First News > Home iHub How to Video

This video should help you and your child understand how to get the most out of your First News iHub.  However, if you have any further questions, please take a look at our FAQ page, where we have answered all the most-asked questions.

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WHAT IS THE HOME IHUB?

Activities are tailored to your child’s level based on the reading level you select for them on signing up. Every Monday morning (during term time) your iHub platform will be updated with new activities from the stories in that week’s First News, making it ideal for implementing your home-schooling routine. Discover:

  • Comprehensions
  • Quizzes
  • Vocabulary puzzles
  • Polls

In addition to the weekly activities, there is a huge archive of activities giving you and your child the opportunity to seek out stories of interest whether into sport, science, environment or Crazy But True. There is even an opportunity for your child to have a go at writing their own news reports using the templates available in the News Gallery – when printed they look like the front page of a newspaper!

NO MARKING REQUIRED!

The Home iHub will give children feedback on everything they do and the parents will receive a regular email from First News to update on how the child is getting on and informing you on the topic of the next poll so this can be discussed as a family.

HOW IT WORKS

Choose either a 3-month subscription for £19.99 (RRP £29.99) or 12-month subscription for £59.99.  Please note that this is for access for a single child only.  Access for siblings can be purchased at a 50% discount – please get in touch with us at [email protected] for full details.  You will be contacted within one working day with the login details for your child.

HOW TO DECIDE ON WHAT LEVEL IS RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD

The news content in the Home iHub is appropriate for all age groups. However, the activities are levelled to support different reading comprehension levels and confidence.  There are three reading levels to choose from to suit children from seven to fourteen-years-old:

Level 1: For children with reading ages of 7-9 years three short comprehensions, one crossword and one poll published every week + access to archives and My News Gallery.)

Level 2: For reading ages 10-11 years (one comprehension, one vocabulary puzzle and one poll published weekly + access to archives and My News Gallery.)

Level 3: For reading ages 12-14 years (one comprehension, one vocabulary puzzle and one poll published weekly + access to archives and My News Gallery.)

Although children are not told what level they are set at, you as the parent can contact us any time to request to amend their iHub level, if needed.

Reading Comprehension

Each question encourages understanding, critical thinking, discussion and debate. Multiple choice questions give instant feedback to pupils.

Vocabulary Puzzles

Focus on developing pupils’ vocabulary in the context of a news story by analysing with instant feedback to support learning.

Polls

Vote on a dilemma in a news story

News Gallery

The news gallery enables pupils to create their own news using the content that excites them the most.