Devoted to children aged 8-14, packed with fascinating stories and information, The Week Junior is a fabulous news and activity magazine that offers young readers a variety of interesting stories from here, there and everywhere.
It’s a weekly publication that not only dazzles children with information and knowledge, but also entertains with engaging activities.
The paper covers a range of topics, from animals and the environment to science, technology, people in the news, apps, entertainment, sports and more.
Inside you’ll find content galore, including home and world news, arts, puzzles, apps, book club, photos of the week and more. 
The Week Junior is very keen on hearing from readers via its ‘Over to you’ page. This is where children can showcase their news, reports, reviews and pictures.
Not only does the magazine encourage creativity and curiosity, it challenges children to question things.
Every week there is a page devoted to a big debate where two sides to a current controversy are given and children are asked to make up their own minds about it.
I love the ‘Real or rubbish’ section which encourages children to interpret an item as a factual feature or a piece of fake news.
Other features include quiz of the week which is a fun way to explore what children have learnt from each issue.
The ‘Do something’ and ‘How to’ pages contain a range of exciting and creative activities, easy experiments, recipes and challenges.
One of the hardest jobs when creating readable news content for children is making it engaging without sounding patronising.
The content is written for readers at different levels of literacy but in a language that has an easy flow and engaging style. Articles are presented in an age-appropriate way that avoids condescension.
This is not watered-down content. Rather, it is material pitched in the Goldilocks zone of ‘just right’, dressed with plenty of intelligence, creativity and challenge.
News and events are made highly accessible through well-crafted and absorbing features that prize understanding.
The Week Junior is perfect for helping curious minds explore and learn more about the world around them. It’s ideal for using as a resource in class to spark discussion and enhance lessons across the curriculum.
The content gives you a buffet experience – pick away at what you fancy, from bite-sized items to more substantial dishes.
School subscriptions are 40 issues per year and prices vary according to the number of copies offered. Subscription prices start from £54, with a free online resource bank available as well.
The Week Junior isn’t just a news magazine, but a learning centre too.
At a glance
- Wonderfully bright, bold and inspiring magazine that packs a punch
- Gives children a weekly opportunity to explore and discover amazing things about the world
- Carefully created by an award-winning team
- Packed with incredible information and eye-catching images
- British Media Awards 2018 winner
Verdict
- Thoroughly researched and fact-checked features
- Written in a clear, concise and engaging manner
- Covers a wide range of exciting news topics and events
- Highly engaging, child-friendly and accessible
- Encourages children to be autonomous and highly informed readers
Upgrade if…
You are looking for a reliable, mind-expanding and quality news magazine with intelligent, engaging and balanced content.
40-week subscription from £54, schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.
Reviewed by John Dabell
