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SACC Has Its 'Eye on the News'
Children Focus on Current Events
SACC centers have their "Eye on the News" this year with programming for centers that mirrors current events -- everything from politics and technology to the arts and fitness.
"We're never going to lack for things for children to do in the SACC classroom," said SACC Assistant Director and avowed "news junkie" Sandy Sponseller. "It's right there in the newspaper for children to research and report on."
To make sure children get the news, SACC centers subscribe to "Highlights," a weekly newspaper for children, and children's editions of "Time," "Sports Illustrated" and "National Geographic."
SACC centers also receive periodic "News Flashes" -- computer video broadcasts created by SACC regional supervisors -- of news events that highlight SACC curriculum goals.
SACC has always been focused on literacy for children, explained Sponseller. Eye on the News programming combines literacy with creative experiences for children.
SACC centers have separate rooms for Media Centers, where children analyze and report on new events, and Metro Hubs, where news come to life with displays or activities that mirror current events.
For example, let's say the Queen of England visits the White House for a state dinner. That could trigger any number of activities in SACC Media Centers and the Metro Hubs.
"Just like newspaper front page, style and food sections, children could report from the Media Center on what people say, wear and eat at a state dinner," said Sponseller. "If it's a television report, they might create a studio with cameras, sound people, make-up artists and everything else that goes into creating a television news show."
In the Metro Hub, children could replicate a state dinner for parents and invited guests, or design clothing appropriate for such an event. SACC staff are on hand to help when needed.
Like all SACC programming, children's interests guide Eye on the News activities and projects. The news format offers almost infinite avenues for children to experience and explore with support from SACC teachers.
"News is fascinating," said Sponseller. "Every day different things are happening. We should be focusing on and learning these things with children. That's what Eye on the News does."