How to Use Newspapers As Sources of Information in the Classroom

The newspaper is a simple way to enrich your classroom's reference area.

It is important to expose students to a variety of news sources. The newspaper is a valuable resource that is easy on your classroom budget. Enrich your classroom's reference area and your daily lessons with a copy of the local newspaper.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper

Instructions

1. Subscribe to one or two newspapers. If you live in a large, urban area, consider also subscribing to a newspaper from a smaller, more rural area. The content of each newspaper will differ, allowing your students to compare and contrast. Ask if the newspaper offers free or reduced subscription rates for classroom use.

2. Display the newspapers in your reference area with other books and materials. Allow your students access to the newspapers as needed.

3. Teach a lesson on how to read a newspaper. Show students the different sections of the paper and talk about what kind of articles are found in each section. Make note of the way the newspaper is organized and numbered. Test comprehension by asking students to find a predetermined article in a specific section.

4. To ensure familiarity with the newspaper, assign projects that require the use of a newspaper to gain information. Send students on a fictional job hunt in the classifieds. Ask them to summarize a current event. Teach them to distinguish fact from opinion in the opinion pages. Calculate percentages in the sale pages of the advertisements. The newspaper's varied content will allow you to teach to virtually any subject area.

References

• Newspapers in Education: Using Newspapers in the Classroom