See more website reviews

Scholastic Kids Press Corps (http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/press_corps/index.asp)

common sense media says

Kid reporters (and readers) get schooled in journalism.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Scholastic Kids Press Corps is a news-filled website featuring stories created by a team of kid reporters from all over the country. Kids ages 9 to 14 are encouraged to apply each year to become part of the 50-person press corps and are selected based on their reporting and writing skills. The site is the culmination of the cub reporters’ hard work and efforts. It features articles, video news reports, and blogs on a variety of topical subjects. Kids will find current news, book and movie reviews, as well as recommendations, entertainment coverage, and blogs. Special reports provide written and broadcast news pieces that are based on central themes such as Olympic coverage or Women’s History Month.

Educational value: News-filled videos, blogs, and articles are interesting, entertaining, and educational on many levels.
Positive messages: Everything about this site encourages kids to become involved in news and current events -- as both observers and reporters. Kids will take away the importance of learning about the world and how events near and far impact their lives. The efforts of the kid reporters who create the content on the site offer visitors inspiration for accomplishing goals and following their dreams.
Violence: Some news topics naturally have some element of violence and destruction to them (wars, natural disasters), but the stories here are handled with the audience in mind. Articles and reports tend to focus on offering ways to help and steer clear of anything overtly frightening.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The site features the Scholastic logos, ads to subscribe to Scholastic News, and links to other Scholastic sites -- but no outside advertising.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Scholastic Kids Press Corps

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • Families can talk about why it’s important for kids to learn about current events around their neighborhood and the world. How do current events directly impact your life? Are there things you’ve seen recently in the news that you think about a lot or are concerned about?

  • Families can also talk about the difference between news and gossip. What makes something a news story? What would be considered gossip? Why does the public have so much interest in celebrities and their scandals? How do the media affect public interest in gossip?

  • Discuss what constitutes good journalism and what qualities make a good journalist. When it comes to reporting the news, why is objectivity important? Can you find examples of objective journalism and journalism that isn’t objective?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Scholastic is dedicated to helping children around the world read and learn, and through its Kids Press Corps, it also is finding a way to groom a new crop of young journalists. The result is a website that presents news for kids that is created by their peers. In an age when just about anyone can feel like a broadcaster by uploading a YouTube video or call themselves a journalist by writing a blog, it’s refreshing to see a website that encourages kids to learn the tools of the journalism trade. The efforts and enthusiasm of the carefully selected Press Corps converge to create an informative and entertaining news site that speaks to tweens and teens on a level they can definitely understand. Here, kids will find news that suits them, including celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes glimpses into appealing destinations, book recommendations, and blogs. For those interested in news, this is a great place to find bite-sized pieces of current topics. And for those who long for a life of journalism, they’ll soak up the tips from accomplished journalists. Best of all, they’ll find inspiration among the faces of the kid reporters who are living their dream and providing the news.

This review was written by Conny Coon
 
 

Review It

 

Review Scholastic Kids Press Corps

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

InformedParent
educator and parent of 9 year old
9
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (21) | had useful details (20) | read my mind (14)
h.m.222
kid, 12 years old
10
 
I think this website is to boring and educational. The violence is like, very mellow, but is still there. there is a lot of product placement, like b.p., and many others.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (18) | had useful details (12) | read my mind (13)
Kold Duff
kid, 10 years old
7
 
dumb site
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide | had useful details | read my mind

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you visit Scholastic Kids Press Corps?

Absolutely
Maybe
No way

Already visited it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Noteworthy news sites for kids
Browse more websites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines