Identify words to add to a class vocabulary list. This is a year-long weekly activity. I start with having students clip complete articles from current newspapers. Students take question answers and rewrite the article from another viewpoint. I record television and radio broadcasts for classroom use.
Students create a cartoon on a current news topic.
Students can write editorials and letters to the editor. Also, encourage students to write letters to elected officials. I use newspapers from Albuquerque, Santa Fe and other towns. A variety from different towns allows students to experience subjects from different viewpoints. Parents are a great source.