Saturdays are for sunshine — especially for your ears. With another election, ongoing wars and natural disasters, we know the news can be a lot to take in and we’re determined to share the bright side of humanity. Every Saturday, take a breather from the headlines and hear all the uplifting happenings across the world with 5 Good Things from CNN.
We’re following Pesto, a baby penguin that’s turning heads and charming hearts in Australia. One man is running coast to coast to honor a veteran’s last wish. Leaf peeping season is here, and Virginia state parks are making it easier for colorblind visitors to enjoy it. A Miss Universe contestant breaks through an age-old barrier. Plus, this performer is taking the mascot experience to a whole new level. CNN Audio 5 good things
Meet Pesto: the fat baby penguin and viral superstar
Subject: English Language Arts / Current Events
Topic: Media Literacy, Listening Comprehension, and Positive News Analysis
Materials Needed:
- Audio clip of CNN’s “5 Good Things” featuring the story of Pesto, the viral baby penguin
- Transcript of the “5 Good Things” episode
- Big baby, Melbourne aquarium’s huge 22.5kg penguin chick Pesto set to slim down after becoming viral star
Lesson Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will:
- Practice active listening skills by following an audio story.
- Engage with positive news by analyzing why Pesto’s story resonates with audiences globally.
- Critically think about the role of uplifting stories in media and their impact on public mood and perceptions.
- Reflect on the importance of diverse news coverage, including positive stories alongside traditional headlines.
Lesson Outline:
1. Warm-Up Activity: Discussing Positive News in Media
- Begin with a class discussion on how news impacts emotions. Ask:
- What are some types of news stories you typically see?
- How does watching or reading the news make you feel?
- Introduce the concept of positive news as a genre designed to uplift audiences and provide a break from serious headlines. Discuss why CNN has a series like “5 Good Things” and the possible benefits for the audience.
- Highlight that Pesto’s story has been covered by various major outlets, including CNN (audio) and The Guardian (text and video). Explain that these media choices might shape how audiences connect with the story.
2. Pre-Listening: Background Information on Pesto the Penguin
- Introduce the main character of today’s story: Pesto, the baby penguin. Explain that he has become a social media sensation due to his unique appearance and personality.
- Show a few images of Pesto (if available) or describe him based on the transcript: fluffy, chocolate brown, larger than most penguin chicks, and very popular.
3. Listening Activity: Playing the CNN Audio Clip
- Play the “5 Good Things” clip featuring Pesto’s story. Encourage students to listen actively, taking note of interesting facts, vocabulary, and the tone of the narration.
- Option: Provide students with a copy of the transcript to follow along. Pesto the Penguin
4. Comprehension and Discussion Questions
- After listening, divide students into pairs or small groups and ask them to discuss the following questions. These are crafted to target listening comprehension as well as deeper analysis.
- What are some reasons Pesto has become so popular?
- How did Pesto’s appearance set him apart from other penguins in the aquarium?
- Why do you think social media and major news outlets covered this story so extensively?
- What emotions does Pesto’s story bring out in people, and why is this significant?
- How does hearing about Pesto differ from traditional news stories?
- After discussions, reconvene and invite each group to share their responses.
5. Activity: Creating Positive News Segments
- Challenge students to imagine they’re journalists tasked with writing a short positive news story. Ask them to:
- Think of a unique or heartwarming story from their own lives, community, or school.
- Write a brief summary or “headline” that captures the essence of the story.
- Allow students to share their stories with the class, emphasizing how everyday events can also bring joy or humor to an audience.
6. Reflection and Wrap-Up Discussion
- Lead a closing discussion on the impact of positive news:
- How did hearing Pesto’s story affect your mood?
- Why is it valuable for media to balance serious news with uplifting stories?
- Do you think stories like Pesto’s have a lasting impact on the audience? Why or why not?
Extension Activity: Research Project on Viral Animals and Media Sensations
- Students can research another animal or person who gained media attention for positive reasons (e.g., viral zoo animals, heartwarming sports moments, etc.). They can present their findings to the class, highlighting why such stories attract public interest.
Activity: Viewing and Reading “The Guardian” Content
-
- Show The Guardian video segment on Pesto, then allow students to read portions of The Guardian article (either printed or shared digitally).
- As students watch and read, encourage them to note how visual storytelling (e.g., the video) differs from the written article and from CNN’s audio clip. Prompt students to focus on aspects like:
- Visual elements in the video (shots of Pesto, aquarium background, audience reactions).
- Details emphasized in The Guardian article that differ from CNN’s coverage.
- Optional: Provide students with a worksheet to jot down differences in tone, detail, and emotional engagement.
Comparative Analysis Discussion
-
- After engaging with both CNN and The Guardian content, divide students into small groups to discuss:
- What are the main differences in how CNN and The Guardian presented Pesto’s story?
- Did the visuals in The Guardian’s video impact your perception of Pesto differently than just hearing the story?
- Why might CNN focus on a quick, uplifting audio segment, while The Guardian uses a mix of detailed text and video?
- Reconvene to discuss how each format could target different audiences and impact how the story is perceived.
- After engaging with both CNN and The Guardian content, divide students into small groups to discuss:
Critical Reflection: The Role of Visuals and Tone in Media
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- Lead a reflection on how visuals and tone in media can influence emotions and engagement:
- Did you feel more connected to Pesto through the video or the audio? Why?
- How does seeing Pesto in the video change your perception of the story versus just hearing about him?
- Discuss the implications for media literacy, especially in understanding that each news medium might have distinct goals and ways of engaging audiences.
- Lead a reflection on how visuals and tone in media can influence emotions and engagement:
Extension Activity: Writing Comparison Pieces
- Challenge students to write a short analysis comparing CNN’s 5 Good Things and The Guardian’s article and video on Pesto. They should focus on:
- Differences in content, audience appeal, and emotional impact.
- How visuals and detailed descriptions enhance audience connection to Pesto.
- A reflection on how media shapes our emotional engagement with news.
Assessment:
- Informal assessment of participation in discussions and listening comprehension.
- Evaluate the creativity and insight in their positive news stories.
- Reflection responses can be graded based on thoughtfulness and depth of analysis.
Among the sea of glossy black and white penguins that call a popular Australian aquarium home, one baby bird stands out like a sore thumb.
Chocolatey brown, obscenely fluffy, and towering a head above his own foster parents – plus weighing more than both combined – is Pesto.
Affectionately dubbed a “fatty”, an “absolute unit”, and a “linebacker”, the chonky chick has shot to viral superstardom and attracted a legion of obsessed fans, including popstar Katy Perry.
Pesto has reached an audience of billions – dominating social media algorithms, securing wall-to-wall breakfast TV coverage in the US and UK, and drawing travellers from around the globe to Melbourne’s Sea Life Aquarium. BBC
Listen to the podcast below, and find the transcript here:
