Newspapers make for an ideal educational tool

FALLBROOK – Many of today's classrooms are filled with all types of emerging technologies, which educators use to enhance their students' educational experiences. However, the humble newspaper has long been a staple in the classroom and at home and remains one of the best tools for learning. Newspapers can be used to further children's academic abilities in a variety of ways.

Improve reading fluency

Fluency, comprehension and inference of text are lessons that begin as soon as a child begins learning how to read. Children need access to a variety of reading materials so they can expand their knowledge and vocabulary base, and it's never too early to introduce youngsters to the newspaper as not only a source of local and national information, but also as a reading tool.

Parents can go through the newspaper with their children and select articles that may be of interest. A section devoted to Local Events or a particular theme, such as sports or fitness, may be good starting points.

Children can have fun matching headlines with photos and following the sequence of the stories that continue on another page. They're also bound to be exposed to a number of new words and phrases as they read newspaper articles, which helps improve their vocabulary.

Strengthen writing skills

Newspaper articles are written differently than books. Exposing children to a journalistic style of writing can help them with their own writing assignments. Teachers often stress that narratives and other writing assignments should follow a certain format so students learn to express themselves clearly. Students are urged to validate statements with proof and to have a logical flow to their work.

By reading articles in newspapers, students can gain an

understanding of how to introduce a subject, expand on facts and summarize a point. Students who tend to be more pragmatic writers may connect with the journalistic style of writing more so than students who excel at creative prose.

Children can practice reporting on different events in and around their communities, emulating the style of writing presented in newspapers. They also can learn the differences between editorial and opinion pieces.

Make current events accessible

Newspapers are an inexpensive connection to culture and information from around the world. Through newspaper articles, students can better understand political, financial and entertainment issues spanning the globe. Staying abreast of the latest news from around the world can help students become more well-rounded and learned. Students who may have read about events in a history book can compare those accounts to current information on what is happening in the world today.

Develop an eye for photography

Stunning, award-winning photographs are published in newspapers nearly every day. A picture is worth a thousand words, and newspaper photography helps readers interpret stories and bring the words to life through imagery. Access to newspaper photography can open up an entirely new world for children. It also may inspire their own creative works.

Students may be inundated with technological resources both at school and home. But perhaps no classroom resource can match the array of benefits provided by newspapers.