Emphasizing the newspaper's influence on people's lives and opinions and its role in preserving a democratic government, this teaching guide attempts to promote student understanding and appreciation of the functions, service, and responsibilities of the press. Units for grades 7-12 focus on particular aspects of the newspaper: introduction to the purposes and content of a newspaper (grade 7); study of the history of newspapers and of news analysis (grade 8); how to read, use, and write for a newspaper (grade 9); history of the American press, the obligation of the press to the community, and the responsibilities of citizens in maintaining a free press (grade 10); examination of the nature, techniques, and kinds of propaganda (grade 11); and comparative study and content analysis of newspapers (grade 12). Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are emphasized in specific classroom activities suggested for each grade. A bibliography of books and films, with some annotations, is included. (JMC)