Books aren't the only place to find some great how-to advice. There are all kinds of websites out there that include how-to instructions, videos, and even cartoons for almost anything you can think of. Here are some of our favorite tween-friendly how-to sites:
Activity TV http://www.activitytv.com/
This collection of online video demonstrations for kids includes instructions on how to perform magic tricks, cook, draw cartoons, make crafts, fold paper airplanes and other origami, dance, juggle, make puppets, and experiment with science. Tweens will love the visual instructions given in each video, as opposed to reading a how-to book.
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Family Fun How-To Videos http://familyfun.go.com/how-to-videos/
Another collection of how-to videos for tweens, this site specializes in holiday crafts, activities, decorations, and recipes. It also includes recipes and crafts for year-round fun. You can find a cake for every occasion on this site!
FamilyFun Tween Crafts http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/crafts-by-age/tween-crafts/1/
This web site offers pages of craft ideas perfect for tweens! Created by the Disney and the makers of FamilyFun magazine, the site teaches tweens how to make hobby boxes, tie-dyed t-shirts, a pinata, kite, paper lantern, and much more! Tweens can also find fun recipes to make and games to play on the main site.
Howtoons http://www.howtoons.com/
This fun website includes input from a comic book artist, a toy designer, an inventor, and others. Their mission is "to provide engaging content that teaches kids how to build things, combining instructions with storytelling." (Howtoons, LLC, 2010). The site provides free downloadable directions in cartoon format for a huge variety of projects, from a turkey baster flute to soda bottle goggles. They also sell books that are collections of howtoons.
Show Off http://www.showoffbook.com/
After reading this great how-to book for tweens, check out their web site for even more cool stuff to download and learn how to do! Tweens can learn how to make a duct tape iPod cover or wallet, create temporary tattoo designs, and make their own fortune cookies. Plus, tweens can send in photos of themselves doing activities from the book, or come up with new ideas to be used in the next Show Off book.
The Tween News http://www.thetweensnews.com/
This simple blog for tweens has a little bit of everything, including how-to ideas for cooking, crafts, sports and video games. Tweens can learn how to build their own backyard bird feeder, make yummy treats, stay active and healthy, and beat their favorite video games, as well as learn fun facts and enjoy tween-friendly entertainment.
Howtoons, LLC (2010). Howtoons: About. Retrieved from http://www.howtoons.com/?page_id=2
