Theme of the Session:
- An understanding of newspaper history
- Widely spread different language newspaper
- Importance of newspaper
Session Goals: Quantification, Mindfulness and Memory
Space and Material Preparation:
Information such as newspaper names, publication years, languages, and locations should be gathered from reliable sources. Create rectangular chits with the gathered information.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_newspapers_in_India
The facilitator can create chits as needed from newspapers they deem important, based on the group size. Once the chits are prepared, the facilitator should categorize them by century:
- (1800-1900) Group 1: At least 10 chits
- (1900-2000) Group 2
After the communion, distribute the chits randomly to each group participant. The task is then to arrange them chronologically by year.
Warm up and Topic Introduction:
The facilitator can capture the children’s attention by asking them to close their eyes and maintain silence for two minutes.
Next, introduce the topic of ‘Newspapers’. Begin by discussing how many children start their mornings with reading the newspaper. Ask them which newspaper names they are familiar with and which newspapers elders like to read at home. Find out what children enjoy reading in newspapers and discuss its importance. Why do they think newspapers are important?
After hearing the children’s answers, the facilitator can emphasize key points about newspapers and their significance, especially in times when there was no internet, TV, or radio.
Creation:
After discussing and ensuring the children understand the topic, the facilitator can proceed with the activity. Divide the children into groups based on the number of chits prepared earlier.
As mentioned earlier, each group’s task is to arrange these chits in chronological order, either ascending or descending years as decided by the facilitator.
Once each group has completed their task, they can come together to create a comprehensive “Newspaper History” chart.
Closure:
Discuss with the group that newspapers served as the primary means of communication, reaching people across all socioeconomic levels in this developing country. Encourage them to consider the current situation in our country and brainstorm the essential qualities that an ideal newspaper should possess.
The facilitator can also suggest the idea of reading a newspaper together as a group to further explore these qualities and understand how they are reflected in contemporary journalism.