Las Vegas Newspapers in Education

Mini Page Archive - December 2007: Issue 49 - 53

Gifts of Self -- Issue 49 -- Dec. 1-7, 2007

This week's standards:

Students understand that core ethical values are the basis of good character.

(Character Education)

Students understand that 'characterincludes thinking, feeling and behavior.

(Character Education)

Activities:

1. In the middle of a piece of paper, draw a picture of yourself. Now draw smaller items around your picture that show special talents or abilities you have that you could share with others.

2. Find news stories about three people you could help in some way. List their names on a piece of paper. Next to each name, describe the kind of "gift" you could give each person.

3. Have a newspaper race with a friend. Use different colored markers. Look through newspaper ads to find items that are used to make the crafts described in today's Mini Page. When you find an item, circle it. See who found the most items.

4. Find three people in the newspaper who could give you a gift of knowledge or entertainment. Explain why you would like to receive these "gifts."

5. Select someone from a news story or a character from a comic strip for a creative writing project. Write a story about that person's giving a special personal gift to another person.

(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)

Animals of the Holiday Season -- Issue 50 -- Dec. 8-14

This week's standards:

Students understand the characteristics of organisms. (Science: Life Science)

Activities:

1. Make holiday animal trading cards. Use 3-by-5-inch index cards. Draw a holiday animal on the card. Write interesting facts about the animal on the back. Share your cards with friends.

2. Cut out words and pictures of holiday animals from the newspaper. Use the words and pictures to create a holiday poster.

3. Look at the ads in the newspaper to find items you could use for a family pet.

Circle items for dogs in red, items for cats in green, and items for fish or birds in blue.

4. Which of the animals shown in today's Mini Page (a) can carry people on their backs, (b) can live comfortably in very cold climates, (c) eat plants, and (d) are often shown in Christmas manger scenes?

5. Write a story about yourself and one of the animals in today's Mini Page.

Include this information in your story: Where does the story take place? Why are you in that place? How do you meet the animal? What is a problem that you have to solve? How does the animal help you solve the problem? How does your story end?

Share your story with family members or friends.

(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)

Resolutions for EveryBODY -- Issue 53 -- Dec. 29-Jan. 4

This week's standards:

Students will demonstrate the ability to practice health-enhancing behaviors and reduce health risks. (Health Education)

Students will demonstrate the ability to use goal-setting and decision-making skills to enhance health. (Health Education)

Activities:

1. Make a list of three New Year's resolutions. Write them on a piece of paper. Next to each resolution, put a newspaper word or picture of something that will help you keep that resolution.

2. Look in the comics section for some fitness partners. Find a comics character who would make healthy meals for you. Find a character who would be a good exercise partner. Find a character who would make sure you made safe choices when you play outside. Have a friend find fitness partners, too. Compare your choices.

3. Create a "Fitness First" poster for your wall. Make three columns on a large piece of paper. Label the columns: Activities, Recreation and Equipment. Cut out newspaper words and pictures that show (a) activities you can do to stay fit, (b) recreation opportunities you would like to do for fun and fitness, and (c) equipment you can use to exercise and stay fit.

4. Plan to eat well. Draw a large circle on a piece of paper. Divide the circle into four parts. Then cut out newspaper words and pictures of foods for the different parts of the circle. In one part, paste examples of lean meat, poultry or fish that you like. In another part, put fruits and vegetables. In the third part, put grains you enjoy. In the last part, put healthy beverages.

5. Use resource books and the Internet to plan a comprehensive exercise program. Identify an activity that will (a) strengthen your skeletal system, (b) increase your circulation, (c) improve your respiratory function, and (d) bring strength and tone to your muscles. Make a seven-day schedule that integrates your different activities. You may do some of the activities every day and others several times a week.

(standards by Dr. Sherrye D. Garrett, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi)