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BELL RINGER / EXIT TICKET

Comparing News

Grade:

3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Uses:

Current Events Connection
/  Review of Content or Skill

Materials:

Comparing News handout, selected news stories or visual media, display, and writing utensils
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Description

Students compare and contrast news items to identify shared themes.

Preparation

Using Britannica School In the News! or another news outlet, select two items (articles or visual media) that have something in common and that connect to your learning objective, theme, or unit of study.
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Implementation

Display the selected news articles (e.g., feature stories, hard news, opinion pieces) or newsworthy visual media (e.g., photographs, graphics, or videos). Distribute the Comparing News handout to students, and have them work with a partner to complete the handout, focusing on the similarities and differences between the two news items.

Teaching Tips

  • Guide students to think about why the presented items are newsworthy, significant, and relevant.
  • Select news from Britannica School In the News! tailored for elementary or middle school students.

Supporting All Learners

For students needing support: Highlight specific elements of the news items to compare and contrast.

For advanced learners: Ask students to work on the Teach Britannica 3-Circle Venn Diagram graphic organizer and/or draft a comparative essay outline.

For multilingual learners: Pre-teach key vocabulary and provide a word bank of linking words related to comparing and contrasting (e.g., however, whereas, while).

Note: Provide accommodations and modifications based on your learners’ needs to ensure full participation.