Indykids
Posted April 3, 2008 by k_c_ in Events
Indykids is a project I got really excited about a few years ago, when I was teaching at an after-school program. It can be a really good tool to use in classrooms to discuss current events, general media literacy, and a platform for alternative media.
IndyKids is a free newspaper and teaching tool that aims to inform children on current news and world events from a progressive perspective and to inspire a passion for social justice and learning. It is geared toward kids in grades 4 to 8 and high school English Language Learners. IndyKids is produced five times during the school year.
All the issues are available for download and there are some upcoming events in NYC to note.
Saturday, April 5: Tabling at the “Creating Balance in an Unjust World” math conference in Brooklyn. We’ll talk with educators at the conference and hand out copies of IndyKids.
Monday, April 14: IndyKids brainstorming for the summer ’08 issue at the NYC Incymedia Office, 4 W 43rd St, rm 311
Wednesday, April 23: IndyKids editing meeting 7-9pm at the Indymedia office
Saturday, April 26: Tabling at the Brooklyn Peace Fair in downtown Brooklyn. We’ll talk with fair-goers and hand out copies of IndyKids.
If you're interested in getting involved with any of the above events write to indykids@indymedia.org
Want to write for IndyKids?
Here are some guidelines:
IndyKids welcomes submissions from kids and adults such as:
- news articles
- letters to the editor
- Bilingual essays: first person essays in a language other than English on any topic. We will print this with an English translation
- Book reviews (doesn't have to be a new book)
- Movie reviews (doesn't have to be a new movie)
- a variety of kids' opinions on a particular issue of importance to them (Sentence quotes with photos of the 4 to 7 individuals or as a group. Please contact IndyKids and we may be able to visit your classroom to interview students on a topic of their interest.)
- a craft project or recipe
- puzzles
*IndyKids generally does not publish fiction.
How to contribute to IndyKids:
1. Submissions may be sent to indykids@indymedia.org at any time. You may also submit an idea for a story and a sentence on what the story is about.
2. Letters to the editor on any topic may be mailed to: IndyKids, PO Box 1417, New York, NY 10276
3. Main articles should be 200 to 250 words. News Briefs should be 25-100 words.
4. Articles should be aimed at kids ages 9 to 13 (or grades 4 to 8). Avoid using complicated words and long sentences. If you have to use a big word, define it.
5. First person essays are accepted from kids ages 15 and under.
6. Articles should read like news articles you would see in any major newspaper. They should focus on reporting on issues, events and facts.
7. News articles should be about a timely issue and quote one or two people to make the issue more real to the reader. IndyKids particularly welcomes articles with perspectives and subjects not often seen in the mainstream media.
8. If you want, think about a picture or graphic to accompany your article. You can find something yourself or suggest something that our artists and designers can create.
Deadlines are:
August 15
October 15
December 15
February 15
April 15
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