Teaching moments can come in small or big acts of kindness.
In the classroom:
In an upper grade elementary classroom, teachers can include daily news in the curriculum. Start a News Journal with students and teach about non-fiction concepts. Have them guess as to what is the Top News Headline of the Day. Educate them about what reporters look for in writing about the news: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, and especially on current relevant and factual information. The most important information can be found in the first few paragraphs of a news item. What sources are cited in the article? Are there photographs and captains in the news article? What are some memorable quotes from the article?
The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, can offer an eye-opening discussion about natural disasters to “People Helping People.”
Outside of the classroom:
The Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University (New York) and Lucy Calkins (Founder and Director) has launched LITERACY LIFEBOATS, “an initiative to help schools that have been hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy.” Consider donating or spreading the word about LITERACY LIFEBOATS. Find out how you can help:
