Newsworthy

For our unit on writing newspapers (now let's be honest, people. This is not actually just writing. We are basically learning how to read a newspaper...with a little writing sprinkled in. Oh, the joys of being self-contained.), one of our daily homework assignments is to bring home a quarter sheet of paper titled, "Newsworthy."

They have to fill out the topic of a news story, tell me where they heard/found the story, and why this is interesting for them. Basically, I con them into learning about current events/make them do something productive at night/get them talking about things that are happening in the world.

Plus its HILARIOUS what they write down.

Here are a few of my favorites from today.

"On Fox News (mini-Republican in the making?), a girl was forced to be on the SWAT team. This is interesting because I wonder how it feels being protected by the SWAT team."

"On Fox News, it was said that three Michigan boys are missing. This is interesting because missing three boys can make their parents worry so much." (How considerate.)

"On Channel 5 News, a guy kidnapped three kids and then tried to kill himself and was arrested. This is interesting because I don't want to get kidnapped." (Kiddo, who DOES want to get kidnapped?)

This was ALMOST my favorite:

"On ESPN, Northwestern won against Georgia Tech in NU's Stadium. This is interesting because that is my future college." (How. FREAKING. Cute.)

But this one is currently my favorite:

"On channel 36, a girl from a reality tv show (Teen Mom, if you were wondering, Ms. L)(that was actually a parenthetical quotation he put on his paper) was caught on tape hitting her boyfriend. This is interesting because men are not the only people who abuse women. WOMEN ALSO ABUSE MEN."

That's right. One of my kiddos referenced Teen Mom.