 | 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. |
Scholastic Kids Press Corps
Common Sense Media says
Kid reporters (and readers) get schooled in journalism.
Parents say
Kids say
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.
What kids can learn
Kids can read news and information that piques their interest from the perspective of specially selected kid reporters. Reporters undergo a competitive application process and are therefore the cream of the crop; each piece seems to be carefully crafted. Users can browse timely political stories, find book and movie reviews, read entertainment blogs, and discover special reports on central themes such as the Olympics and Women's History Month. Would-be journalists could be inspired by viewing kid reporters in action.
Subjects
- Arts
- Hobbies
- Language & Readingreading, using supporting evidence, writing clearly
- Math
- Science
- Social Studiescultural understanding, geography, global awareness
Skills
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Emotional Development
- Health & Fitness
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Self-Direction
- Tech Skills
- Thinking & Reasoninganalyzing evidence
What's it about?
Visitors to the website can click through the various sections to read news reports, browse blogs or watch videos of interviews, articles and reviews. Similar to news websites geared to adults, this site enables kids to sift through information by category and read or watch pieces that speak to them on their level. For those who are interested in pursuing writing, journalism or broadcasting, there's complete information for applying to be part of the Scholastic News Press Corps team.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
What kids can learn
Kids can read news and information that piques their interest from the perspective of specially selected kid reporters. Reporters undergo a competitive application process and are therefore the cream of the crop; each piece seems to be carefully crafted. Users can browse timely political stories, find book and movie reviews, read entertainment blogs, and discover special reports on central themes such as the Olympics and Women's History Month. Would-be journalists could be inspired by viewing kid reporters in action.
Subjects
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
- Language & Reading: reading, using supporting evidence, writing clearly
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies: cultural understanding, geography, global awareness
Skills
- Collaboration:
- Communication:
- Creativity:
- Emotional Development:
- Health & Fitness:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Self-Direction:
- Tech Skills:
- Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence
How kids will learn
Kids' voices are strong on this site. They research and author content; stories are selected and written from their point of view. Much of the content seems well researched, too, providing kids with a solid foundation for interpreting the types of news they'll encounter more regularly as they reach adulthood. While kids can learn about a variety of subjects that interest them, the site's strongest asset is that the content comes from kids themselves.
How parents can help
- Discuss how this searchable site is similar to or different from news sites tailored to grown-ups.
- Encourage a kid who's interested in journalism to submit an application to be a reporter for the site. Even if they don't win the spot, they'll gain valuable practice presenting their qualifications.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
August 10, 2010
AGE
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.
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| Genre: | Educational |
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