An introduction to Newspapers in Education

The Newspaper in Education program at The Covington News is part of an international effort to educate young people about the value of the newspaper as a survival tool and a vital part of our democratic society. Teaching students how to use a newspaper is a life skill, for it enables them to continue their education throughout their lives.  It is the only major "text" the majority of them will continue to read as they mature.

The premise of The News Newspaper in Education (NIE) program is to use the newspaper as a teaching tool in many different academic subjects.

NIE is not meant to add material to the curriculum but to be integrated into the existing curriculum so that teachers can meet Georgia education standards by using the newspaper.

Why should I use newspapers in my classroom?

The newspaper can be a dynamic teaching tool.  It is instructional and versatile.  It is a real-world resource.  It contains history as it happens, practical math and vocabulary, and good models of writing for students of all abilities and ages.  It offers students valuable, up-to-date information on numerous topics.

Used as a supplement or as a primary text, it can be a gold mine of lessons in basic skills and life skills.  The same lesson, in most cases, can be adapted to fit multiple grade levels.

The newspaper is inexpensive and the most current textbook you can buy. Unlike most learning materials, it also can be cut, pasted, folded and marked, not possible with a traditional textbook.

The newspaper is innovative and motivating.  Because it contains "real world" subjects, it can provide the link between classroom theory and reality, a link students need to make their lessons meaningful.  The newspaper also contains a wide range of subject matter to appeal to almost any student's interest.

Research shows that people who read the newspaper every day ... 

• vote in every election
• have a higher income
• are four times less likely to have a police record
• are 10 times more likely to volunteer in their community
• have children who excel in school and go to college
• are known to be well-read and are great conversationalists

Source: Newspaper Assoc. of America