News-O-Matic ~ New App for Kids

There are many horrible things that have been happening in the world lately. I often wonder how I am going to keep my child safe from harm. Then I realized that as he gets older not only will I have to keep him safe, but I will have to explain these horrible things and why they are happening. So not ready for that.I don't even listen to NPR when he's around right now!

So I was intrigued when News-O-Matic by Press4Kids was brought to my attention. News-O-Matic is an educational news app that covers breaking news, sports, science and more in an accessible and kid-friendly way. Targeted to kids ages 7-10, it includes five daily news stories, detailed images, videos, illustrations, maps, timelines and games.

This app gives children the opportunity to explore the latest current events, while also giving them a voice to express their views. 

Children can interact with the Editor-in-Chief by rating stories, drawing pictures, asking questions or expressing opinions about current topics in the “News Room” section of the app. The goal is to inspire a generation of children to become habitual news readers and well-informed global citizens.

As parents, we know that children process these things differently. They may be asking difficult questions and parents may need suggestions to help discuss what happened and address their concerns. This app is but one tool to help digest difficult information - below are some tips from  Dr. Phyllis Ohr, Child Psychologist, on how parents can address news issues with children and what children can do to feel better:

1.      When the event does not personally affect the child, reassure them that everything is okay with the people they love and that nothing has changed for them.

2.     Be sure to stress to children that if they do have questions to ask parents, teachers as well as friends. Other children having the same feelings may be comforting.

3.    Begin by giving the child a brief synopsis of what happened by using age appropriate language. Ask if there is something they want to know more about or if they need something explained further. If so, stick to pointedly answering their question or clarifying. Do not add on or digress.

4.    Do not assume the news will make children feel a certain way. Ask if they know how they feel, but stress that kids feel all different ways when they hear important news and sometimes do not know how they feel or do not feel anything which is okay. However, if children are affected by it, it is their own feeling. Reassure children that no matter what they are feeling, their feelings are okay.

5.    If they are upset but don't want to talk, suggest a fun activity for distraction or help them use calming skills like playing, drawing a picture or writing a story. These activities help release any upset feelings and make children feel better.

Hope those tips help...and make sure to try out the app - I think it's a great way to introduce kids to news media. In addition, Press for Kids is giving one lucky reader a News-O-Matic goodie bag, featuring a  $10 iTunes gift card, backpack, hats, water bottles and an iPad screen cleaner.

      The giveaway will close on June 10, 2013. open to US residents. I will pick a winner on random.org. 

                               To gain entries to the giveaway, you can do one or all of these:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me why you are interested in this app

2. Follow me on twitter

3. Follow me on bloglovin (or another reader)

4. Like Crazy Casa K on facebook

5. Like Press4Kids on facebook