Hacker News: farstillhttps://news.ycombinator.com/user?id=farstillHacker News RSShttps://hnrss.org/hnrss v2.1.1Thu, 23 Apr 2026 07:38:56 +0000<![CDATA[Show HN: A daily news app that helps kids build reading and thinking skills]]>Hi HN, I’ve been working on a web app that turns real-world news into a short daily learning experience for kids. The idea came from watching how most “learning apps” either feel like test prep or oversimplify content. I wanted something that helps kids understand real news, build vocabulary, and think — without grades or pressure. How it works: * Each day, the app generates one age-appropriate news article * Kids read the article and answer 5 simple questions * The app highlights a small set of useful vocabulary words with explanations in context * Progress is tracked via streaks, titles, and badges (Explorer → Thinker → Decoder → Scholar → Sage) No leaderboards, no scores shown to kids, no “wrong answer” shaming. Some design choices I made intentionally: * Vocabulary focuses on usefulness, not memorization * Progress is identity-based, not performance-based This is still early-stage and I’m looking for feedback from: * parents * educators * people who’ve built learning products * anyone opinionated about how kids shouldn’t be taught

Demo: https://zaplearner.com/trial

Happy to answer technical or product questions. Feedback (positive or critical) is very welcome.

Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46955206

Points: 2

# Comments: 0

]]>Tue, 10 Feb 2026 04:00:29 +0000https://www.zaplearner.com/trialfarstillhttps://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46955206https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46955206<![CDATA[New comment by farstill in "Ask HN: What are you working on? (February 2026)"]]>I built a website where kids can practice reading comprehension and learn new words while staying up to date with the latest global news each day. I originally built it for my own kids to help them maintain their reading skills while we travel. They loved it—and even suggested adding gamified features like streaks and badges!

https://zaplearner.com

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