A hurricane batters the Gulf Coast of the United States. Tensions in the Middle East result in higher prices at the gas pump. Scientists analyze new images from Mars. An enormously popular reality show announces its winner. Each of these events can be considered news, and each—to some degree--will have an impact on kids' lives.  The events happening around us shape our futures, our finances, our technology, and our culture. The news alerts us to who we are and where we are going.

In the years since the September 11th terrorist attacks, there has been an increased urgency for young people to know and understand the forces shaping the world around them. As the world grows more and more interconnected through technology and commerce, it is increasingly imperative for young people to understand the ongoing story of our civilization in order to become successful and productive citizens.       

It can be difficult to engage young people in the news. With exciting distractions such as TV, movies, video games, and the Internet readily available, the news may often seem “boring” and irrelevant to upper elementary and middle school students.    

Simultaneously, the news isn't always pleasant.  It can be heartbreaking and catastrophic. It can lead to difficult questions with difficult answers. It can cause anxiety and fear. 

It is often up to parents and teachers to get young people interested in and excited about the news. With increased attention to standardized tests and mandated curriculums in the classroom, and busy schedules at home, this can be a daunting task.

In this section of PBSKids News, we'll explore WHY an understanding of the news and current events has multiple benefits for kids, and discuss HOW parents and teachers can engage kids in the events taking place around us.

Why should kids learn about the news?  

Learning about the news increases kids' understanding of the world in which we live. Whether they are reading a news story about events happening on the other side of town or the other side of the world, exposure to current events increases kids' knowledge of geography, social and ethnic groups, cultures, political affiliations, religions, and differing perspectives and belief systems. Exploration and understanding of the news gives kids a better understanding of themselves, increases compassion for others, and equips them for life in an interdependent, global society.

Learning about the news engages kids in local, national, and international issues, and encourages civic engagement. In addition to exposing kids to the multiple factors influencing the world in which we live, the news provides kids with an entry into the issues and choices faced by society on a local, national, and international level. In their everyday lives, kids are faced with choices and opportunities, moral obstacles and challenges.  An examination of the news will illustrate to kids how these choices and challenges play out on a larger, societal level.  How do US citizens react to an earthquake on the Indian subcontinent? How SHOULD US citizens react to an earthquake on the Indian subcontinent? What are the pros and cons of a proposed new retail store in your city or town? By examining the news and considering the choices, opportunities, and challenges posed by it, kids will begin to appreciate multiple perspectives, and lay the groundwork for responsible adult decision-making.   

Examination of the news can also provide kids with a perfect opportunity to get involved...in community projects and initiatives, in fundraising and relief efforts, and in the democratic system.

Learning about the news enhances kids' understanding of the universal truths of human experience. When children examine the news, they begin to see that people around the world have a common humanity, beyond the specifics of location, environment, culture, class, race, gender or age. Kids and adults everywhere have hopes and dreams, fears and problems. People everywhere crave security, happiness, and freedom of culture, expression, and belief. A tsunami in Indonesia can have the same emotional and physical impact as a hurricane in New Orleans. Kids in London may be just as excited about the new Harry Potter book as kids in Seattle. A school in Moscow may have many similarities to a school in Louisville. With guidance from adults, exploring the news can develop understanding and tolerance, while simultaneously dismantling prejudice, stereotypes, and hatred.    

Learning about the news promotes literacy, and a love of words and language. Almost all of the news -- whether in newspapers and magazines, on television, or on the Web, relies heavily on written and spoken word to communicate events. News reporting presents kids with excellent models of concise, specific writing; introduces kids to new terms and vocabulary; builds comprehension skills; and poses issues and questions for further examination and discussion. By interacting with the news, students will not only learn about specific topics and events, but increase their literacy skills as well.    

Learning about the news connects the real world to classroom curriculum. The news provides a tie-in to many of the subjects and topics kids are already learning about in school. The news can easily be connected to geography, social studies, science, math. . .the possibilities are limitless. Beyond merely enhancing student learning, examination of the news allows children to see how the concepts they learn about in the classroom apply to the real world.

For ideas on how to use the news in the classroom, visit Activities for the Classroom. For complete, comprehensive lesson plans using PBSKids News, visit the Lesson Planpage. 

Learning about the news facilitates communication between kids and adults. By exposing young people to the news, and working with them to understand it, kids will have new avenues of discussion with the adults around them. When children begin to see how the news isn't boring and irrelevant, but rather can have an impact on the daily lives of the people with whom they interact, it will enable them to have meaningful discussions with parents, teachers, caregivers, and other adults in their lives. Discussing the news with your child will also provide you with strong indicators about their interests, outlooks, attitudes, hopes, and fears.   

Learning about the news helps kids navigate the words and images that surround them.  Like it or not, kids are constantly barraged by current events. Newspapers and magazines, television and radio news reports,  Web sites, and other sources surround kids on a daily basis. While your children may not appear to be interested in--or even aware of--the news, you might be pretty surprised by how much they know about what is happening in the world. However, they often may have no context or understanding of how that news affects their lives. Learning about the news with an adult will help kids understand how to interpret the information around them, sort relevant information from sensational or needless reporting, and alleviate anxiety.  

For more information on talking to kids about the news, consult this Talking to Kids About the News, or the PBS Parents Guide to Talking About the News.     

How can you make news and current events relevant for kids?

Connect the news to kids' lives. The best way to engage kids in the news is to create a clear connection between it and their day-to-day lives. Are you watching a weather report on the TV news broadcast or consulting a weather map in the newspaper as you make your weekend plans? Explain to your child what you're doing and how you're finding the information.  Did you read an article about the casting of a film based on a popular children's book? Share the information with your child.   

Initially, it may be easiest to get kids interested in the news by presenting them with “softer” stories and information involving topics of particular interest to them (i.e., entertainment, technology, or human interest). After all, a story about a 200 pound pumpkin grown in the next county will be far more exciting for a kid than a story about overseas trade embargoes. Over time, you can build up your child's interest and tolerance for “harder” topics and discussions.

Involve kids in local news. Local newspapers and news broadcasts provide coverage of the stories happening in your child's immediate vicinity. Connect these local stories—and their locations—to your child's day-to-day experiences. A kid is more likely to become interested in a news story if he or she has some context and place for it. Remind your children of their connections and proximity to local news. For example, if the Mayor of your city is giving a speech at City Hall, point out the building to your child the next time you are near it. If it's election season and signs supporting various candidates are appearing in your area, ask your child to look for them in order to connect faces and places in the news with local support of candidates. If a news story occurs near a place where your child has been, reference that place as you watch or read the story (i.e., “The historic society is trying to save this old building. The building is right down the street from grandma's house”).  With time, kids will begin to see the connections between the news and their local community.     

Realize that the news isn't always serious and complicated. The news often contains quirky, offbeat, and humorous human interest stories and features. When appropriate, share these stories with your child. Again, it may be easier to spark your child's interest in the news with “softer” topics and build up to larger national and international issues over time. Quirky news stories can also provide a great departure point for further research, inquiry, and investigation...how might a farmer go about growing a 200 pound pumpkin?    

Model behavior. Studies indicate that students who follow the news as a part of their classroom instruction  are more likely to follow the news at home, and that students whose parents follow the news are more likely to follow the news themselves. Model responsible news consumption for your children. Read and share newspaper stories, Web sites, magazines, and other news sources that you enjoy with your children. Explain to your children why you turn to those sources for news. Which news sources do you trust, and why? Communicating your ideas and attitudes about the news will inform your child and increase his or her interest.    

Share your opinions. If you have a strong reaction or opinion about a news story, share it with your kids. Let them see that you can be passionate about the news, and explain why. Let your children see the news having an impact on your life, and they will begin to see why the news is relevant to their lives. Don't be surprised or discouraged, however, if your children have opinions at odds with your own. Be open to discussion and dialogue, and ask your child why he or she has a particular viewpoint. 

The majority of children begin to develop their individual political views during adolescence.  If children are exposed to informed discussions about cultural differences and conflicts starting during early adolescence, it will enable them to think critically and develop independent political and social beliefs.