Newspapers
#46 in Macmillan Beginners Series
What’s inside...
IN; ;
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important jobs at a newspaper?
If you could interview anyone for a newspaper article, who would it be and what would you ask?
How do you think newspapers help people stay informed about the world?
Can you think of a time when knowing news from the newspaper was really important?
How do you think newspapers will change in the future?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the content to their own experiences by asking if they've ever seen someone reading a newspaper and what they think about it.
Highlight the importance of different roles within a newspaper team, such as writers, editors, and photographers, and discuss how each contributes to the final product.
Discuss the impact of truthful reporting and the role of newspapers in shaping public opinion and awareness.
Introduce concepts from the book during daily activities, such as reading the headlines together from a local or national newspaper.
Stimulate creativity by encouraging your child to create their own newspaper story about an event in their life or community.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of staying informed
Explanation: The book 'Newspapers' by Ron Thomas highlights the role of newspapers in delivering news and keeping the public informed. Through the story, children learn how characters use newspapers to stay updated on community and world events.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by developing a habit of reading, whether it’s newspapers, books, or informative articles, to stay informed about their surroundings and broader world issues.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking
Explanation: In 'Newspapers,' characters analyze and discuss news articles, demonstrating how to think critically about the information presented. This encourages readers to look beyond the surface and question the validity and sources of information.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's daily life by encouraging them to question information they receive from various sources and to form their own informed opinions based on critical analysis.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity of opinions
Explanation: Throughout the book, different characters express various viewpoints on news topics, teaching children that it’s normal and healthy to encounter differing opinions.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to respectfully engage in conversations with peers and adults, appreciating that everyone has unique perspectives shaped by their experiences and knowledge.
Example Lesson: The role of media in democracy
Explanation: Ron Thomas's book illustrates how newspapers contribute to democratic societies by informing the public and holding leaders accountable. This helps children understand the foundational role that media plays in their own government.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by becoming more aware of how information affects governance and their everyday lives, fostering a sense of responsibility towards being well-informed citizens.