Highlights for Children has long served as a cornerstone of childhood development, blending wholesome fun with academic growth. Since its founding in 1946 by Garry C. Myers, Ph.D., and Caroline Clark Myers, the organization has remained dedicated to the belief that children are the world's most important people. This commitment is reflected in their extensive range of products, from the iconic monthly magazine to digital gaming platforms and comprehensive educational kits designed to foster basic skills, creativity, and social sensitivity.
For parents, educators, and deal seekers, understanding how to navigate the Highlights ecosystem—including their subscription models, digital freebies, and comprehensive resource kits—is key to maximizing the educational value provided to children.
The Highlights Magazine Experience
The monthly Highlights magazine is designed for both home and classroom use, providing a curated mix of educational content, puzzles, and inspirational stories. The publication focuses on helping children grow in areas of reasoning, thinking, and sensitivity toward others, which are critical components of early childhood development.
Publication Specifications and Costs
The magazine maintains a professional standard of publishing, ensuring high-quality print and digital accessibility.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Publication Frequency | Monthly |
| Cover Price | $5.99 |
| Print ISSN | 0018-165X |
| Online ISSN | 2330-6920 |
| Printing Partner | LSC Communications, Glasgow, KY |
| Target Audience | Children (with a "High Five" alternative for younger kids) |
Core Content and Educational Pillars
Every issue of Highlights is structured to engage a child's curiosity while building cognitive skills. Key recurring segments include:
- Hidden Pictures: A signature feature that improves visual discrimination and attention to detail.
- Goofus and Gallant: Short stories that contrast positive and negative behaviors, teaching social ethics and character development.
- My Sci: Science-focused segments that explain the natural world, such as the physiology of sloths (noting their unique neck bones and slow digestion) to teach biological facts.
- Gallant Kids: Profiles of inspiring children, such as Danay Ferguson, who promotes literacy by distributing free books to thousands of children.
- Creative Crafts: Hands-on projects, such as making a cactus ring toss, to encourage fine motor skills and artistic expression.
Free Digital Resources and Interactive Gaming
Beyond the physical magazine, Highlights offers a wealth of free interactive content through HighlightsKids.com. This digital extension allows children to engage with the brand's educational philosophy without the need for a paid subscription.
Free Online Games and Puzzles
The "Games & Puzzles" section of the official website provides an array of free activities that translate the magazine's print success into an interactive format. These tools are particularly useful for parents looking for screen-time options that are educational rather than purely passive.
The available free digital activities include: - Hidden Pictures Digital Editions: Various themes such as "Bears Camping," "Ice Fishing," "Turtle Race," and "Car Wash Fun." - Interactive Challenges: "Off to School" and "Runaway Rabbit" games that test reflexes and problem-solving. - Themed Puzzles: Activities like "Walking the Dogs" and "Feeding Time" that encourage exploration and discovery.
App Integration
To facilitate learning on the go, Highlights provides downloadable apps. These apps extend the reach of the magazine's content, allowing children to access puzzles and games on tablets and smartphones, ensuring that learning is integrated into their daily digital habits.
The Be Internet Awesome Resource Kit
For educators and community leaders, Highlights offers a high-value, comprehensive program called "Be Internet Awesome." This program is designed to tackle the evolving challenges children face online, providing a structured approach to digital safety and literacy.
The Be Internet Awesome kits are designed for flexible deployment, capable of supporting a large group of 100 children or being split into four smaller groups of 25.
Comprehensive Kit Components
The kit is an exhaustive collection of physical and digital tools. The following table outlines exactly what is included in these comprehensive resource sets:
| Component | Quantity/Detail | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights Magazines | 100 copies | Features Be Internet Awesome content |
| Activity Sheets | 100 sets in 5 folders | Organized by the five pillars of digital safety |
| Bingo Games | 100 sets | Interactive learning and review |
| Hidden Pictures Puzzles | 4 unique puzzles | Digital safety themes |
| Family Guides | 100 copies | Extends learning from school to home |
| Charm Bracelets | 100 bracelets | Includes 600+ collectible charms for reward |
| Internaut Stickers | Hundreds | Positive reinforcement and engagement |
| Posters & Window Clings | 4 each | Visual reinforcement in libraries/schools |
| Quick-Start Guides | 4 copies | Setup tips for instructors |
This kit transforms the concept of "internet safety" into a tangible, gamified experience, using the brand's signature "Hidden Pictures" and "Bingo" formats to make complex digital concepts accessible to children.
Navigating Subscriptions and Account Management
For those looking to move from free resources to a full subscription, Highlights provides a streamlined system for account management. Whether managing a monthly print subscription or switching between age-appropriate versions of the magazine, there are multiple channels for consumer support.
Transitioning to High Five
Highlights recognizes that children grow at different paces. For parents whose children may not be ready for the standard Highlights magazine, the company offers "High Five," a version tailored for a younger developmental stage. Parents can call the service line to switch their subscription to High Five at any time.
Contact and Management Channels
Managing subscriptions, making payments, or updating address information can be handled through three primary methods:
- Online: Via Highlights.com
- Telephone: 1-800-255-9517
- Postal Mail: P.O. Box 5878, Harlan, IA 51593-1378
For those sending address changes specifically to the Postmaster, the address is P.O. Box 6038, Harlan, IA 51593-1538.
Corporate Ethics and Community Values
A significant part of the Highlights experience is the value system embedded in its content. The organization is not merely a publisher but a mission-driven entity focused on making the world a better place for children.
Environmental and Social Commitment
Highlights is committed to responsible business decisions that protect natural resources and reduce environmental impact. This corporate responsibility extends to their editorial content, which frequently highlights themes of equality and respect. For example, the magazine uses the month of January to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., emphasizing that people should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
Privacy and Safety Standards
Given that their primary audience consists of children, Highlights adheres to strict privacy protocols. HighlightsKids.com is a participant in the Kids Privacy Safe Harbor program of the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) of the Council of Better Business Bureaus, ensuring a safe browsing environment for minors.
Submitting Content and Creative Contributions
Highlights encourages children to be active participants in the creative process. This openness allows children to see their own work and ideas published, boosting their confidence and literacy skills.
Guidelines for Young Writers
The process for submitting manuscripts depends on the age of the writer: - Writers 16 and older: May use the digital submission portal at Highlights.submittable.com. - Writers younger than 16: Should submit their work via postal mail to the editorial offices at 803 Church Street, Honesdale, PA 18431-1895.
Organizational Structure and Leadership
The quality and consistency of Highlights' content are maintained by a robust editorial and executive team. The organizational structure ensures that every aspect of the magazine—from the science facts to the artistic design—is vetted by experts.
Key Leadership Roles
The editorial and business operations are divided between two primary hubs:
Editorial Offices (Honesdale, PA): - Editor in Chief: Christine French Cully - VP, Magazine Group Editorial: Jamie Bryant - Creative Director: Marie O’Neill - Design Director: Patrick Greenish, Jr. - Contributing Science Editor: Andrew Boyles
Business Offices (Columbus, OH): - CEO: Kent S. Johnson - SVP, International and Global Content Licensing: Andy Shafran
Conclusion
Highlights for Children continues to be a premier resource for U.S. families, providing a blend of traditional print media and modern digital tools. From the free interactive games and "Be Internet Awesome" kits to the monthly magazine that encourages character growth and scientific curiosity, the brand offers a comprehensive ecosystem for child development. By utilizing the free digital offerings at HighlightsKids.com and exploring the specialized resource kits, parents and educators can provide children with high-quality, safe, and engaging educational materials that foster a lifelong love of learning.