Questions

1. How much time should I allow for each NIE activity?
2. How often should I use a newspaper?
3. How many newspapers do I need?
4. What about sensitive material I don't want my students to read?

Answers

1. How much time should I allow for each NIE activity?
Answer
Most NIE activities are designed to be completed in one period, perhaps accompanied by a follow-up homework assignment. But, time requirements vary greatly depending on the lesson. Gauge time by doing the lesson yourself to see what might arise and to assess its level of difficulty.
2. How often should I use a newspaper?
Answer
Using an e-edition depends on your access to computers. If those are readily accessible, you'll want to incorporate NIE lessons into your plans on a regular basis, at least once a week. Research indicates that the more often students interact with newspapers, the higher they score on standardized tests.
3. How many newspapers do I need?
Answer
It's optimum if each student has his or her own copy of the newspaper, either online or in print. However, most lessons will work if students share screens or print copies.
4. What about sensitive material I don't want my students to read?
Answer
Overall students at most grade levels can handle a wide range of news topics responsibly and maturely. But, your comfort level is also important. If there is a story in the news that you would not like to discuss in class, simply ignore it. If a student brings it up, you can state that that particular story is not one appropriate to today's lesson. But, keep in mind that “teachable moments” may arise at any time. Sometimes it is valuable to divert from the planned lesson to engage in a meaningful discussion.