1. This is a fun activity which meets learning goals in areas such as:
Cut out several articles or random shapes from some pages of the newspaper. Lay the pages out on the table and then ask the students to match the cut out shapes back into the newspapers. Once the newspapers are back together, use word attack skills to decode and discuss the stories in the paper.
2. Weather watch
This activity works on learning goals such as:
- building a class routine and the ability to complete tasks on a daily basis
- using page numbers to locate information
- using visual and text cues for information
Create a chart in the room and ask students each day to use the newspaper to locate the weather forecast for the day. Students can cut out and paste the weather information onto the chart or transfer the information to a separate page.
3. Happy or sad?
This reading game is based on using visual cues to decide if a person shown in a paper is happy or sad. It focuses on the learning goals of:
- facial observation
- interpersonal skills
- matching expression with emotion
In this game, students are shown pictures from a paper and are asked to use adjectives to describe how the person is feeling. They can begin with simple 'happy / sad' descriptors and then expand their skills to use more complex words. As an activity extension, try this article on using classroom magazines with struggling readers to build literacy skills.
