1. Eye-Witness Account

Listen as your teacher reads an article about an interesting event in today's newspaper. Then read the article on your own. Find an example of an eye-witness account in the article. An eye-witness account is an explanation of an event from someone who was at that event. Based on what the eye-witness said, write a short explanation of what the person might have been feeling as he or she watched the event.

Learning Standard: Describing past events using the information of those who were there, as revealed through their records; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

2. Marian Anderson

February is Black History Month, a time when the nation celebrates the achievements and contributions of African Americans. Marian Anderson was born on February 27 in 1897. She was such a good opera singer that people said a voice like hers only comes along once a century. As a class, read a story in today's newspaper about another talented person. Then, on your own, write two sentences that describe that person.

Learning Standard: Demonstrating the ability to write clear and grammatically correct sentences, paragraphs and compositions; acquiring information from multiple sources.

3. Recess Is Important

For many elementary students, recess is one of the most popular activities of the school day. It also could be one of the most important, according to elementary school principals. In an opinion poll taken by the Gallup organization, elementary school principals from across the nation said recess not only is fun, but can help students do better in the classroom. According to the poll results, four out of five principals said recess has a positive impact on academic achievement, two-thirds report that students listen better and are more focused in class after recess and almost all believe that recess has a positive impact on children's social development, relationships and general well-being. As a class, talk about ways that recess can help students in school. Then list of recess activities students like best and the benefits of each. Finish by writing a short letter to the editor of the newspaper giving reasons why students benefit from recess.

Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

4.White House Concert

All over the nation people are finding different ways to celebrate Black History Month. At the White House in Washington, D.C., President Obama and his wife Michelle hosted a concert featuring music that was important to the civil rights movement for racial justice. Musical performers included Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Yolanda Adams, Natalie Cole and Bob Dylan, while Morgan Freeman appeared as a guest speaker. With a partner, look for Black History Month celebrations in the newspaper this week. See if you can find one that is unusual or out of the ordinary. Pick one event and write a paragraph describing why it was or will be a good way to celebrate African American heritage.

Learning Standards: Describing, comparing and explaining the locations and characteristics of races, cultures and settlements; locating and describing the diverse places, cultures and communities of major world regions

5. A Senior Playground

All over the world, cities build playgrounds for children. But in the European country of Great Britain, the city of London is building a playground for senior citizens. The playground, which will be located in London's famous Hyde Park, will feature a stationary bicycle, a cross-trainer, a sit-up bench and other low-stress exercise equipment to help older people improve their balance, flexibility and muscle fitness. As a class, talk about how important it is for people to get regular exercise in their lives. Then use the newspaper to find activities that people could do to get exercise and have fun at the same time. Pick one activity and draw a picture of people having fun doing it.

Learning Standard: Engaging peers in constructive conversation about topics of interest or importance; comprehending what constitutes good health and nutrition; using the craft of the illustrator to convey ideas artistically.