TITLE: CRUISE THE NEWS
AUTHOR: Gloria Melnikoff, Kelso School Dist., Kelso, WA
GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT: 4-12
This activity can be applied to any grade level or subject area.
OVERVIEW: Becoming familiar with the contents and use of the
newspaper is a critical skill in today's world. This activity
involves the student in using the newspaper while reinforcing
skills taught previously.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this activity is to develop an awareness
of the newspaper as a resource. By participating in various
activities involving the newspaper, students will be using reading
and language skills, math skills, geography knowledge, social
studies skills, critical thinking skills, etc., depending on the
activity or skill the teacher wishes to reinforce.
OBJECTIVES: The student will be able to use components of the
newspaper to complete a given task.
RESOURCES/MATERIALS: One class set of newspapers
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES: On an overhead transparency, board,
or worksheet introduce the activity to the students. The following
is an example of an overhead of student activities for one
Newspaper Day.
TODAY IS NEWSPAPER DAY!
Here are the rules:
1. Treat your newspaper kindly.
2. Leave all your books in your desk.
3. Work cooperatively in your group.
4. Complete one activity and then go on to the next one.
Here are the directions:
1. Read your newspaper until the timer rings. You may choose
anything you want to read. Then share something you read with your
partner.
2. Choose, as a group, one story from your newspaper. Read the
story together. Find the main idea of the story. Write it down.
Find four details in the story. Write them down. Be ready to
explain the story to the class.
3. Find the classified section. Read the employment section.
Choose a job you would like to do. Write a "commercial" about
yourself telling the employer why you should be hired. Think of
all your positive talents.
4. Choose a page. Circle as many spelling words as you can find.
5. Find and cut out pictures in the newspaper to show these
shapes: square, rectangle, triangle, circle, cone, hexagon, and
pentagon.
6. Find the weather page. What was the temperature in New York
City yesterday? What is the local weather forecast?
7. You have $500. How will you spend it? Look over the ads and
make your decision.
8.Design a masthead for your newspaper.
TYING IT ALL TOGETHER: Create activities to fit your students needs
and age level. If your subject area is science, for example, have
students find articles relating to science and create activities
around those articles. Even kindergarten students who are not yet
reading will enjoy being introduced to the newspaper.
The use of the newspaper in the classroom is limitless. Ask your
local newspaper about the Newspaper in Education program. This program
has a wealth of information on using the newspaper in the classroom
and usually gives a discount on the newspapers.
Present the newspaper as a tool students can use the rest of their
lives. Have a Newspaper Day once a month. After the students
understand the basic concepts of the activities, let them write ideas
for next month's activities. Then, get your newspaper, and enjoy!
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