Big Question Overview and Resources

Overview

Media sources such as magazines, television, or radio let us share information with large groups of people. Media can be used for learning and entertainment purposes. Sources that you use to find information are called informational media.

You may not notice it, but you read all the time. You read street signs and maps to help you get where you are going. You read magazines and newspapers to tell you what is happening in your community and in other parts of the world. You read directions to put a new bicycle together and to follow recipes for a favorite meal.

Reading also connects you with other people. You may talk to a friend about a book you have both read. You may learn about people who live far away by reading a magazine article. You may learn about your favorite movie star by reading an online interview.

Why do you think words are written down? Why is it important to be able to read the words you see? What are some of the reasons that you read?

Web Resources

Looking for a good book?
http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/teenreading/trw/trw2005/booklists.htm
This website provides links to lists of popular fiction and nonfiction books for teens recommended by the American Library Association.

What would you recommend?
http://www.teenspoint.org/reading_matters/teen_reviews.asp?media=book
Teens review and recommend their favorite books on this website. You can also add your own recommendations.

Write to an Author
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/write.asp
Get connected with your favorite authors. At this website you can get authors' addresses and write them fan mail, ask them questions, and thank them for writing a book you like.

Reading without Seeing
http://www.afb.org/braillebug/braille.asp
Braille is a system of writing that uses letters made up of small dots to form words. People who are blind run their fingers over these bumps to read words and music. Learn about the life of Louis Braille, the inventor of the system, and how to read it at this website.