Brown University Free Program connects the news and students

If you have been reading this blog for a while, you are probably aware I am a huge fan of using current events and events in history in the classroom. Providing students with opportunities to develop background knowledge or find out about current events allows them to participate as knowledgeable people in everyday dialogue and unlocks many references in literature and everyday conversation. It is truly part of being a literate person.

There are multiple blogs related to news resources in the classroom, but just this week I found another one, The Choices Program from Brown University. Although perhaps less extensive than some of the other news programs previously reviewed, The Choices Program offers quality lessons on a limited variety of topics. More than 40 topics are available, dating back to 2012.

I will walk through the May 2019 article, Seeking Asylum in the United States to give you an idea of the resources available. Clicking on the title and a comprehensive lesson plan will appear. The image should provide an interesting classroom discussion.

A specific and well articulated list of objectives follow.

Next you will find good, quality resources. On this particular topic there are 6 handouts including a graphic organzer, slide show, key terms, and a timeline. A quick look at other titles will show equally as diverse options for quality resources. Two videos appear.

A breakdown for the lesson includes engaging and thought-provoking questions with step by step lessons for the teacher. Higher level thinking and problem solving is a focus. Analyzing and understanding the text is necessary for students to successfully navigate the lesson.

The additional resources include credible and informative resources to expand the lesson. The extra challenge projects are engaging and of a high level.

Advantages

1. Extremely well-designed lessons.
2. A vast array of resources (timelines, articles, slide shows, videos, etc).
3. Higher-level thinking skills.
4. Lessons encourage classroom interaction and engagement.
5. Vetted videos.
6. Handouts and resources prepared and ready to go.
7. Quality extension activities provided.

Disadvantages or concerns:

. 1. Limited topics available.

2. Teacher will need to provide differentiation.

Conclusion

If your topic is available, this is an outstanding resource!

Check out Teaching With The News from The Choices Program with Brown University.

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Searching for other materials to supplement the background knowledge of your students? Click here to visit my TPT store or go to the featured products in the menu at the top of the page to see what Reading Specialty has to offer. There are over 200 differentiated passages each based on a Day In History. The first passage on each topic is written on a 9-10 grade level, the second on an 8th grade level and the third on a 6-7 grade level.

or go to the featured products in the menu at the top of the page to see what Reading Specialty has to offer. There are over 200 differentiated passages each based on a Day In History. The first passage on each topic is written on a 9-10 grade level, the second on an 8th grade level and the third on a 6-7 grade level.

Following each passage, question one addresses the main idea. Question two asks a vocabulary question. Question three is based on an organizational pattern such as compare/contrast, cause/effect, chronological order, spatial order, etc. Question four focuses on inference and question five is always a summarizing question. This allows a teacher to easily track the types of questions their student can do well and where they need more practice. These are great for data collection and a student maintained progress monitoring chart is included.