Re: [LM_NET] ELEM: Periodicals for K - 5 (commentary)

[ladewig <shatz@VERIZON.NET>]

Netters,

 

I noticed on Jayne Phillip's post (HIT>Choosing Periodicals for K-5 )she
lists "National Geographic for Kids." This magazine renamed itself several
years ago (it was "National Geographic WORLD") and is now bannered as
"KIDS." I would say that it's format has also changed quite a bit - if you
are under the impression that it still emphasizes geography, do take another
look at it. It is much more like the format of Nickelodeon - not much
in-depth reading (much of it is what I call "pow-bam-bop" - short blips of
writing in a very busy format - may be turned on angles, scattered here and
there - the word "frenetic" comes to mind) and much more
entertainment-oriented than education. According to Jane's post, it is a
magazine that kids use for research. Really? Is it popular? At my school -
Yes. 

 

As Shakespeare would say, "Ah, there's the rub!" The kids are checking it
and my old copies of Nickelodeon like hotcakes while the "better" quality
magazines are far less popular. I dropped the subscription to Nickelodeon
several years ago for these reasons: no educational merit whatsoever, too
many ads, and the ads seemed to emphasize sneering, obnoxious children (a
trend that seems to be spreading, unfortunately). I also let my subscription
to KIDS elapse, so it will expire soon. I'm not advocating anyone else
follow my lead, but I would like to hear your comments or concerns on these
issues. Am I the only one who feels this way? Or should I bite the bullet
and subscribe to what's popular with the thought that, well, the kids are
reading it! (And getting what benefit from it????).

Thanks for your insight,

 

Joanne Ladewig  (A.K.A. "Library Lady")

Library Media Tech

Lawrence Elementary, GGUSD

Garden Grove, California

shatz@verizon.net

 

Comments are my own and may not represent the views of GGUSD

 

 


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