It records history as it happens, reported completely and objectively. Information will be the most valuable commodity in the 21st century. It is crucial that students develop the ability to gather, analyze, evaluate, and criticize information. They must learn to examine all sides of an issue and make an independent, informed decision. Newspapers are the perfect tool to teach and develop these skills.
Students learn to summarize information through the use of headlines.
They learn to compare qualities and prices of products through advertising. Political cartoons and editorials show how to analyze and interpret information. Tracking major news stories helps students understand events in chronological sequence, and how national, state or international events affect their lives. Perhaps most important, the daily newspaper is an influential and integral part of our society. By building the habit of reading a newspaper, you help students become more conscientious and active citizens, ready to fill their role in a democracy.