Newsela

Newsela

URL: http://www.newsela.com/

This site allows teachers and librarians to curate non-fiction, informational texts for their classes. Most of Newsela’s articles come from national newspapers or news sources. This comprehensive database enables teachers to tailor informational texts for their classes, including differentiating for reading level. Binders can be filled with articles that directly link or support the curriculum content. Students, when given a class access code, have remote access to classroom material. This is a great way for teachers to flip their classroom.

Quantitative: Lexile Level--NA; ATOS--NA

Quantitative reading level depends on the article chosen. Each article provides a lexile level. Teacher can even choose the lexile level they desire.

Screenshot #1-- “MAX” lexile level

Screenshot #2--570L lexile level

 Qualitative:  Although the lexile and grade level indicators make it helpful for teachers and teacher librarians when compiling texts appropriate to students, this should not be the only determinants of a complex text appropriate for their students. The genre of informational texts is not something totally new to students; students have been interpreting historical background piece, maps, charts, etc. in their classes but defining the genre is a new concept for both teachers and students.  By examining form, structure, and text features of informational texts, students will begin to gain an understanding of what constitutes an informational text and what makes them informational. Topics, access points, cultural and background knowledge will be the most influential areas that will determine a text’s complexity when using Newsela.

Content Area: English; Social Science--US History; Social Science--World History; Science; Government, Ethics, Economics, Geography, Health, Art.

Curriculum Suggestions: Curriculum suggestions are endless with this resource. As the CCSS push informational texts, college and career readiness, and 21st century skills, I believe the best way to incorporate this resource into one’s curriculum is to use it as a major source for flipping the classroom. Teachers could assign students to read a specific article in the course binder for homework. This could be done as:

• An anticipatory set—Student get an introductory piece that requires them to think about the topic and generate questions for discuss.

• An “into” activity—Once beginning a unit, students may read an article that connects to various themes or access points. After students read the article and generate questions to ask in class, students can discuss the connections the article makes with the content being covered in class.

•   A “beyond” activity—Students can use Newsela to find an article that goes beyond what is covered in class. Perhaps that’s a connection to the real-world or a link to an idea, concept, or philosophy that addresses an element not directly touched upon in the formal unit.

Common Core Standards: RIT.9/10 and 11/12.1-8

Additional/Digital Content: All of the resources below connect to either discussion or flipped classroom tools that enhance the reading from Newsela.

• Generate Socratic discussions—Socrative.com

• Create engaging discussions for online content-- http://nowcomment.com/

• Take notes—Evernote.com

Personal Thoughts: I like the simplicity and easy of Newsela. The topic and subject diversity articles provide make it a helpful tool for teachers looking to engage students with texts beyond mandatory classroom materials.