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OECD study finds that discussing current affairs improves reading scores.
WE had no doubt that First News readers were smart, but a new report now proves that knowing about the news makes kids smarter!
A study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development showed that 15-year-olds whose parents discussed current affairs with them scored 28 points higher in reading than students whose parents rarely or never discussed the news with them.
While the report focuses on learning about the news at home, it could also happen in the classroom. The important thing is that pupils learn and think about what is going on in the world around them.
It is thought that the reason for this is that finding out about current affairs helps to develop a good vocabulary. When people find a topic interesting, they usually want to research and find out more, which means more and more reading practice!
Learning about current affairs from a young age has benefits that can last a lifetime.
Emma Wilkson, a programme leader from MidKent College in Southeast England, said: “Being able to talk and discuss and have an opinion and awareness of the world is going to help you to get on and continue to learn for the rest of your life.”