appropriation, a move that would increase investments in early
learning by $34.57 per young child in America. A $400 million increase in Head
Start funding would translate to a $17.29 increase in per young child funding.
http://www.voicesforamericaschildren.org/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm?ContentID=3359
CDF Congressional Scorecard
How well do your members of Congress protect kids? The Children's Defense Fund's
nonpartisan 2003 Congressional Scorecard has the answer. The eleven key votes
scored in 2003 include No Child Left Behind, the Individuals with Disabilities
Education Act re-authorization, gun industry community, 21st Century Community
Learning Centers after-school programs, children's access to health care, childcare,
the Child Tax Credit, and housing assistance. http://www.cdfactioncouncil.org/scorecard2003.pdf
Effective Reading Programs for English Language Learners: Bilingual Works Best
One in five children in U.S. schools comes from a home where English is not
the primary language spoken. While many of these kids succeed in reading, too
many fall behind. A review of the research finds children in programs that teach
reading in their native language and in English at different times in the day
do better than those in English-only programs or programs that use only their
native languages to teach reading. http://www.csos.jhu.edu/crespar/techReports/Report66.pdf
Kids and Politics Quick Poll
The State of the Union address is the President's opportunity to review our
economic progress and offer new proposals for the future. It is natural for
the president to focus on the rosy picture, but child advocates still see some
sharp thorns for low and moderate-income families. State of the Nation's Schools
and Colleges.
Video Games - What Good Is There in a Game?
Read Kathleen Tynera’s review of James Gee's provocative book "What
Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy" and be prepared
to be amazed! http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article635.html#services
Music and Media Consolidation: help students explore how media mergers impact
the popular music scene. Hint: it’s the radio... http://www.medialit.org/reading_room/article635.html#world
Youth Rising
Young people have long been involved in social justice movements. According
to this report they are increasingly mobilizing around their identity as "youth,"
crossing traditional race lines and issue boundaries in the process. This Applied
Research Center report has case studies that illustrate the culture and frustrations,
successes and pitfalls of on-the-ground youth organizing today along with lessons
learned and recommendations. http://www.arc.org/Pages/pubs/youthrising.html
Help Get 211 Going
2-1-1 is the number designed to give families quick and easy access to local
health and human services and volunteer information. United Way of America has
launched a toll-free phone number (1-888-PASS-211) that all Americans can use
throughout February to urge Congress to support the "Calling for 2-1-1
Act" (S. 1630 and H.R. 3111). Email Patrick McIntyre at [email protected]
Students who use laptops are more engaged in learning and produce better-quality
work, according to a February 11, 2004 Boston Globe article, "Report Gives
High Grades for Laptop Program."
Debate over School Reform Heats Up
An On-the-Ground Look at NCLB Implementation Based on data analyses, interviews,
and site visits in six states and eleven school districts, the Harvard Civil
Rights Project reports that educators are struggling to implement No Child Left
Behind, but unintended consequences in federal accountability rules have derailed
state reforms and assessment strategies. For more info, go to
http://www.civilrightsproject.harvard.edu/news/pressreleases.php/record_id=44/
ACORN Takes on Ed Issues
In Baltimore, Chicago, New York, Oakland and elsewhere, the grass-roots organizing
group ACORN is emerging as a major player in K-12 education issues -tackling
everything from a lack of stop signs near schools to teacher quality and academic
performance. Education Week profiles ACORN, and its "in-your-face"
tactics. http://www.edweek.org/ew/ewstory.cfm?slug=23Acorn.h23
EVENTS
****************************************************
KIDS FIRST! Film Festival Touring Schedule:
March 19-28 Gertrude Salzer Gordon Children's Museum of La Crosse
March 19-25: Bermuda Int'l Film Festival*
April 15 - 25: Newport Beach Film Festival, Newport Beach, CA*
April 23-25: Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Santa Barbara, CA*
* pending
June 5, 6: Explora Science and Children's Museum, Albuquerque, NM
June 16 - 20: Kidflix, Tampa, FL
KIDS FIRST! Film Club Events:
March 4 Fargo Film Festival
March 20 - May 20: Children's Museum of Richmond
Other Events:
On-going - Philadelphia area- Wednesday afternoons - MediaSmart Seminars are
designed to bring together K-12 educators, college faculty, artists, media professionals,
youth development specialists, along with nonprofit, public health and social
service professionals in the metro Philadelphia area. For directions and more
information, visit http://www.mediasmartphilly.com.
March 12, 2004 at 5 p.m. Jump Cuts! Sprockets, Toronto International Film Festival
for Children is once again looking for third through twelfth to submit their
short films and videos to Jump Cuts: Young Filmmakers Showcase. Submissions
are viewed by a panel of experts and finalists have their films screened during
Sprockets. Each finalist is also eligible to win a cool grand prize. For more
information visit http://www.bell.ca/sprockets
March 15, 2004 11:30-12:30-“Can Copyright Bring Audience and Filmmaker
Together?" MediaRights.org's Director of Technology, David Jacobs, will
be speaking on the panel "at the 2004 SXSW Film Conference in Austin, Texas.
To register for the conference, go to http://www.sxsw.com/attend
March 24, 2004,1:00-2:00 p.m. EST - 21st Century Technology Literacy: Going
Beyond the Requirements of No Child Left Behind. This is a series of interactive
presentations conducted over the Internet by the Consortium for School Networking.
Participants can listen and submit questions to the presenters as well as chat
with other participants online. Held six times a year. Details at http://www.cosn.org/events
March 24 - 26, Urban Visionaries Youth Film Festival. For more info call: G.A.P.
(212) 594-9577 or e-mail: [email protected]
April 3, Raw Arts Youth Media Conference, Columbia College, Chicago IL. Conference
and Showcase for Teens in the Media Arts. FREE! For more info, visit http://www.colum.edu/rawvoices/
April 15, 2004-Public Health/Democracy Media Education Conference Know Media
will offer a one day conference, "Media Education in Action: Public Health
and Democracy," in Brattleboro, Vermont. For information on registering,
please call the Green Mountain Training Center at 802-254-6590.
April 16, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Junior Film Critics Program Facilitator’s Workshop.
The Coalition for Quality Children’s Media is holding a Junior Film Critics
Program Facilitator’s Workshop at the Explora Science and Children’s
Museum. For more info or to register please visit http://www.kidsfirst.org or
call 505.989.8076.
May 20 - Girl Talk At the Pixie Sage Center on Long Island, NY, for 11- and
12-year-old girls who want to join peers in discussions about growing up. Topics
range from anger to body image and friendships. Girl Talk meets the last Saturday
of every month from 4-5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Kitty Gill at
631-757-1013.
June 25-28. AMLA’s 2005 National Media Education Conference. “Giving
Voice to a Diverse Nation.” A Major feature of NMEC 2005 will be a media
arts strand, focusing on the efficacy of media literacy and meida arts on student
achievement. Please contact either Karen Zill, Conference Chair, at [email protected],
or Kara Clayton at [email protected]
July 5-22 At the Pixie Sage Center on Long Island, NY, for sixth - eighth graders.
Work with professional songwriters to create and original CD and more. The first
session is July 5-22 and the second session is August 2-26th. For more information,
contact Kitty Gill at 631-757-1013.
********************************************************************
Become a Coalition for Quality Children's Media Member ***
If you've found our e-zine and web site helpful, please consider
becoming a member of KIDS FIRST!® Members help underwrite the various
projects of thisorganization and are a critical component of our
success. The Coalition for Quality Children's Media's relies on the
generous support of its members and donors to support its programs. An
individual/family membership is only $25/year. An organizational
membership is $100/year. An independent producer membership is $200;
Corporate membership $1,000-$10,000/year. For more information, visit
our website http://www.kidsfirstinternet.org/kidsfirst/head00.htm or
contact our office for an application form, 505.989.8076.
*** MEMBER NEWS ****
Please welcome our newest Independent Producer Members:
Golden Zah Productions, Wailana Productions, Vickilew, Eat Your Lunch, The Children’s
Group and
Baby Road Trip!
Please note the new Coalition for Quality Children's Media members
below and support their work by visiting their sites.
VISIT OUR MEMBERS' SITES ******************
http://www.allbymyself.com
http://www.anchorbayentertainment.com
http://www.babyroadtrip.com
http://www.babywondersmedia.com
http://www.BabyAboutTown.com
http://www.babygourmet.com
http://www.babyprodigy.com
http://www.brainybaby.com
http://www.childrensgroup.com
http://www.coachcoz.com
http://www.devine-ent.comhttp://disney.go.com/DisneyVideos/
http://www.eatyourlunch.com
http://www.familiesoftheworld.com
http://www.filmmarketonline.com
http://www.familytv.com/index_usa.asp?AFID=2002072002"
http://www.ftfun.com
http://www.goldenzah.com
http://www.hunktabunkta.com
http://www.iluminadaproductions.com
http://www.judypancoastkidpop.com
http://www.kidskills.com
http://www.kathybyers.com
http://www.kidskills.com
http://www.lafete.com
http://www.learningbyosmosis.com
http://www.LetsTalkPuppyDog.com
http://www.Littlehardhats.com
http://www.littlemammoth.com
http://www.magicfrank.com
http://www.magicofmartialarts.com
http://www.makebabylaugh.com
http://www.master-comm.com
http://www.mybabyandme.com
http://www.mybestenglish.net
http://www.nafce.org
http://www.nestfamily.com
http://www.newvideo.com
http://www.northbayentertainment.com
http://www.pixiesage.com
http://www.pocketsnails.com
http://www.powertocreate.com
http://www.production-associates.com
http://www.questarentertainment.com
http://www.rainbowplace.com
http://www.seafunforkids.com
http://www.sesameworkshop.org
http://www.shanabanana.com
http://www.sosmart.com
http://www.splashesfromtheriver.com/web/pl1.html
http://www.sqedunk.com
http://www.strangerinthewoods.com
http://www.stinkyshoe.com
http://www.tcfhe.com
http://www.twotomatoes.com
http://www.underthestarsandstripes.com
http://www.underthewaves.tv
http://www.vidmedia.com
http://www.vickilew.com
http://www.view.com/
http://www.vtmproductionsinc.com
http://www.wailana.com
http://www.wamtv.com
http://www.warner.com
http://www.waywayentertainment.comhttp://www.winkandblink.com
http://www.zula.com
********* IF YOU FIND THIS NEWSLETTER USEFUL ...
FORWARD IT TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY ****************
*********** ADVERTISE IN THE EMAIL EDITION OR ON THE WEB
************************
To SUBSCRIBE to our free e-zine, KIDS FIRST!® NEWS: Send e-mail to
[email protected] or use this:
mailto:[email protected]
To leave this list, send e-mail to [email protected] or
use this: mailto:[email protected]
This newsletter may be reprinted with permission.
Write to [email protected], mailto:[email protected]
Copyright 2002 by Coalition for Quality Children's Media,
http://www.kidsfirst.org
**************ABOUT CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!® ***************
KIDS FIRST!® is the not-for-profit Coalition for Quality Children's
Media's initiative that evaluates and rates children's media -videotapes, CD-ROMs,
and television - using a highly acclaimed method that has been praised by parents
and educators alike. It utilizes professionally designed criteria and evaluation
tools and engages a volunteer jury comprising child development professionals,
teachers and parents nationwide and children of diverse geographic, socioeconomic
and ethnic backgrounds. KIDS FIRST!® endorsed titles appeal to people around
the world and include many programs on topics important to children's development.
KIDS FIRST!® - endorsed titles are available on CQCM's award-winning Internet
site, in The Parent's Guide to the Best Children's Videos, DVDs, and CD-ROMs
and in reviews it provides to more than 75 publications.
CQCM evaluates feature films, television programs, videos, CD-ROM,DVDs, and
audio recordings. For an application form and application deadlines,
visit our website (http://www.kidsfirst.org), call our office (505.989.8076)
Coalition for Quality Children’s Media, 112 W. San Francisco
St., Suite 305A, Santa Fe, NM 87501.
KIDS FIRST! is a project of the Coalition for Quality Children's Media
112 West San Francisco Street, Suite 305A
Santa Fe, NM 87501
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