 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Learning Network
Common Sense Media says
NYTimes blog gives young people fluff-free news, discussion.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Learning Network uses the news of the day from the New York Times to create a blog and other news-related activities that engage teens and tweens. This site is also a resource for teachers who are creating lesson plans related to current events, history, science news, and more. The site doesn't necessarily edit what's happening in the world, so tough subjects might come up.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about and discuss the news of the day on The Learning Network. Also, teachers can find ideas on this site, run by the New York Times, to help students discuss current events; everything from politics to science to new dance styles is covered. Teens can also learn how to convey their opinions effectively, and respectfully, as they follow the code of conduct and comment with "articulate, well-informed remarks that are relevant to the article" on this well-moderated site. Current events are presented in a way that can be understood by teens and older kids but could use more interactivity.
Subjects
- Language & Readingdiscussion, reading comprehension
- Math
- Science
- Social Studiescultural understanding, global awareness, the economy
- Arts
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoningmaking conclusions, solving puzzles, thinking critically
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communicationconveying messages effectively
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethicsfollowing codes of conduct, respect for others
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
When kids log on to their own special home of The New York Times, they get the day's news, kid-style. Kids can read news summaries of the day's top stories (some might be about tough subjects such as war or killings), take new quizzes, complete crossword puzzles with Web links, learn a word of the day, and go back in time with "On This Day," which displays the front page of the paper from days gone by.
Is it any good?
With THE LEARNING NETWORK, the New York Times definitely raises the bar for stories that are typically found on teens and tweens news sites. Kids won’t find much here about Justin Bieber or the latest video game release. What they will find is lots of ways to learn about and discuss the issues of the day. This is good news, especially for those teens and tweens who can meet the challenge of thinking about and commenting (in non-snarky ways) on real issues related to complex topics. For teachers, there’s an incredible depth and breadth of lesson plans here.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how to comment on blog posts in appropriate, civil ways. This is a good place for tweens and teens to start commenting on social issues and reading other people’s posts.
Talk about why it’s important to keep up on current events. How do national or world events affect your family, your community, or your teen's school?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about and discuss the news of the day on The Learning Network. Also, teachers can find ideas on this site, run by the New York Times, to help students discuss current events; everything from politics to science to new dance styles is covered. Teens can also learn how to convey their opinions effectively, and respectfully, as they follow the code of conduct and comment with "articulate, well-informed remarks that are relevant to the article" on this well-moderated site. Current events are presented in a way that can be understood by teens and older kids but could use more interactivity.
Subjects
- Language & Reading: discussion, reading comprehension
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies: cultural understanding, global awareness, the economy
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: making conclusions, solving puzzles, thinking critically
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication: conveying messages effectively
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics: following codes of conduct, respect for others
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Teens will learn by reading the concept-building articles and, if they choose, responding with their own opinion and reading those of other teens. If teachers use any of the many extension ideas posted on The Learning Network, teens will also learn by exploring current events in the classroom in interactive ways. Teens can also learn by taking the quizzes, doing the puzzles, and reading the daily posts on history and vocabulary words.
How parents can help
- If your teen needs to research a current event for school, suggest visiting this site for ideas.
- Encourage your teen to post their opinions here after reading the guidelines. This is a good place to start commenting on social issues in an environment that values civil discourse.
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