Getting Kids to Care About Current Events

(StatePoint) Getting kids interested in the world around them sometimes can be tough.

While many parents have long been unsure how to properly address certain current events with their children, there's no denying recent efforts to reach young people and expand the scope of their world.

A number of outlets have worked to establish news sources for children, while President Obama made some waves this past September when he delivered an address aimed specifically at the nation's children. Even TV pundit Bill O'Reilly wrote a book for children.

With proper oversight and some good ideas, families can make current events fun for kids, ultimately expanding their understanding of the world.

"Children haven't yet gotten jaded or apathetic. They want the world to be a better place and they believe they can help make it so," says author and human rights activist Elizabeth Hankins, whose new book entitled "I Learned a New Word Today... Genocide" teaches children about a heavy global topic. "Once you learn of the misfortune of others, you won't look the other way. This can help avoid future mistakes that have continued to allow crimes against humanity."

Here are some ways to make learning about current events appealing to children:

* Make it a Family Function: Combine quality family time with an opportunity to educate your children by coming together to watch the nightly news or read the local newspaper. While it's important that parents filter the news slightly to make sure children aren't exposed to content for which they might not be ready, it's a great way for families to draw closer. Be sure to participate in a dialogue afterwards and encourage children to ask questions.

* Find Good Resources Online: A number of media outlets have established online portals where children can learn about current events. Companies like Nickelodeon, Time Magazine, the Washington Post, and Scholastic have created places where children can learn about the world. The U.S. House of Representatives even established "Kids in the House," a Web Site where children can learn about America's legislative branch.

* Check Your Library or Bookstore: There are a variety of books available today that take potentially-difficult topics and explain them to children in age-appropriate ways. Hankins' novel, "I Learned a New Word Today... Genocide" is one such example for readers as young as 10, while Art Spiegelman's "Maus" and Victoria London's "Lucy and the Liberty Quilt" are other nice choices for kids.

* Start a Group and Become Active: There are many current events discussion groups in communities across the country where young people join to discuss issues. If you can't find one in your community, consider starting one. By partnering with similar groups and even writing to your congressman or town officials, you can tap more directly into the places where policies take shape.

* Turn it into Games or Projects: Educators encourage families to make current events fun. While combing through the newspaper, children can compile a scrapbook or piece together a collage composed of articles that matter to them. Family and friends can come together to act out sketches based on current events.

"Not all details of current events are suitable for young people, but by encouraging children to see what happens in the rest of the world and encouraging their curiosity, you might help shape a generation of well-read, influential individuals," says Hankins.

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Stories in the Palm of Your Hand

For kids only (or grownups that refuse to leave childhood far behind) Friday June 26th and Saturday June 27th. Taught by Tootle, Tykie, and Froggie (Writer - Beverly Browning, Designer - Kathy Socha, Production Designer - Andi Kulp)

For educational specialists, this course is described as a supervised amalgamation of ancient art forms: puppetry and storytelling. But in reality, it's an insanely hilarious, rollicking free-for-all with glue and googly eyeballs and stick - on antlers and wings. Young puppet makers create a cast of characters...all with past. When the puppets meet each other at the end, the story they create together is outrageous and amazing. Guaranteed. The puppeteers take their puppets home. (Who would trust these puppets to stay together and behave in the gallery?).

Tykie and Froggie are award-winning designers. Tootle is a professional writer and editor. In spite of international credentials and a lifetime of achievement in professional realms, none of them has really ever grown up.

The event will be held at Generations Gallery.

Friday June 26th from 2-4 pm
Saturday June 27th from 10am - 12 noon

Recommended for children ages 6 to 10

All supplies provided, a donation of $5 per child is requested, but not required.

www.TheVillageatIndianSprings.com/gallery 770-227-4002 weekdays and 770-775-7916 Weekends

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Kids Fishing Events Scheduled for Spring and Summer

Looking for a way to spend more time with a child or grandchild this summer? Introduce them to fishing. Research shows that most people are introduced to fishing by a family member, and most consider a family member to be their best fishing friend.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division encourages adults, especially those with little or no angling experience, to introduce a child to fishing at one of the many statewide kids fishing events scheduled this spring and summer.

“Kids fishing events are popular community activities that introduce youth and their families to the joys of fishing, and promote a better understanding of the natural environment,” says John Biagi, Wildlife Resources Division chief of Fisheries Management. “These events provide an opportunity for youth to fish, often for the first time, with assistance from experienced volunteers and in places where the probability of catching a fish is high.”

Kids fishing events are sponsored across the state and provide fishing lessons to both children (under age 16) and parents from knowledgeable instructors. The Wildlife Resources Division co-sponsors most events by providing channel catfish and trout to improve fishing, educational materials for participants and guidance for sponsors.

“Lessons about life and the importance of nature are often learned and passed between generations while fishing. Fishing provides that rare time when you and your child can relax and talk,” says Biagi. “Children who are introduced to fishing today are more likely to continue fishing as adults. In fact, 85 percent of today’s freshwater anglers began fishing before they turned 13. In contrast, only eight percent took up fishing as adults – so take them fishing today!”

Organizers of events can provide first-time anglers with a special award certificate downloadable from www.gofishgeorgia.com .

For more information on kids fishing events, including how to host one, tips on fishing with children and a calendar listing events, visit www.gofishgeorgia.com .

Take Me Fishing! ™ A recent national survey indicated that 87 percent of Americans believe fishing and boating have a positive effect on family relationships. So take your family fishing and you will always have something in common.

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