Using newspaper as a classroom activity
There is news everyday. This is a huge advantage for your classroom. Keep up with current events so that you can pass on this information to your students who may not have time to keep up with the rest of the world.
This is especially important in Korea were students are perhaps busier than in any other country. Can you believe that my students start school at 8AM and finish at 9PM just to make their way into hagwons to study some more? But that’s another topic for another day.
Here’s why newspapers are a good classroom activity idea
1. They can expand your student’s vocabulary
Newspapers provide us with information, clues about the future and how yesterday was different from today. They are written by different Authors with different backgrounds and level of intelligence. Because of this diversity, newspapers can be a great way to expand your students’ vocabulary.
2. Build interpretation skills
Students can read an article and as a Teacher allow them to come up with their own interpretation. You will be aiding in their critical thinking skills.
3. Encourages reading
You always hear the phrase, reading is fundamental because it’s true. People who read are more likely to succeed than those who do not. Reading changes our thinking, makes it easier to embrace change, stimulates our brain and reading newspapers does even more because it also keeps us in tune with our changing world. So get your students reading the newspaper and make newspapers a frequent part of your classroom activity.
So there you have it. A quick rundown of the reasons why it is a good idea to require your students to read newspapers as a part of your classroom activity. Not only it’s good for their vocabulary and interpretation skills, it also encourages reading which is a must-instill to your students.
