I have explored Newsela and recommend it highly. After leading a
district-wide PD on Newsela, I wrote a blog post on what I see as its main
features:
1. Engaging content, easy to search
2. Adjustable reading levels for every article
3. Easy ways to personalize and save content (annotating/highlighting)
4. Quizzes help kids check understanding
5. Text sets encourage kids to broaden thinking
See this blog post for more info:
http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2016/01/newsela-engaging-news-stories-for-kids.html
The new nonfiction reading curriculum on argument and advocacy from TCRWP
uses articles from Newsela throughout. You can link directly to articles,
easily assign them through Google Classroom or create classes within
Newsela to assign to students. I've read many articles in Newsela at
different levels, and I find the content to be clear, interesting and
accurate.
AND, all this is available for free. The PRO account offers even more
features.
Let me know if you're interested in more of our experiences.
Mary Ann
Elementary Teacher Librarian, BUSD
On Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 3:54 PM, Eric Mahollitz <emahollitz@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Our ESL teacher is using Newsela, as is one or more teachers in the
English Dept. Like Jason, I'd be happy to put you in touch with teachers or
get specific information from them.
Cheers,
Eric Mahollitz
Librarian/Educational Technologist
Salesian College Prep
(510) 234-4433 x1410
On Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 2:49 PM, Jason Stone <jstone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Hi Cathy.
Our 7th and 8th grades just started using Newsela this year. So far, the
teachers seem to really like it. If you want, I can ask them specific
questions for you, or put you in touch with a few teachers.
Jason Stone
Learning Commons Coordinator
San Francisco Friends School
250 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.565.0400 x334
jstone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
On Mon, Apr 18, 2016 at 2:28 PM, Cathy Rettberg <
crettberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hi - is anyone using Newsela? Our middle school science team is
interested in it; I'm surprised at how little information they provide
about how their content is rewritten, how the stories are chosen, what
content biases they may or may not have. They've got some great
partnerships and supporters.
Thanks - Cathy
---------
Cathy Rettberg, Head Librarian
Menlo School
Atherton, CA
http://library.menloschool.org
Morris Award 2017 committee member
busily reading secret Morris-eligible titles!
