Current events is an important avenue to engage students in the world around them. Developing media and information literacy is especially important in the 21st Century. When possible, include current events from the regions of the world that are being studied in Ancient Civilizations to provide a connection between long ago and today.
So what's going on out there anyway?
In order to be a citizen of a global world, one must have an awareness of what's happening in that world.
There's more to life than just me!
Media Literacy Benchmarks:
184.108.40.206 Distinguish among, understand, and use different types of print, digital, and multimodal media.
a. Make informed judgments about messages promoted in the mass media (e.g., film, television, radio, magazines, advertisements, newspapers).
b. Locate and use information in print, non-print, and digital resources, and identify reasons for choosing information used.
d. Recognize safe practices in personal media communications.
NOTE: In addition, ELA benchmarks 220.127.116.11, 18.104.22.168 and 22.214.171.124 could also be easily integrated into the daily (morning meeting) or weekly inclusion of current events.
As part of the social studies curriculum, students need to have regular opportunities to engage in current events. Below are suggestions for how district 3rd grade teachers can incorporate this important element.
- Include current events as part of the morning meeting, either on a daily or weekly basis.
Web Resources (also available as free apps on the Ipad)
Newseum: Displays the front page of newspaper from around the world on a daily basis.
Dogo News: A kid friendly news site.