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 Halifax (ANY CITY OR LOCAL TOWN) 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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