Talking about the news with your child is a great way to provide them with real-world examples of what they’re learning in school. It may also spark their curiosity, a quality essential to academic success.
Just because a child understands something doesn’t mean they’re emotionally ready to process the information. Certain events, like war or death, can emotionally scar a child or cause anxiety. Explicit images can also deeply affect children.
That’s why it’s important to monitor your child’s media consumption. If possible, you should also try to be present when your child is reading or watching the news. That way, you can do the following:
- Watch your child’s reactions and intervene accordingly
- Answer their questions
- Help them put things in perspective
- Etc.
Once a week, you can ask your child to conduct additional online research on a current event. This activity will not only spark their curiosity, but also allow them to do the following:
- Identify credible sources
- Learn to use the information they find (e.g., analyze data, determine its value)
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Understand the world around them
- Etc.
It’s important to be able to summarize information clearly and concisely—not just in an academic setting, but in real life! For instance, this skill will help your child identify important information and organize their thoughts. The first time they summarize a news story, remind them to answer these six fundamental questions:
- Who?
- What?
- Where?
- When?
- How?
- Why?
Discussing current events with your child and encouraging them to share their opinions will help them build self-confidence, discover the different facets of their personality, and develop new interests. When talking about the news with your child, try to do the following:
- Listen attentively
- Smile
- Avoid crossing your arms
- Let your child finish their thoughts
- Answer their questions
- Etc.
Anyone can comment on current events. When you ask your child what they think about a certain situation, you’re helping them develop argumentative thinking and communication skills. During your conversation, encourage them to do the following:
- Give examples
- Offer counterarguments
- Quote experts
- Provide definitions
- Etc.
Watching the news as a family and talking about current events from different angles can foster academic perseverance. How? These activities allow your child to discover new interests.
Writing : The Alloprof Parents' team
Le centre pour l’éducation aux médias et à l’information. « Recherche de l’actualité et ses sources sur Internet ».
Apprendre à éduquer. « Leçons tirées de la recherche sur la petite enfance ».