Getting your Child Interested in the News

Why is it important to encourage your child to be interested in the news?

• Awareness of the world: The news provides information about current events, both locally and globally. It helps children understand what is happening in the world, including social, political, economic, and environmental issues. This knowledge allows them to be informed citizens and have a broader perspective on the world around them.
• Critical thinking skills: Engaging with the news encourages critical thinking. Children learn to evaluate different sources, analyse information, and form their own opinions. They develop skills to distinguish between facts, opinions, and biases, fostering a more discerning and thoughtful approach to information.
• Empathy and understanding: News stories often highlight the experiences and challenges faced by individuals and communities. By following the news, children can gain insight into the lives of others, fostering empathy and understanding. It helps them appreciate different perspectives, cultures, and challenges, promoting tolerance and compassion.
• Community Engagement: An interest in the news can inspire children to become actively engaged in their communities. They may develop an understanding of social issues and feel motivated to take action, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or participating in discussions and debates. It nurtures a sense of responsibility and encourages them to become active contributors to society.
• Personal growth and development: Staying informed through the news enhances a child’s intellectual growth and broadens their knowledge base. It expands their vocabulary, improves reading comprehension, and encourages curiosity about the world. Additionally, discussing news stories with others, such as friends or family, can improve communication and critical thinking skills.

Here are a few ideas for getting your child interested in the news:

1. Find news sources that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests: There are many different news sources available, including television, radio, newspapers, and online news websites. Choose a source that is appropriate for your child’s age and interests to make the news more engaging for them.

Here are a few of our favourites:

CBBC Newsround

First News

The Week Junior

2. Discuss current events with your child: Talk about current events with your child and ask for their opinions and thoughts on the news. Encourage them to ask questions and express their ideas.
3. Make the news more interactive: Consider using interactive news resources, such as news apps or online games, to make the news more engaging for your child.
4. Watch or listen to the news together: Watch or listen to the news together as a family and discuss the stories that interest your child. This can be a great way to encourage your child to engage with the news and develop their critical thinking skills.
5. Find news stories that relate to your child’s interests: Look for news stories that relate to your child’s interests, such as sports, science, or music. This can help make the news more relevant and engaging for your child.
6. Encourage your child to keep a news journal: Encourage your child to keep a news journal where they can write about the news stories that interest them. This can help them develop their writing skills and encourage them to engage with the news on a deeper level.

11+ Interview Practice

It’s worth noting that for 11+ interviews, children are often asked about current affairs. If you are looking for support with 11+ Interviews, Bright Light Education offers 11+ Interview Practice Workshops and Mock Interviews.