Week 15: New Tool- Newsela

 


What is Newsela? 

Newsela is a free website that can help educators bring current events into the classroom. Through Newsela educators can find trusted and reliable content that relates to their students and directly aligns with state standards. In addition the site offers a variety of reading levels allowing access to all students. On Newsela there is a wide range of content, it offers articles relating to science, ELA, SEL and more!

How does it work? 

Teachers can sign up for a Newsela account and then they will receive a class code. When a student logs into Newsela with your class code they become apart of your class and you can begin assigning content to them. Teachers can either assign articles to students or students can explore the different articles independently. When a teacher assigns an article they also have the ability to have students take a quiz or write about what they read. Students have a binder section on their account and that is where they can go to access their assignments. In the teachers binder they can see how many students read the assigned reading and how they did on the quiz or writing prompt. In addition students can use this tool to find articles on topics related to the content they are learning in class or on topics that interest them. 

How I use it in my classroom?

I love Newsela because it help me address current events in the classroom. Newsela is helpful because we talk about how important it is to find reliable resources and factual information. When big events happen around our community or in our county I typically assign a Newsela article and then we discus it as a class. This helps educate students on and event and can help answer questions they have. Additionally, as they develop a background of understanding it can be beneficial for productive class conversations. 

Tips:
  • You can pre-assign the reading level of an article to students OR you can have student select the level of text they would like to read. Consider letting your student choose. This could be a great opportunity for them to learn how to find a just right article. 
  • Newsela has content from early elementary to high school. Make sure you review articles before you assign them. 

How could it work in your classroom:

  • Small group--> Studnets could read the article and discuss it. 
  • When major events/ topics happen that you want to discus with your studnet.
  • A resources for independent reading. 

Comments

  1. Barbara AndersenApril 14, 2021 at 9:54 AM

    Hi Karissa!
    I totally use this website. My Spanish teacher colleagues love it as well..since they offer news in different langauges!
    Thanks for sharing,
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  2. RachelleApril 14, 2021 at 7:39 PM

    Hi Karissa,
    I also teacher 3rd grade and have been searching for the last two years for something that will help teach current events to my students to where they will comprehend the topic. I love the idea of allowing students to select the level of texts they would like to read. I talk a lot about finding readings that are "just right" and so this feature sounds great for my students.

    ReplyDelete

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