Using Newspapers to Improve Reading Skills

Many newspapers include material especially written for
children, such as the syndicated Mini Page. In addition, some
newspapers publish weekly columns for young people written by educators or
teens. Beyond simply reading the articles, there are many activities that
hone reading skills. With a newspaper, a pair of scissors, paper, and
colored pencils you can teach several types of reading lessons that cross
grade and age levels.

• Clip out an interesting news story and cut
  the paragraphs apart. Ask your child to read the paragraphs and put them
  back in order.
• Ask your child to read a short editorial and underline
  all the facts with a green pencil and all the opinions with an orange
  pencil.
• Clip photos from the newspaper and have your child list
  adjectives to describe the picture.
• Look at the movie page ads and have
  your child tell you what each of the movies are about.
• Select a
  headline and have your child turn it into a question. Then read the
  article to see if the question is answered.
• Have your child clip food
  coupons. Talk about the products you buy and which you don’t. They can
  sort the coupons into categories (e.g., drinks, cereal, etc.). When at
  the store have them find the correct products from the coupons.
• Pick
  out an interesting article in the newspaper. Have your child read the
  article to you. They can practice reading it in different styles, a news
  anchor, town crier, exciting story, etc.

By connecting your child
to words in the world you emphasize the need for good reading skills. In
addition to reading skills these activities also support media knowledge,
good citizenship, and consumer skills.




Thanks Paula for this great article
Jeanne