NewsForKids.net
Common Sense says
Parents say
Kids say
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this website.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that NewsForKids.net is a news site focusing on presenting articles and current events with a kid-based focus. No inappropriate content is included in any articles, although kids will be exposed to some advertising on the home page and on articles that have been archived. Users don't need to register to use the site, and they can't interact with other readers, although they can share items they've read on social media sites. The site administrators say they don't collect personal information from users, although it will set cookies to save settings you've made, such as filtering content for younger children.
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What's it about?
NEWSFORKIDS.NET was created by a teacher to make news accessible to younger readers. The sections cover world, U.S., science, sports, and art news; kids can also view pages that mix the genres. The articles are written using simple language that’s easy to understand; background information is provided to explain certain topics, and additional resources are sometimes included for kids to find out more information about a subject. Parents and kids can adjust the site so kids only see articles that are appropriate for a certain age group as well.
Is it any good?
This informative site can serve as an interesting news source for kids -- one where parents won't have to worry that they'll see inappropriate user comments or questionable content. The articles are written specifically for a younger audience based on topics the site administrators feel would be of interest; they're easy to read, provide a good sense of a subject, and feature links to additional articles on the topic, in case kids want to research it further. Kids will also see suggested articles from NewsForKids.net about similar topics, which could raise their interest in other subjects.
The links lead to mostly legit sources, such as History.com and the New York Times. But some are a bit dubious, such as sports-reference.com, and parents should be aware some of these external sites may contain ads or content geared toward adults. Sticking purely to reputable sources of information, such as newspapers, would help make the site a stronger resource. Kids who plan to check it often may also find each content area isn't updated multiple times a day; that said, the site is well-organized and does a great job of presenting current events in a tone that should appeal to kids. Despite the occasional source issue, NewsForKids.net still offers a significant amount of value.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about the difference between a reliable news source and an unsubstantiated one. How can sites like NewsForKids.Net help kids determine if something is legitimate when they're researching something?
Identify a recent statement from a website or TV and try to determine whether or not it's true. Could a comment be inaccurate, even if the person making it is in a position of authority? How can you tell?
Discuss why reading is important -- and can be fun. Does your child read things for enjoyment? What topics might be of interest in the future?
Website details
- Subjects: Language & Reading: reading, using supporting evidence
Social Studies: cultural understanding, events, geography, global awareness, government - Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: investigation, part-whole relationships
Self-Direction: personal growth - Genre: Educational
- Pricing structure: Free
For kids who love news
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