Great ideas for using the NY Times to teach reading strategies for ‘informational text’

The Common Core State Standards shift the focus towards informational or nonfiction text across subject areas. This article in the NY Times provides excellent, practical ideas on how to integrate The Times in the classroom. For instance, I like the “Front Page Bingo” game that challenges students to find articles that fit specific criteria such as “A story that might benefit from a chart or graph, and why”. The article not only shares good ideas but also the resources (worksheets, templates, etc.) needed to implement as well as a list of effective reading strategies used in The Learning Network’s 13 years of lesson plans. Great ideas!!

A Six-Word Autobiography

I couldn’t resist sharing this blog post describing the lesson, “Write a Six-Word Autobiography”.  It’s brilliant.  Students are challenged to write an autobiography using only six words.  I highly recommend checking out the post.  The teacher describes the origin of the lesson idea and offers ideas on how to implement.  Here are the examples the teacher shares (figured this would pique your interest): 

• Converse in a crowd of stilettos.
• Oldest of six, I’m moving out.
• Jewish father. Christian mother. Atheist. Surprised?
• Fell far from the family tree.
• Went looking for love. Found feminism.
• Perpetually refusing to walk the line.

 What would your six-word autobiography be?