News-O-Matic Adds Lexile Scores for Differentiated Nonfiction Reading

News-O-Matic, billed as a daily newspaper just for kids, has partnered with MetaMetrics to add Lexile scores to its resources in an effort to help teachers provide grade-appropriate nonfiction text and differentiated instruction.

News-O-Matic features five daily stories, each reviewed by an on-staff psychologist to ensure safety, covering national and international news, sports, arts, science and more. The app is designed to encourage students to engage with the stories through drawings, writing, voting for their favorite articles and asking interview questions of politicians, athletes and others.

Most News-O-Matic stories receive Lexile measures between 400L and 1,000L and "teachers can easily adjust the students' reading levels so they can all enjoy the same rich multimedia experience but tailored to their unique abilities," according to a news release.

Other features of News-O-Matic include:

  • Interactive maps;
  • Audio playback;
  • Definition and pronunciation support;
  • News-related games; and
  • Spanish translations with audio.

"News-O-Matic transforms how students are learning about current events," stated Malbert Smith, president and cofounder of MetaMetrics, in a prepared statement. "We are delighted that Lexile measures will be one of the features that help deliver daily, curated content. Lexile measures will help ensure that students are engaged in the materials."

News-O-Matic is available in school and home editions for Kindle Fire and Android and iOS devices. More information is available at press4kids.com.

About the Author

Joshua Bolkan is contributing editor for Campus Technology, THE Journal and STEAM Universe. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • tutors helping young students with laptops against a vibrant abstract background

    K12 Tutoring Earns ESSA Level II Validation

    Online tutoring service K12 Tutoring recently announced that it has received Level II validation underneath the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The independently validated study provides evidence of K12 Tutoring's role in creating positive student outcomes through effective academic intervention and research-based solutions.

  • pattern of icons for math and reading, including a pi symbol, calculator, and open book

    HMH Launches Personalized Path Solution

    Adaptive learning company HMH has introduced HMH Personalized Path, a K-8 ELA and math product that combines intervention curriculum, adaptive practice, and assessment for students of all achievement levels.

  • computer science classroom featuring a desktop setup with code on the screen, a large wall display with charts, and a labeled book on a clean desk

    McGraw Hill Expands CTE Offerings

    Education company McGraw Hill has announced a host of new career and technical education courses, designed to help learners gain professional, technical, and academic skills for workforce success.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Updates to Experience, DreamBox Math

    K-12 learning solution provider Discovery Education has announced enhancements to its Discovery Education Experience and DreamBox Math products, designed to create a more personalized, engaging learning experience for students.