Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media, Inc. Board of Directors recognizes Hungry Red Planet and D. M. Dinwiddie, Physician-in-Training for Achievement in Computer Software – Fall 2003.

James A. Davis, President
Shenandoah University
Fall 2003

As Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media completes its sixth year at Shenandoah University, we continue our mission to contribute to the stimulation of, interest in, and recognition of, excellence in children’s media-in all its many forms. With the growing wealth of materials, that responsibility is both challenging and creative.

This year, we have chosen the theme Discovery, both in honor of the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and to highlight the role which the process of discovery plays in the development of children. Increasingly, we are learning how the new media sources such as the Internet, even for young folks, can stimulate children to seek and find for themselves-that is, to discover-information, perspectives and connections in creative ways.

The explosion of materials which contribute to the new wealth of materials carries a caution, however. Not all materials which appear as new or with the latest technology are inherently excellent. The conventional means of sifting quality products are being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of materials, much of which may not pass through a screening process as they are produced to assess appropriateness, safety or enduring value.

Parents’ Guide, as an organization, takes the task of assessment of quality very seriously. In effect, we are in the discovery business on behalf of children and parents. We hope that you enjoy this review and will find it helpful in guiding your child’s voyage of discovery.

Reprinted from Parents’ Guide to Children’s Media