March 2021 … Healthy NewsWorks is pleased to announce the launch of By Kids For Kids, its new digital platform.
Designed for and primarily featuring content by students in elementary and middle schools, the site allows children and families in the Philadelphia region and beyond to receive reliable, health-focused news while offering both teaching and learning resources.
“During the pandemic, all learning became virtual, so it only makes sense to meet the students where they’re learning now,” said Marian Uhlman, executive director and co-founder of Healthy NewsWorks.
By Kids For Kids acts as a news service, showcasing student interviews, articles, and illustrations. Currently featured are an interview with an award-winning children’s book author, and an article on a molecular biologist at the University of Pennsylvania.
The site also offers first-person accounts from children living through a pandemic.
“It has been a while since my family has been out somewhere,” writes Jordan, a fourth-grader on the staff of the Whitehall Healthy Reporter in Norristown. “We used to have our MomMom join us when we went out, but since the pandemic, we don’t see her often. I miss being together as a family.”
By Kids For Kids is designed to encourage student participation with diverse experiences and perspectives.
“When children are working remotely, we have to keep them engaged,” Uhlman said.
By Kids For Kids does that with videos, interactive games, and fun facts, such as how much a student weighs on the moon.
But it’s not all fun and games — By Kids For Kids also offers robust resources and learning activities. Teacher-created lesson plans help children make sense of COVID-19 and learn from history by studying the 1918 flu pandemic and 1793 yellow fever epidemic.
Founded in 2003, Healthy NewsWorks empowers children to become researchers, writers, critical thinkers, and confident communicators who advance health understanding and literacy through their factual work.
“Life has turned digital,” Uhlman said. “By Kids For Kids offers opportunities for learning through digital media that match the needs of modern students.”
Get your child or student involved with By Kids For Kids here.
