National Geographic Launches Children’s Magazine

For over a century, those who prefer to explore from the comfort of their own home have had the opportunity to learn about ancient civilizations, fascinating cultures, and the enigmas of the wilderness through the beautifully illustrated pages of National Geographic magazine. In order to cater to a younger audience, National Geographic, following in the footsteps of other magazine publishers, has launched student-friendly versions of their publications. These new curriculum materials make use of the National Geographic Society’s extensive collection of photographs, maps, graphics, and narratives, allowing elementary school teachers to take their students on virtual expeditions within the classroom. The recently unveiled Reading Expeditions and Windows on Literacy booklets, along with the upcoming National Geographic for Kids magazine, aim to assist teachers in meeting state standards for language arts, social studies, and science.

This move by National Geographic joins the ranks of other publications, such as Time for Kids, Teen Newsweek, and The New York Times Upfront, which have also introduced revised editions for children. These adaptations not only aim to improve nonfiction reading skills, but also educate children about current events. Ericka Markham, the society’s senior vice president of school publishing, highlighted the importance of their magazine in fostering world knowledge over the past 113 years. With their visually captivating content and insightful research, National Geographic wishes to provide children with the same valuable information as they do for their parents and grandparents.

The National Geographic Society, which has been publishing the esteemed magazine since 1888, established its school publishing division two years ago. In the current school year, the society has piloted their magazine for grades 3-6 in 58 school districts. In September, they plan to distribute more than 1 million copies of a back-to-school issue, followed by six issues per year available through subscription. The cost per student is $4, or $1 per student for bulk orders of over 200.

The pilot issues of National Geographic for Kids have already showcased descriptive articles on humpback whales, polar bears, chocolate, and deep-sea missions. The thematic booklets are filled with stunning photographs and tailored to various reading levels. They cover science topics such as mud and shadows, as well as social studies topics like the Industrial Revolution and the Civil War. Separate teacher guides and teaching notes are provided to assist educators in focusing on specific subjects and incorporating relevant reading skills. For example, the booklet on Greece contains expository text and requires students to compare and contrast information, utilize contextual clues, summarize, generalize, and draw conclusions about Greek culture, both past and present. Students also expand their vocabulary and are encouraged to conduct research and write about what they’ve learned. The materials were developed with the input of teachers and curriculum developers.

Teachers often use such materials as supplements to textbooks or to address gaps in the curriculum, according to Richard M. Kerper, a professor of elementary and early-childhood education. Nonfiction writing is increasingly important for students as they progress through the grades, but many reading programs primarily focus on fiction. Therefore, educators are turning to these types of resources to introduce students to nonfiction literature. However, Mr. Kerper emphasizes the importance of evaluating the quality and accuracy of such products, as well as their suitability for teaching specific reading skills.

In summary, National Geographic’s student-friendly publications and curriculum materials aim to captivate young minds, instilling a love for exploration, learning, and nonfiction reading. These resources support teachers in meeting educational standards while providing an engaging and informative experience for students.