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Tools of the Trade

As a Matter of Fact

It's never been more challenging to decipher the news. What's true? What's false? What's really going on? To help students wade through this tricky terrain and learn about journalism, these compelling resources can spark discussion and learning.

By Caeli Mazara

  1. Factitious free

    This quiz site shines a light on fake news items, directing students to decide whether a news story is real or fake. Students can read a snippet of the story, reveal the news source for a more educated guess, then click or swipe right and left (if playing on a phone or tablet) to answer. The fun format is a great launching pad for discussions on bias.

    Grades: 7 to 12

  2. Curio.ca Subscription fee varies; available in French

    CBC brings its news, radio and documentary archives into the classroom with Curio. The database is always growing, with new content added every week. Curio offers a vast catalogue of media, including curated collections like Climate Change, Fighting Racism and Discrimination, and more.

    Grades: K to 12

  3. Teaching Kids News free

    Find a deep well of news articles aimed at students from Grades 2–8 on this easy-to-navigate site. Teachers can access resources to help spot fake news, links to related podcasts, tips for talking about difficult news, writing and discussion prompts, and reading suggestions for each story.

    Grades: 2 to 8

  4. Bad News

    Bad News lets students take on the role of fake news producers. The simple design allows students to dive right in and explore the mechanics behind disinformation in news stories. An explainer doc for educators gives helpful advice for in-class use and links for further study.

    Grades: 9 to 12

  5. NPR free — Visit Apple App Store or Google Play

    NPR brings its high-quality radio programming into the classroom. Easy to navigate and available on a range of devices, NPR allows students to browse an enormous database of audio content. Teachers can use the content to spark conversations, delve into curriculum material, and engage students in current events regardless of reading ability.

    Grades: 8 to 12

  6. Scholastic Kids Press free

    Journalism for kids by kids, the Scholastic Kids Press covers a wide range of news topics and encourages budding journalists. For those students who want to do more than just read the news, any young reporter between the ages of 10 and 14 can apply to join the team.

    Grades: 5 to 8

  7. Newsfeed Defenders free

    This game aims to help students understand what makes good journalism, and how and why news can be manipulated. To play, students run a news site and monitor the integrity of the site over time. They need to watch out for fake news, click bait ads and more, to keep their site honest.

    Grades: 6 to 12

  8. CIVIX free; available in French

    How does language impact understanding of the news? (Are they riots, demonstrations or peaceful protests?) How do social media algorithms shape perspectives? Activities and case studies dive into headline-making events and package them for engaging classroom discussions.

    Grades: 4 to 12