Sample our Weekly Activities

To download the latest resources login or subscribe to First News

News Comprehension

Level 1 Four Simplified Stories

Four Simplified Stories

Four stories from the week's newspaper are simplified for developing readers. The question sets provided instigate discussion to engage pupils and develop understanding.

Download

Level 2 Look Closer

Look Closer

Investigate one news article with this set of comprehension questions. Develop understanding of the world outside the classroom and practise a wide range of essential reading skills every week in upper KS2.

Download

Level 3 Article Analysis

Article Analysis

Find the facts, interpret the information and analyse the writing and presentation. Develop essential literacy skills at KS3 to provide a firm foundation for GSCE English Language.

Download

News Puzzles

Level 1 News Puzzle 1

News Puzzle 1

Re-inforce key words encountered in the news stories.

Download

Level 2 News Puzzle 2

News Puzzle 2

Analyse key words and phrases in a news report.

Download

Level 3 News Puzzle 3

News Puzzle 3

Identify definitions to build up vocabulary in context.

Download

News Quizzes

Level 1 Mystery News

Mystery News

Study the 'Mystery News' pictures to pick up clues. Predict the story to elicit key vocabulary before finding the real story.

Download

Level 2 News and Pictures Quiz

News and Pictures Quiz

Ten questions and eight pictures challenge pupils to find fascinating facts hidden in the week's newspaper.

Download

Level 3 In the Know: News Quiz

In the Know: News Quiz

A challenging in-depth news quiz featuring regular sections: words, pictures, places, people, objects and statistics.

Download

Level 1

Pupils working towards the requirements of the Lower Key Stage 2 – Years 3 and 4 – NC English Programme of Study for Reading. The reading age of the news stories and accompanying activities is approximately 7 to 9 yrs. (The news stories are slightly simplified versions of those found in First News). The activities support pupils’ development of the statutory reading comprehension skills required by the end of KS2 and these are referenced in each activity.

Level 2

Pupils working towards the requirements of the Upper Key Stage 2 – Years 5 and 6 – NC English Programme of Study for Reading. The reading age of the news stories and accompanying activities is approximately 9 to 12 yrs. The activities support pupils’ development of the statutory reading comprehension skills required by the end of KS2 and these are referenced in each activity.

Level 3

Pupils working towards the requirements of the Key Stage 3 NC English Language Programme of Study for Reading. The reading age of the news stories and accompanying activities is approximately 12 to 14 yrs. The activities support pupils’ development of the reading comprehension skills required in the lead up to requirements for GCSE English Language.