Breaking News: How to Tell What's Real From What's Rubbish
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
A funny, practical and ever-so timely guide to the NEWS for 8–12-year-olds. Find out how to understand and navigate 24/7 news, how to spot the facts from the fake, and what to do if the news becomes overwhelming. It's never been easier to access the news through various platforms such as TV, radio, billboards, and smartphones, leading to an overload of information and difficulty in discerning real news from fake. 'Breaking News' offers insightful, hands-on, essential, and reassuring advice to help children navigate the modern news cycle, with laugh-out-loud text, amusing illustrations, and interactive activities. The book has received praise from notable figures like Eoin Colfer and Konnie Huq, and is considered a perfect read for budding young journalists.
Age
8-9
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is one piece of news that you heard recently? How did you decide if it was true or not?
Why do you think it's important to know the difference between real news and fake news?
Can you think of a time when someone might benefit from spreading false information? Why would they do that?
How do you feel when you find out news you believed was not true?
What are some ways we can check if the information we hear or read is reliable?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them to consider the source of the information.
Discuss the impacts of misinformation and the importance of truth in media.
Share examples from your own experiences of encountering misinformation, and how you addressed it.
Praise your child for questioning and investigating the news they come across.
Create a 'fact-check' game where you and your child try to verify news stories together using reliable sources.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: The book teaches children to question the credibility of sources and analyze information instead of accepting it at face value.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to evaluate the reliability of different sources of information, whether it's in their schoolwork, media, or conversations.
Example Lesson: Understanding Bias
Explanation: By exploring how stories can be told from different perspectives, children understand that bias can influence how information is presented.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding to distinguish between opinion and fact, helping them to form their own well-rounded views.
Example Lesson: Research Skills
Explanation: This book encourages the use of research to verify facts before forming opinions, promoting thorough investigation as a key to understanding.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in their academic studies and encourages curiosity and a love for learning.
Example Lesson: Digital Literacy
Explanation: Discusses the role of digital media in spreading information and teaches children how to safely navigate online content.
Real-World Application: Equips children with the necessary skills to responsibly use the internet, important for their safety and academic growth.
Example Lesson: Responsible Sharing
Explanation: Highlights the importance of sharing accurate information and the consequences of spreading misinformation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of integrity and responsibility in communication, crucial for interpersonal relationships and civic duties.