This lesson plan aims to enhance students’ understanding of current events, develop critical thinking skills, and improve media literacy through the analysis of curated news digests.
Lesson Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students will:
- Understand the purpose and structure of curated news digests like CNN’s “5 Things.”
- Analyze the significance of five current events or topics in shaping public awareness.
- Develop critical thinking skills to prioritize and evaluate news relevance.
- Enhance media literacy by identifying credible news sources and perspectives.
Lesson Outline
1. Warm-Up Activity
Discussion Prompt: Ask students, “How do you usually start your day or week? Where do you get your news or updates?
“Mini Activity: Get 5 things in your inbox CNN. Discuss its purpose (concise, easy-to-read news).
2. Main Activity: Analyzing the “5 Things”
A. Guided Analysis
Display the five topics from this week’s newsletter. Or watch the CNN 10 for students.
- A major global event
- A national issue
- A cultural or social story
- A technological or scientific development
- A human-interest piece
Discuss each item:
- Why is this important?
- Who might be most affected by this?
- How does this topic connect to our lives?
B. Small Group Research and Presentation
Divide students into five groups, assigning one topic per group. Each group investigates their topic and presents a quick summary to the class, addressing:
- Key facts
- Why it matters
- Any potential bias or missing perspectives in the coverage
3. Reflective Activity
Discussion Questions:
- “If you had to pick one story to highlight for your peers, which would it be and why?”
- “What does this list reveal about what’s considered ‘newsworthy’?”
Individual Writing Task: Students write a short reflection:
- Summarize the five stories in their own words
- Explain which story resonated most with them and why
Homework
- Subscribe to or explore a news digest for one week and bring back insights to share
- Create their own “5 Things” list of important events from their perspective, with brief descriptions
Extension Activities
- Media Literacy Module: Teach students how to verify news sources and identify bias
- Debate Activity: Select one story from the list for a class debate on its implications or solutions
Current Events and News Videos
Major Global Event: Trump’s Return to Power
Four years after the January 6 Capitol attack, Donald Trump is set to return to the presidency. Congress will reconvene to confirm his election victory, marking a significant shift in American politics
Video: CNN Report on Trump’s Political Comeback
National Issue: Powerful Winter Storm
A massive winter storm is affecting tens of millions of Americans, bringing snow, ice, and heavy rain. This weather event has potential impacts on travel and power infrastructure across multiple states
Video: PBS News Weekend Weather Report
Cultural/Social Story: New Orleans Resilience
The residents of New Orleans continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of numerous challenges, embodying a spirit of perseverance that has become characteristic of the city
Video: Local New Orleans News Coverage
Technological Development: Consumer Electronics Show
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is set to begin in Las Vegas, showcasing the latest technological innovations and prototypes
Video: CES 2025 Preview
Human Interest: Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
The late former President Jimmy Carter will lie in state at the US Capitol, with a state funeral planned at the Washington National Cathedral. This event highlights Carter’s significant contributions to international relations, particularly in Africa