Why Should Kids Read Newspapers?

by First Mate Keira, guest blogger

Newspaper circulation is decreasing but readership in many cases is increasing. It’s important to take advantage of the printed versions before and if they become obsolete. Here’s why:

Every child should learn and understand enough of their national language to follow the news. In the United States this means English. The typical US paper reads at a 8^th grade reading level. To get by reading a Chinese newspaper, a person would have to know over 3000 characters. So you can see, it is not a matter of reading difficulty. The text is actually easy.

It is important for everyone to keep abreast of local, state and national news, not just adults. Being informed is a responsibility all citizens should claim. Ignorance is not acceptable when it comes to political and world news. By reading a newspaper kids (and adults) can talk intelligibly about issues.

A newspaper will teach young readers how to read important information quickly and with comprehension. They will learn to scan and digest a great deal of information all at once. This technique will translate well to classes and assigned reading, making the tasks easier to manage.

A newspaper if full of relevant and reliable information. Newspapers hold themselves responsible for the news they print and if anything is found to not be factual will be recanted. This makes newspapers great sources for papers and real life.

Newspapers increase visual literacy. Part of the experience in reading a newspaper is about the navigation. They are designed to be read easily. How the headings, columns, pictures, ads work together is straightforward and subtle. This translates to test taking where time is of the essence and words take too long to read.

A kid can find things personally relevant to them. Most new readers of newspapers start small and work up their way up to read the whole paper. Have your kid read the entertainment, sports, or comics.

Learn what is current today. Seem obvious? It is, but that’s the point of newspapers. Reading them will keep you current. Who wants to talk about old news?

Learn what is newsworthy. Again, obvious, but hear me out. Have you ever paused to think – why was such and so article included in the paper? What made it worthwhile? Take a moment to dissect the article and you will find out.

Newspapers communicate a society’s values, ethics, and ideas. They reflect a community and national ideology. Examination of their articles will unveil just what these beliefs and codes of morality are and how the society feels about them. Perhaps too they will rub off and be a child’s teacher.

Are you persuaded?

Buy: USA Today ~ the Nations Newspaper ~ 1 Year Subscription

Photo Credits: Stephane Tougard

Keira runs a book review blog for readers by readers on romance novels entitled Love Romance Passion. She’s been reading romance since she was in her teens and began blogging about romance so she could share her passion for her favorite genre. She loves reading paranormal, Regency, historical America, and highlander most of all and completely adores blind and wounded heroes.

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