What is Newspaper In Education?

Newspaper In Education is not a new concept. It dates back to June 8, 1795, when the Portland (Maine) Eastern Herald published the following editorial:

Much has been said and written on the utility of newspaper; but one principal advantage which might be derived from these publications has been neglected; we mean that of reading them in schools, and by the children in families. Try it for one session - Do you wish your child to improve reading solely, give him a newspaper - it furnishes a variety, some parts of which must infallibly touch his fancy. Do you wish to instruct him in geography, nothing will so indelibly fix the relative situation of different places, as the stories and events published in the papers. In time, do you wish to have him acquainted with the manners of country or city, the mode of doing business, public or private; or do you wish him to have a smattering of every kind of science useful and amusing, give him a newspaper - newspapers are plenty and cheap - the cheapest book that can be bought, and the more you buy the better for your children, because every part furnishes some new and valuable information!

Today, Newspaper In Education (NIE) is a nationally recognized collaboration between schools, local newspapers, and corporate and community sponsors. More than 950 newspapers across the United States sponsor a Newspaper In Education Program.

NIE encourages newspaper reading and literacy and enhances classroom instruction. Teachers use the classroom sets of newspapers delivered to their schools to teach current events, language arts, social studies, geography, math, science, art, history, English as a second language and more.

Newspapers bridge the gap between general academic subjects and the real world. They motivate positive and practical attitudes toward reading. Students who learn to enjoy reading the newspaper now will more likely be readers as adults. Adult newspaper readers are more likely to be involved in their community and aware of the world.

Development of newspaper reading directly affects the future of our community. Our students of today will be our citizens, employees, business professionals, and community leaders of tomorrow.

Benefits of Using Newspapers in Classrooms:
"Students learn when they are motivated and when the topics studied are interesting and relevant to their lives. In a growing number of classroom, newspapers are providing some of the best motivational and timely resources. With today's emphasis on resource-based teaching, teachers at all levels in classrooms around the world are using newspapers to compliment textbooks and provide supplementary and relevant resources in reading, writing, math, science, history, economics, language arts, special education, and second language learning. Using a newspaper's feature articles, editorials and advertising, student are applying literacy and numeracy skills and appreciating the importance of studying history and current affairs. And, the benefits go beyond providing resources. Studies have shown that students who use newspapers score higher on reading comprehension tests and develop stronger critical thinking skills. Using newspapers even helps students to display a stronger sense of compassion and stewardship and to exhibit a greater tolerance of differing cultures and opinions." Jim Cornish, Connected Newsletter, February, 2004.