As a children’s librarian, I am always on the hunt for cool research tools specifically aimed for kids. Of great importance is that these online resources be kid friendly with lots of beautiful graphics to hold their attention while actually helping them learn, but the most important thing is that these online resources are safe for little eyes. Even doing a search for the most innocent thing can sometimes turn up some undesirable results, even with filters. That’s why I am so excited to share with you a new, no-cost online global educational resource for kids, teachers, and parents called DKFindOut! Aimed at children ages 7-11 (but will also appeal to the 5-14 age range) this site can be accessed through the computer, a tablet, or on a mobile device for learning on the go.
This website is quite impressive and makes it super easy for anyone to find exactly what they are looking for and so much more. Not only does it provide an encyclopedia, but there are also quizzes, fun facts, videos, and so much more. I love how there are subject categories for those students who are just learning to read. Simply clicking on a picture will take them to more pages with information they are interested in learning more about, like history, space, and animals just to name a few.
Key features of DKFindOut! include:
– Key subject areas in US curriculum are covered
– Content is easily accessible on all devices, including desktop, tablet and mobile
– The website caters for every type of learner, from those who prefer to read information to visual learners
– Accurate and up-to-date facts authenticated by experts
– Content will be constantly updated throughout 2015 and beyond, in line with changes to teaching practice
– Includes animations, sounds, videos and thousands of photographs
– Hundreds of quiz questions supporting every topic
– Teacher area in development throughout 2015 – includes a bespoke tool for teachers to create lesson plans
– Parent information and support
– Powerful search engine allows users to find exactly what they are looking for quickly, easily and visually
I love how DKFindOut! makes finding information easy for the smallest of learners. The world wide web is a big place and often difficult for children to navigate and find good, factual information that they can process on their own. The website is currently in beta, but be sure to sign up for alerts on new content and features.
WIN IT!
After you’ve checked out this amazing online tool on your own, come back and enter for a chance to win a cool DKFindOut! tote bag.
To enter, fill in the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends March 9, 2015 at 12:00 AM CST. US ONLY. Void where prohibited. Winner must respond within 72 hours of winning email being sent or another winner will be randomly picked.
It’s tax filing time and TurboTax has the tools you need to help you file your taxes correctly by yourself. Yes, by yourself! And for the first time ever, Americans can file their 1040A or 1040EZ returns, as well as their state returns, for $0 with TurboTax Federal Free Edition. Yes, you read that absolutely right. Free! Doesn’t free sound great?
What do you get with Absolute Zero? You’re getting last year’s very popular Federal Free Edition with even more new free features. So, in addition to not paying for super-easy state and federal prep, TurboTax doesn’t charge you for any of these features:
Claim the Earned Income Credit ($2,300 2013 IRS average) $0
Cover any Affordable Care Act forms
Find possible government benefits up to $2,000
Get a head start by importing your W-2 $0
Have expert product and audit support $0
It means you pay absolutely nothing to file your taxes—from start to finish.
With Absolute Zero, TurboTax is helping millions of hard-working Americans file their 1040EZ or 1040A for free with Federal Free Edition. No tax knowledge needed! In general, you’ll qualify to file state and federal taxes at no cost if you:
- Are a first-time filer,
- Are a student, or
- Don’t have a house or investments
Seriously, pay nothing?
I’m sure you’re wondering what’s the catch, right? Well, there is no catch. TurboTax realizes that over 60 million Americans work hard for their money and they are investing back in you to give you the power to take control of your finances and feel comfortable doing so. For the past five years, my husband and I have filed our own taxes using TurboTax and the whole process, from start to finish, is so easy that I can’t believe we used to pay an expensive, not to mention intimidating, tax preparation company to do our taxes. It’s so much more comfortable working on this from my own home and being able to feel confident knowing that our taxes are filed correctly. Also, if I ever need help, their experts are there to back me up and answer any questions that I might have. Each year when it is all said and done, I feel very empowered knowing that I did our taxes myself and that TurboTax walked me through it every step of the way. Taxes shouldn’t have to be complicated. I believe if you pay them, you shouldn’t have to be an expert to do them.
If you live paycheck to paycheck, TurboTax understands that it’s important to help you get every penny you can, so they work hard to find you even more money on top of your refund. They will also ensure you never pay extra to comply with new health care laws or to claim your Earned Income Credit. 
TurboTax makes it easy and convenient to file your taxes and you can do them using the CD/Download, online, or mobile and tablet. Each choice is completely secure. I do ours right online and my work is saved if I ever need to stop and come back to it later. If you’re one of many millions of Americans who have a straightforward tax return, take advantage of Absolute Zero from TurboTax and feel the confidence that comes from doing your own taxes.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
