In today’s rapidly changing world, staying informed about current events is crucial for students. It helps them develop critical thinking skills, understand global issues, and become informed citizens. As teachers, we have the unique opportunity to bring the world into our classrooms, making learning relevant and dynamic.
Current Events Resources
Here are some resources to help you integrate current events into your curriculum.
CNN10
CNN10 offers a ten-minute daily news show designed for middle and high school students. The program covers significant global events in a way that’s accessible and engaging for students. It’s a great way to start the day or a class, while sparking discussions and debates on current issues.
Some of the key features of CNN10 include:
- Daily video updates
- Simplified news summaries
- Encourages classroom discussions
Newsela
Newsela is a fantastic resource that provides news articles at various reading levels. This allows teachers to tailor content to the reading abilities of their students, ensuring that everyone can engage with the material. Newsela covers a wide range of topics, including science, politics, and social issues, making it easy to find relevant articles for any subject.
Some of the key features of Newsela include:
- Adjustable reading levels
- Standards-aligned quizzes and activities
- Diverse topics and current events
PBS NewsHour
PBS NewsHour is geared towards middle and high school students. It provides articles, videos, and lesson plans that cover current events. This resource helps students make connections between classroom lessons and real-world issues, promoting deeper understanding and engagement.
Some key features of PBS NewsHour include:
- Articles and videos on current events
- Lesson plans and teaching resources
- Encourages critical thinking and discussion
The New York Times Learning Network
The New York Times Learning Network offers a wealth of resources for teachers and students. From news, quizzes, and writing prompts to lesson plans and activities, this resource helps bring current events to life in the classroom. It’s suitable for middle and high school students and encourages critical thinking and discussion.
Some key features of The New York Times Learning Network include:
- Daily news quizzes
- Writing prompts and lesson plans
- Discussion starters and interactive activities
TIME for Kids
TIME for Kids provides age-appropriate news coverage and is an excellent resource for elementary students. The articles are written in a way that is engaging and understandable for younger students, making it a perfect tool for introducing current events to early learners.
Some of the key features of TIME for Kids include:
- Kid-friendly articles and visuals
- Topics range from global news to science and sports
- Printable and digital versions available
- Read-aloud option
Integrating Current Events in the Classroom
Integrating current events into the classroom can make learning more engaging and relevant for students. Here are some tips on how to effectively incorporate current events into your lessons:
Start Small
Begin with short news segments or articles and gradually increase the complexity as students become more comfortable.
Connect to the Curriculum
Relate current events to your existing curriculum. For example, use news articles about scientific discoveries to complement science lessons or historical events to provide context in history classes.
Facilitate Discussions
Use current events as a springboard for classroom discussions and debates. This can help students develop their speaking and listening skills, as well as their ability to formulate and defend their opinions.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Have students analyze news articles and identify the main ideas, supporting details, and potential biases. Encourage them to ask questions and think critically about the information presented.
Use Multimedia
Use videos, podcasts, and interactive activities to keep students engaged.
By bringing current events into your classroom, you’re helping your students develop essential skills that will serve them well beyond their school years. Dive into these resources and start making global connections today!
