Blog Watch

The Learning Network

David Snyder

The Learning Network blog, part of the New York Times website, provides teaching and learning materials and ideas based on New York Times content by building on the news and supplementing articles with lesson plans, quizzes, discussion questions, and chats designed to help teachers engage students with the news. One post outlines at least 11 ways to use The Learning Network during the school year.

A recent post jumps off a review of a new production of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible to provide links to article archives and lesson plans on not only the play itself but also related issues, such as McCarthyism and the "birther" controversy surrounding President Barack Obama. Another post lets educators ask questions of teachers profiled in an article about using social media in the classroom effectively.

If you're looking for ways to connect your students with current events and topics, The Learning Network is a valuable resource.

David Snyder is a reference librarian in ASCD's Information Resource Center.

ASCD Express, Vol. 6, No. 19. Copyright 2011 by ASCD. All rights reserved. Visit www.ascd.org/ascdexpress.