Community newspapers play a vital role in local communities. Whether a big-city daily tabloid or a small-town weekly, these publications keep us up to date on regional and global news. But reading these publications is also great for kids. Here’s why:

A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that parents who provide newspapers for their children to read and discuss with them can help kids develop strong language skills, ultimately benefiting them in the classroom. The study also noted that discussing such stories with youngsters creates opportunities for them to explore their thoughts and express their opinions.

Newspapers can help children develop their critical thinking skills. A meta-analysis examining ways to teach students critical thinking skills, published in the Review of Educational Research, noted that critical thinking skills are vital in bolstering students’ ability to interpret, analyze, evaluate, and make inferences. Newspapers are an invaluable resource for educators seeking to enhance children’s critical thinking skills, as they can be used to teach students to recognize the purpose behind stories, the methods used to gather information, and how to verify news information. Each of those lessons requires interpretation, analysis, and evaluation, ultimately instilling in students vital critical thinking skills that can serve them in the classroom and beyond. Additionally, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Educational Research found that reading newspapers helped student participants improve their vocabulary, enhance their writing skills, and articulate their ideas more effectively.

Community publications are an integral part of our region, and children have much to gain from being given access to them in the classroom and at home. If you would like Buffalo Healthy Living Magazine delivered to your school or classroom, contact us at info@buffalohealthyliving.com.