Here is a short list of resources that you may not have even thought of.
1. This ‘Fake News’ reading resource for middle schoolers.
With the volatile state of our country and government, and with the ever abundant sources of news, media, and conflicting perspectives, it’s essential for students to learn the difference between real and fake news, (and what that even means!). Gail Hennessey perfectly explains her reasoning behind creating the resource, “A recent survey found that many young people(and adults for that matter) can’t seem to determine which is a real news story from a fake news story. We need to develop digital critical literacy with our students so they can try and determine the difference BEFORE they hit ‘send’ to all their friends.”
Yes. I’m sure you’ve seen a post or two on Facebook from a well-meaning friend that is completely incorrect! I know I have. The ability to determine the validity of a source is very lacking in today’s society. We, as educators, need to do everything in our power to change that for our students.
Hennessey does an amazing job of navigating those ‘fake news,’ ‘real news’ waters in a way that’s approachable to junior high students. I would highly recommend teachers (and not just social studies/government classes!) to integrate this resource into the curriculum somehow.
2. ReadWorks’ audio versions of articles.
ReadWorks is incredible, and one of the modifications they offer is audio versions of texts, specifically 736 human voice audio versions of K-8 articles. Here’s what their website says about the reasoning behind creating these resources:
“Listening to texts read aloud can help students comprehend what they read and learn to love reading. Nothing is better than hearing a real person read with fluency and expression—especially for emerging readers, struggling readers, English language learners, and students with learning disabilities.”
Obviously this is incredible for struggling readers, or as an accommodation for a student with a disability, but it can also just be a great to switch up how you’re teaching texts (and appeal to auditory learners as well)!
3. This fun, social-media-integrating idea from ReadWriteThink.
Social media is so prevalent in our students’ lives. We establish boundaries when it comes to internet and phone usage in class; we ensure that students are focused and not distracted by their devices. However, when we can integrate technology in a healthy way, it’s extremely beneficial.
This resource blends Instagram and classroom material in a way that will engage students, while still serving an academic purpose.
4. This incredible pdf on 50 Book Report Alternatives resource by Diana Mitchell.
Tired of teaching reading material the same way? Bored when it comes to listening to the thousandth book report? Are your students itching to do something different? Mitchell’s resource is amazing for having your students do something outside of the box. Not only can this list help your students to pick a project that resonates with them, but it can also be incredibly useful in your lesson planning!
5. This simple, valuable Figurative Language Notes Worksheet.
Which allows students to easily organize and learn the types of figurative language.
Featured Image Credit: Sean Kong