Newspapers in the Classroom - Say What!? LOL :)

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Newspapers in the Classroom - Say What!? LOL :)

Published Monday, July 27 2009 - (0) Comments

School is almost back in session and we are getting ready for the sounds of little (or big) feet to pitter-patter down the hall! Teachers, are you excited!?!!? Maybe scared? Maybe tired?! I understand the feeling because I've been there myself. This year may be a great one, a tough one, a hyperactive one No matter what it is, NIE likes to arm teachers with a great teaching resource that will get kids ready for adulthood.

Using the newspaper in the classroom might not seem like a feasible idea, what with all the paperwork to be done, tests and papers to grade, about 27 student materials to keep up with and all the planning and decorating your classroom to think about. Teachers have a lot of their plate, and I think anyone should/would NEVER deny that. I certainly respect teachers and the job that they do because they really deserve a lot of credit.

So how do you use the newspaper in your classroom and not feel completely overwhelmed? There are well seasoned teachers who do it, but they have been in the classroom and have the hang of things, right? Well, yes, but they had to start somewhere. When I was a teacher in a special education setting, I went unaware of NIE; however, the school did have a subscription to get newspapers everyday and once I noticed they were coming, I made a point to use them with my students when I could. I would read them the serial story of the week (they loved being read to), have them pick out stories and locate facts that were of interest to them (sports or community stories), and then had them to do activities regarding the newspaper. Even before I knew about NIE I knew it was important to try and get a newspaper under their little noses; looking back I would have tried to do more, if I could do it again.

First, I want to tackle the "why." Not only has it been proven that students who are exposed to a newspaper grow up to become more aware and well read, but they are more likely to pick up news sources and find out what it going on for the rest of their lives! Just by allowing students to have that print (or online) copy available to them for reading once or more times a week gives that child the edge they need to be confident in learning, whether it is news or other parts of the newspaper. Take the comics, for instance. It is a great way to teach kids not only humor, but irony, satire, idioms, expressions, and evaluation are all intertwined when kids pick up the funnies. Even the littlest of newspaper readers can pick up those comics and color them in, giving kids a positive association with the news (Also, these activities can be extra-curricular, and not a main lesson for every week).

When a student does read a newspaper, they don't have to follow a page order, read the whole thing, but rather they can pick and choose what holds interest for them. Other kids won't be asking "what page are YOU on?" because it won't matter! No one is considered farther ahead or behind when you read the newspaper. You just read what you want, and at your own pace.

Let's also not deny that fact that reading a newspaper also leads to better reading skills and a better vocabulary. Most newspapers are geared toward a middle school reading level, so that most people will grasp the content with ease. For anyone younger than this range, it will only lead to an enjoyable challenge. Will there be words some students do not know? Of course, but that is what www.dictionary.com is for (I love this website!). Will there be confusing topics or touchy issues that you might not want your students to read about? Probably. I have always tried to handle touchy things with grace, but only to fall flat on my face. I once had a kindergartener ask me about a front page headline. I, unnoticing the caption and mug shot, said, "Oh, well, this person tried to take another child who lived in ______ County." The little girl, completely innocent of understanding what I was saying, said, with a distraught look "but, but……..my grandma lives in _______ County!!! Will she be ok?" And flat on my face I fell 

Yes, I realize there can be content that is tough to talk about. I just keep it "G-rated" or as simple as possible. It is ok! The newspaper has to report of things that we don't want to hear because those things cannot, and should not, go unnoticed. We can't just turn a deaf ear because we don't want kids to "get it." The teachers is the trustworthy person, many times, who is the voice of security and truth, and that goes for all things, good or bad.

I really could go on and on, but to spare you, here are some other (concise) reasons WHY a newspaper should be used in the classroom:

1. You will not find another piece of literature available that has a pointed interest as you will in a community newspaper. The common flair is the local taste, something that people of any age will definitely enjoy.
2. This is a given, but the local newspaper will have things that only the locals will not only understand but all be able to participate in. Major news sources are not going to give the time of day to relevant obituaries, personal messages, specialty advertisements, special contests, family opportunities and more. If I could count how many things the Kingsport Times-News offers in terms of sponsorships, fun competitions, opportunities for special messages, and more, it would be a loooooong list.
3. Newspapers provide a non threatening way of learning, helping students' process information without the pressure to get a good grade.
4. It gives students a different way to look at learning. Put away the text book, notepads, folders, and binders! We're going to write on our "living" text book today – let's even use markers and pens!
5. Because using the newspaper will get those students' fingers inky and give them a desire to know more. I've see it for myself.
6. Newspapers really do apply to life. Of course, from local news to local ads, newspapers have a place in our lives. BUT, they provide one thing that many other resources do no: they change every single day and become obsolete from one 24 hour period to the next. People change too! We are constantly changing and growing and learning – look at our culture. And students are going to feel that change the most.

There are many valid reasons for using the newspaper in the classroom. I think you can see that. I look forward to the time in my job when I can go to a classroom and spend time with students and help them learn more about news. It is the best part, hands down, of what I do here at the newspaper.

As for the HOW do you use newspapers in the classroom? Well, if you want to know, you can find out, but you have to call on me for that. We have a great website with a lot of materials: www.timesnews.net/nie or you can call me, Elaine Riner, and we'll give you a taste of NIE. We have a lot of great opportunities for your kids, too. Writing contest (to get Dollywood Tickets!), a weekly writing column, drawing contests (for money!) and more. We start up soon, so don't wait to get signed up with NIE!

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