Newspapers Are an Important Part of a Middle Grades Reading Program  

       It is obvious that students have to read to become good readers.  Just as we know that reading books, magazines, and newspapers improves reading skills, we also know what the consequences are if we do not provide access to and encouragement for reading these print materials.

      The middle grades are critical in many ways.  It is the time when young people make important life decisions that will open or close future doors.  While we wish that students would find and read newspapers at home, we cannot be sure that all students have access to newspapers and read them.  Families may not subscribe to their local newspaper.  Some students may have access to a newspaper but have not had a systematic introduction that enables them to feel comfortable and be competent newspaper readers.

      The one place students can focus attention on reading newspapers is in reading class.  Indiana newspapers have many programs that help reading teachers provide good classroom newspaper activities.

      Reading newspapers is not an entire reading program.  There is much to be done in developing comprehension, fluency, and vocabulary skills and in connecting students with school and public libraries.  However, newspapers are a vital part of a middle grades reading program.  Teachers should systematically help students learn about the contents of a newspaper and provide time for them to become familiar with contents such as front page articles, editorials, cartoons, ads, sports pages, television listings, and weather information.

      The Internet can help.  Students can access online newspapers from Indiana and around the nation by using