Uncover a variety of discussions with just one news story.
Newspapers are an excellent resource tool to open discussions for local or global issues. National newspapers are printed daily with new stories and appendages to yesterday news. The objective of the newspaper is to grab the reader’s attention with flashy headlines and photographs.
Newspapers give us valuable and invaluable information. It is important to teach students how to analyze news stories and decide if the information is true or false. Often there is a combination of true facts and exaggerated, skewed facts to sell a newspaper. It is true newspapers keep us connected to the world but are we reading false information about local and global issues.
Currently, Paris Hilton is making headlines with her stay at the local prison for driving under the influence with a suspended license. With just one news story the teacher has many options for the students to analyze the issue. Students can debate the judge’s decision, the laws regarding DUI, special privileges for the rich and famous, drinking age, writing an article from Paris Hilton’s viewpoint, writing headlines that sell papers, and much more. One story has the potential to open a variety of discussions and create several activities.
Current events is an important lesson to teach students to keep them connecting with the world. However, as the student reads the paper, they must be taught the skills to analyze the information and decide what information is relevant to the story and if they need to do some more research to have an opinion on the issue.
