In our commitment to develop children’s critical literacy and oracy skills, we have teamed up with Picture News to help develop their understanding and appreciation of the news and current events.

Having age-appropriate conversations with children about the news keeps them interested and informed about what’s happening in the world. They move from wanting to know what happens in MY world to what is happening in THE world and their place in it.

By having regular conversations about the news, we are able to share a whole range of topics and together make more sense of different events, issues and stories.

Talking about the major headlines of the day and current affairs is important for children to grow up as global citizens but it’s important too to share a variety of fun and exciting news stories from the worlds of sport, entertainment, music, science, etc. as well as local news closer to home.

Here are some of the ways we use Picture News in class as well as how parents can support with this:

• Initiate discussions about the news using the Picture News resources. Ask them what they discussed in Picture News this week!
• Read and watch some news stories together from different sources.
• Find out what your child knows about the news and explore their understanding.
• Listen to what your child says and value their opinions.
• Explain simply and in a way that makes sense to them.
• Promote a habit of enquiry and make asking questions your child’s default setting.
• Help your child to spot fake news and how to fact-check.
• Develop a news habit by accessing the news regularly.
• Defuse bad news and offer reassurance.
• Protect your child from distressing and disturbing news.
• Monitor your child’s exposure to the news.

By working together, we can help children become critical consumers of the news so that they are ‘news savvy’, articulate and confident citizens.

To find out more about Picture News click here.