Newspapers help develop students' awareness of the various cultural, economic, political, environmental and ethical issues facing society. Here's how teachers of junior forms can boost understanding of the government. From the South China Morning Post, cut out articles about people in politics. Identify their position, responsibilities and the issues in which each is involved. Do you agree with their stance? If not, why? Make a Who's Who of local and foreign politicians in the news by displaying their photographs on a board. Record as much information as possible about them; for example, their full name, position, age, policies. At the end of a week, remove the names and ask students to identify the people pictured and write about the significance of each in the week's news events. Discuss the effectiveness or contribution of each politician to government. Have their actions been harmful or beneficial to the community? Explain. Thank you to the West Australian NIE department for its assistance with this exercise. Have any interesting ideas? Feedback should be sent to: The Editor, Young Post, PO Box 323, Tai Po, New Territories.
