This is a sponsored post on behalf of Channel One News. All opinions expressed here are my own.
If you read any blogs (and if this one’s not on your must-read list, I will go curl up in the fetal position in the corner and cry myself to sleep!), you know that the past few months have been full of two very big keywords: Common Core.
The new Common Core State Standards (CCSS) have certainly stirred up the hornets’ nest of parents and educators alike. But rather than simply complain how these all-new standards are confusing, unfair, ridiculous and whatnot (I’m not saying they are, that’s just the general wave that’s out there right now), I want to talk about Common Core in a positive light.
Yes, Common Core probably needs some changes and if it’s something you strongly disagree with, you should definitely make your voice heard. But in the meantime, why not help your kids adapt to it better. One tool that’s super useful is Channel One News.
If you missed my previous post about Channel One News sparking family dinner conversation (again, that’s me over there curled up like a baby sucking my thumb), it’s a wonderful website that breaks down the latest global news in a digestible and appropriate form for kids. It doesn’t talk down to kids at all, but instead hits the necessary high points of today’s top current events.
So how’s that going to help with the CCSS? Well, one big component of Common Core is an emphasis on nonfiction reading skills and media literacy. Hello? Could Channel One News be any more aligned with that?
The site’s full of oodles of topical videos, as well as show transcripts! There’s your nonfiction reading and your media literacy all wrapped up in one nice neat little bow of a website. These videos and transcripts are some great tools for helping to give your kids (and all the students in a classroom) some fabulous support.
Jason recently learned about human rights in school. Having compassion for someone else, being humane and all the good things that humans should strive to be and the rights we all deserve to have. With the recent passing of Nelson Mandela, Channel One News has certainly covered that aspect in great detail.
And to further push this lesson to your kids, have them read the transcript afterwards. If you’re a teacher, these resources are practically a homemade lesson plan for you. Here’s a quick look at a small part of the transcript from the above video:
Transcript
Tom: Well, today is International Human Rights Day, which was created by the United Nations in 1950. It is a day to recognize people who are creating an impact in their communities and protecting human rights. Maggie Rulli has the story about one girl who you may be familiar with, but chances are, you have not heard about her friends.Maggie: Malala Yousafzai, a 16 year old from Pakistan, won Europe’s top human rights award. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban last year because she was speaking out for girls’ rights. But Malala wasn’t the only one injured in that attack. Two of her classmates were also wounded. And like Malala, they are now fighting for education equality.
Studying in the library, having lunch in the cafeteria. It might seem like any other school. But for Shazia Ramzan and Kainat Riaz, Atlantic College isn’t just a school, it is also their shelter from Taliban bullets, something both girls know all too well.
Whether it’s to help the Common Core or just to emphasize a teaching point to your kids or students, Channel One News certainly has some valuable resources at its disposal.
To keep up with the latest events and happenings, register with Channel One News. It’s completely free. Just be sure to choose “Parent” in the appropriate dropdown when you register.
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How do you deal with Common Core State Standards?
This is a good thing. But kids have to start learning that human rights are not just political, major issues. Human rights need to practiced in the schoolyard, as well. Sadly, my child was victimized from all sides.
Sorry to hear that, Sandy. And you are 1000% right that human rights are something that every individual deserves 24/7 no matter where you are. In the classroom, at the schoolyard, in the mall, even at home.
My sons are still to young to be in school, so I haven’t seen all of the common core homework firsthand. However, from what I have seen, I think there are pros and cons.
Oh well, I guess I will find out for sure in a couple of years.
My kids’ school is in the midst of adjusting to all the Common Core standards, and it’s been tough at times! Thanks for sharing this resource with us.
interesting post,Ive heard of the channel one news but not the Common Core
I wish something like this had been around when I was a kid . . . but then, that was back in the stone ages. I can’t recall if we had television. No, wait, I’m pretty sure all we had were black and white drawings on the cave walls.
Seriously though, I have huge issues with Common Core, BUT if there’s something like this out there to help kids, especially kids who are struggling, then I’m completely in support of it. This is definitely going on my “To Share” list.