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Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts
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Description

**Looking for standards-aligned, editable Current Events Project Assignments that blend real-world relevance with essential literacy skills? You’ve found it! This resource includes 4 detailed assignments (one for each quarter of the school year) that ask students to select a timely news article (from print or the internet), analyze it through close reading and annotating, craft a thoughtful written response, and deliver a professional presentation.

Each quarter brings a new twist and added rigor:

· Quarter 1 lays the foundation for the components of the assignments with close reading, annotating, MLA formatting, and a short presentation that includes two student-led discussion questions.

· Quarter 2 adds a Google Slides component and extends presentation time for deeper analysis.

· Quarter 3 adds an Infographic and requires a secondary source and more formal citation practice.

· Quarter 4 challenges students with a Prezi presentation, multiple sources, expanded writing, and a longer, more interactive discussion.

**Each quarter builds on the last, which is perfect for strengthening writing, research, and speaking skills in a meaningful, standards-aligned way.

What’s Included:

Detailed Teacher Guide – Implementation tips + Common Core alignment

Editable Student Instructions – One for each of the 4 assignments (Word format)

Comprehensive Editable Rubrics – One for each version (Word format)

Sample Editable Due Date Calendar – Stay organized throughout the year

4 Editable reminder slides to post on your daily agenda as reminders of upcoming due dates

Student Exemplars – Real examples for all 4 assignment types

Please Note: This resource includes only the assignment instructions. Lessons that teach or reinforce each individual skill (e.g., annotating, citing sources, creating a works cited page, presentation strategies) are not included at this time. Keep an eye out for future updates!

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current events using credible news and internet sources

• Practice identifying bias and strengthening critical thinking

• Develop written responses and effective presentation skills

• Connect current events to relevant ELA and Social Studies concepts

• Build research, organization, and digital presentation skills

Perfect for article-of-the-week routines or enrichment activities, this project works seamlessly across content areas and class formats. Save time, increase engagement, and help students make real-world connections with this powerful, ready-to-use resource.

Whether you're teaching English Language Arts or Social Studies, this adaptable assignment strengthens classroom learning and builds critical thinking, research, and communication skills along the way.

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Current Events Activities & Assignments Nonfiction Reading Informational Texts

Rated 4.47 out of 5, based on 4 reviews
4.5 (4 ratings)
Making ELA Matter
1.1k Followers
$4.00

Highlights

Digital downloads
Grades icon
Grades
7th - 12th
Standards icon
Standards
Pages
18 pages + 11 Student Exemplars
Teaching Duration
1 Year

Description

**Looking for standards-aligned, editable Current Events Project Assignments that blend real-world relevance with essential literacy skills? You’ve found it! This resource includes 4 detailed assignments (one for each quarter of the school year) that ask students to select a timely news article (from print or the internet), analyze it through close reading and annotating, craft a thoughtful written response, and deliver a professional presentation.

Each quarter brings a new twist and added rigor:

· Quarter 1 lays the foundation for the components of the assignments with close reading, annotating, MLA formatting, and a short presentation that includes two student-led discussion questions.

· Quarter 2 adds a Google Slides component and extends presentation time for deeper analysis.

· Quarter 3 adds an Infographic and requires a secondary source and more formal citation practice.

· Quarter 4 challenges students with a Prezi presentation, multiple sources, expanded writing, and a longer, more interactive discussion.

**Each quarter builds on the last, which is perfect for strengthening writing, research, and speaking skills in a meaningful, standards-aligned way.

What’s Included:

Detailed Teacher Guide – Implementation tips + Common Core alignment

Editable Student Instructions – One for each of the 4 assignments (Word format)

Comprehensive Editable Rubrics – One for each version (Word format)

Sample Editable Due Date Calendar – Stay organized throughout the year

4 Editable reminder slides to post on your daily agenda as reminders of upcoming due dates

Student Exemplars – Real examples for all 4 assignment types

Please Note: This resource includes only the assignment instructions. Lessons that teach or reinforce each individual skill (e.g., annotating, citing sources, creating a works cited page, presentation strategies) are not included at this time. Keep an eye out for future updates!

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze current events using credible news and internet sources

• Practice identifying bias and strengthening critical thinking

• Develop written responses and effective presentation skills

• Connect current events to relevant ELA and Social Studies concepts

• Build research, organization, and digital presentation skills

Perfect for article-of-the-week routines or enrichment activities, this project works seamlessly across content areas and class formats. Save time, increase engagement, and help students make real-world connections with this powerful, ready-to-use resource.

Whether you're teaching English Language Arts or Social Studies, this adaptable assignment strengthens classroom learning and builds critical thinking, research, and communication skills along the way.

You Might Also Like...

✅Follow my store to be notified when new resources are uploaded.

❤️Thank you for your interest in this bundle and for visiting my store!

Report this resource to TPT
Reported resources will be reviewed by our team. Report this resource to let us know if this resource violates TPT's content guidelines.

Reviews

4.5
Rated 4.47 out of 5, based on 4 reviews
4
ratings
All verified TPT purchases
A great resource
Rated 5 out of 5
April 28, 2026
Met expectations
Great value
Standards-aligned
Thank you for creating this resource - such a fun way to write and learn.
Shellie P.
191 reviews • Ohio
Grades taught: 7th, 8th
Rated 3.42 out of 5
March 10, 2019
They would need more detail - perhaps a video or a suggestion for a video. The details provided would not encourage grade 12 students to participate.
Marie P.
1 review
Making ELA Matter
Response from
Making ELA Matter
(TPT Seller)
Mar 10, 2019
Marie, thank you for your comments. This is the first stage of the project I do with students. The later stages have students incorporating PowerPoint, Prezi and Infograpics as well as incorporating research elements such as embedding citations. I will be uploading those resources by the summer, and once you see those uploaded, please let me know, and I'll be happy to send you one of your choice at no cost. Have a great rest of your year!
Rated 4.5 out of 5
November 28, 2018
This is a nice resource, however it is a pretty simple project.
Elizabeth Iffrig
(TPT Seller)
256 reviews
Making ELA Matter
Response from
Making ELA Matter
(TPT Seller)
Mar 10, 2019
Elizabeth, thank you for your comments. This is the first stage of the project I do with students. The later stages have students incorporating technology presentation skills and research elements. I will be uploading those resources by the summer, and once you see those uploaded, please let me know, and I'll be happy to send you one of your choice at no cost. Have a great rest of your year!
Rated 5 out of 5
October 23, 2018
This was an engaging project for my current event kids! Thanks!
Kelbey McMath
(TPT Seller)
137 reviews
Making ELA Matter
Response from
Making ELA Matter
(TPT Seller)
Oct 24, 2018
Thank you for taking time to leave feedback. My students truly enjoy this project, and I'm glad to hear that yours did too! Have a great year!

Questions & Answers

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Standards

to see state-specific standards (only available in the US).
Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
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