Tips for Managing Newspapers in the Classroom

When first using the newspaper with your class, it is important that you allow students time to get acquainted with the newspaper. Here are some hints to get you off to a good start:

1. Discuss with students why we read newspapers. The newspaper, first and foremost is a source of news. Teach students the paper's own intrinsic value before using it as a workbook.
2. Before handing out papers, have students clear their desks or tables of all other books and materials. If tables are not available, the floor may work better than desks.
3. Show students the proper way to open and fold the paper. Use the creases as guidelines for folding and refolding. Teach students the ABCD sections of papers. Use one section at a time, keeping the others folded when not in use.
4. If you will be using newspapers with more than one class or for more than one day, have students write their names on their papers. Students are more likely to take care of a paper when it has their name on it.
5. Before starting a newspaper-related lesson, allow at least 10 minutes of free reading time for students to look over the parts of the paper that interests them. They will then be ready to focus their attention on planned activities.
6. Be flexible when using the newspaper. If students are concerned about a news article, go with the students interests whenever possible–even if you have other plans. Capitalize on that magic moment of eagerness to read.
7. Keep things simple. Once you are into the swing of using newspapers in your classroom, the only advance plan you need is to know what skills you are currently working on (main idea, word problems, percentages, geography, etc.) Train yourself to see how easily those skills can be applied to any day's newspaper.
8. Allow five minutes at the end of class for students to neatly refold and stack papers so they can be reused. Put back in ABCD order.

For grades K-3 and beginning readers

Do not attempt to introduce the newspaper as a complete package. Use one page or section at a time. Use headlines, comics, photos and ads for language arts, math, science and social studies activities. Staple the upper left corner to keep pages from falling out.

For grades four and above

Use the following lessons for introducing students to the newspaper. Like most habits, good newspaper reading must be learned and practiced. The more you and your students know about the features and functions of a newspaper, the more efficient and effective your lessons will be.

Things to do with old newspapers: send them home for students to share with their families; pass them on to another class; keep for future use; keep a clipping file; recycle.