Though I’m quite the avid reader, I don’t really follow newspapers. I have probably read five newspapers in my entire life. Today, I don’t see the need to even subscribe to newspapers because you get all your information online. At times, I come across some jokes trending all over social media and sometimes curiosity gets me to go read about the matter being humoured about. That’s all.

For the first time, I have been introduced to a newspaper exclusively crafted for young minds, aged 6 to 14 years. It is around two years old and so, I was quite interested to check out the content. After going through it, I can say the following:

GOOD STUFF:

1. The annual subscription costs only Rs. 950/-. The newspaper is sent fortnightly.
2. There was only positive content in it.
3. My daughter, aged 7, was quite excited to complete the fun activities like colouring, learning to draw, choosing the right answers, etc.
4. She loved the sticky stories.
5. She was excited to know that ‘Baby Shark’ was one of the most watched videos online, though she wasn’t too interested in the rest of the information on it.
6. She enjoyed reading about the amazing facts about Giraffes.
7. Some of the fun facts, even I was unaware of, were quite interesting.

MY SUGGESSTIONS

Personally, I think the newspaper should be categorized age wise. For example, things like Sudoku, analogies and book reviews could be in the 8-10 years age category. It is difficult for all 6 to 7 year olds to be reading articles on Shivaji, Battery-less phones, destinations, expeditions, retirements, biographies or robotics. Also, the articles should have simpler words so that younger children can relate to them. The short stories/facts/news should have been written in a way that children themselves would want to continue reading them, like only the interesting parts could have been included.

Having stated the above, I liked the children’s newspaper as a whole. You can check out the issue and decide whether it suits your child or not. Also, it can be used as a good way to spend intellectual time with your younger ones. Every child’s focus, interest and concentration levels are different, so either you may have to sit and read out the newspaper to your child, one day at a time or they will be waiting every two weeks for their copies. Either way, they will be happy.

Those interested to try it out can apply for the subscription by visiting the website News Shuttle.

Also, if you want your children’s stories, achievements or drawings to be featured in the coming issues, grab the opportunity now and send an email to: [email protected].