Stories and Perspectives

546 Activities

Words carry power, so let’s use them to make an impact! Learners build voice and communication skills through reading, writing, poetry, journalism, and public speaking. They also explore self-expression and the stories of others.

Activities

Designer Paragraphs (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Designer Paragraphs (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students use specific words as prompts to write an introduction or scene for a short story. Then, they present and discuss their work with the group.

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How to Look at Dance

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

How to Look at Dance

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

In this activity, students will practice discussing dance, by first observing and describing ordinary everyday movements. Then, students will apply a critical framework to describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate dances. Students will write a four-sentence dance review; the same process can be used to review modern dance, hip hop, culturally specific dance, and more.

Dance is found in every culture and time period and is evolving all the time. The goal of this lesson is to demystify the discussion and vocabulary about dance through simple observation, description, guided analysis, and freely interpreting everyday activities. Knowledge of any particular dance technique is not needed for this activity.

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Play 20 Questions

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Play 20 Questions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

In this activity, children play a version of the popular game 20 Questions. Children work in groups of 3 or 4, with 1 child thinking of either an animal or vegetable while the rest of the group asks up to a total of 20 questions to determine what it is. Finally, children reconvene as a whole group for a discussion.

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Television Ad Review (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Television Ad Review (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

Students examine videos to distinguish between those that want to sell something from those that want to entertain or inform.

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Television Ad Review (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Television Ad Review (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students examine YouTube videos to identify and distinguish different forms of advertising.

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Writing a Blog Entry

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Writing a Blog Entry

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students learn that people share ideas, opinions, and information on blogs. They form teams to review blogs written by students their age and then use their reviews to generate 2 lists: a) features that make blogs good or interesting and b) information that they should not share in blogs. Individual students then write their own personal blog entries on a topic of their choice.

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What Is the European Union?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the European Union?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

The European Union (EU) is a political organization that unites several independent nations of Europe. In this activity, students are introduced to the European Union, its history and attributes, and its role in world affairs.

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The Art of Asking Questions

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The Art of Asking Questions

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

To get the right answer, we need to know how to ask the questions. Students learn how to modify question structure to ensure they get the information they want. From closed to probing questions, students are mastering a key tool in the interviewer's toolkit, the question.

This is lesson 11 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Stop Bullying Stoplight

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Stop Bullying Stoplight

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students discuss bullying, how to recognize and respond to it, and how to prevent it. Then, they create a bullying spotlight providing guidelines to help end bullying.

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A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Unveil the art of teaser writing in our thrilling lesson! Students will learn how to grab attention with captivating teasers that leave you craving more. It's all about the perfect pitch, from spine-tingling headlines to suspenseful sneak peeks!

This activity can be completed as a standalone lesson. It is, however, best completed as part of SRL’s The News Show Structure. This series is also the second section of SRL’s First Module From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour. The module is broken into three sections. The first two contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows. The module is followed by a second that deepens student knowledge and skills.

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Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students play Bingo with a difference: Numbers have been replaced with personality traits and fun facts. By the end of the game, group members will know one another a little better.

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Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 7-12

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 7-12

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

2 Hours

In this activity, students prepare for and then host a guest speaker through the Pulitzer Center’s free virtual journalist visit program. The Pulitzer Center works with thousands of journalists, making the visit customizable: students can learn about career pathways, journalism skills, interrupting bias and misinformation, and/or content areas that the journalist covers.

In the first 60-minute activity period, students consider how to prepare for a guest speaker so that the students feel comfortable and the guest feels welcome. In the second activity period, students welcome their guest speaker and ask their prepared questions.

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Designer Paragraphs (Grades 6-8)

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Designer Paragraphs (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students use specific words as prompts to write an introduction or scene for a short story. Then, they present and discuss their work with the group.

Discover Activity

How to Look at Dance

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

How to Look at Dance

ArtsConnection

9 - 12

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Play 20 Questions

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Play 20 Questions

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 2

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

Television Ad Review (Grades 3-5)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Television Ad Review (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

Students examine videos to distinguish between those that want to sell something from those that want to entertain or inform.

Discover Activity

Television Ad Review (Grades 6-8)

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Television Ad Review (Grades 6-8)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Students examine YouTube videos to identify and distinguish different forms of advertising.

Discover Activity

Writing a Blog Entry

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Writing a Blog Entry

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

What Is the European Union?

We The People, Stories and Perspectives

What Is the European Union?

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Discover Activity

The Art of Asking Questions

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

The Art of Asking Questions

PBS

3 - 5

45 Minutes

This is lesson 11 in “Building a News Hour,” the second module from PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs’ module series.

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Stop Bullying Stoplight

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Stop Bullying Stoplight

Mizzen Education, Inc.

K - 5

45 Minutes

In this activity, students discuss bullying, how to recognize and respond to it, and how to prevent it. Then, they create a bullying spotlight providing guidelines to help end bullying.

Discover Activity

A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

A News Show Structure: Block A and Teasers

PBS

3 - 5

30 Minutes

Discover Activity

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 3-5)

Belonging and Community, Stories and Perspectives

Get to Know You Bingo (Grades 3-5)

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

45 Minutes

Students play Bingo with a difference: Numbers have been replaced with personality traits and fun facts. By the end of the game, group members will know one another a little better.

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Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 7-12

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 7-12

Pulitzer Center

6 - 12

2 Hours

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Collections

Opening and Closing Activities for K-2

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

10 Activities

Opening and Closing Activities for K-2

kid-grit

K - 2

2 Hours

This playlist of opening and closing activities encourages youth to explore their big and small emotions while sharing positive thoughts about themselves and their friends. The opening activities offer simple strategies to help them feel calm and prepared for the day, gently setting the stage for a strong and centered start. Closing activities invite students to reflect on moments of kindness, connection, and courage through song, movement, gratitude, and reflection. Whether mimicking animals, writing thank-you notes, or sharing songs from home, they’ll consider what made them feel seen, strong, or calm. Each experience helps them carry something positive forward until they gather again next time!

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Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 6-8

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

8 Activities

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 6-8

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

6 Hours

The playlist has been curated to support reading and literacy enrichment through fun and innovative learning experiences. This playlist supports grades 6-8 and can be implemented in a various out-of-school settings.

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Building a NewsHour: Part 6

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

8 Activities

Building a NewsHour: Part 6

PBS

3 - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Welcome to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL)’s Module, Building a NewsHour: Part 6

This Module from SRL takes youth through the all elements of building their own news hour. A follow-up to the From Concept to Screen Module, this six part Collection takes youth through the all the steps in creating a news hour to tell their stories.

This is Module 6 of 6 in the Building a NewsHour Collection series.

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Social and Emotional Learning Activities for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

10 Activities

Social and Emotional Learning Activities for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

7 Hours 15 Minutes

This Playlist provides younger students various activities that teaches them the importance of understanding the emotions of their peers.

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Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 9-12

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

7 Activities

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 9-12

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

5 Hours 15 Minutes

The playlist has been curated to support reading and literacy enrichment through fun and innovative learning experiences. This playlist supports grades 9-12 and can be implemented in a various out-of-school settings.

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The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

7 Activities

The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

9 Hours

This module supports students in developing a healthy relationship to the news rooted in curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and empowerment.

Students will learn what the news is and reflect on how they can use it in their lives. They will examine the idea of bias and learn how to challenge it, using some of the same skills journalists use. They will consider why some stories get more attention than others, and explore the importance of seeking out underreported stories in order to see a fuller picture of people, places, and issues. Finally, students will move from analyzing news stories to sharing their learning. In their final projects, students will use creative expression and journalistic information to draw attention to the issues that matter to them.

Throughout this module, facilitators have access to the option of requesting a free virtual visit with a Pulitzer Center journalist who can support students in digging deeper into any of these topics, getting their questions answered, and exploring careers in the journalism field.

Are you looking for media literacy activities for upper middle and high school learners? Check out The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 7-12, also on Mizzen.

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The Big Easy

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

15 Activities

The Big Easy

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

20 Hours

Step into the vibrant world of Jazz at Lincoln Center's "The Big Easy" module, where students embark on an exhilarating journey of creativity and discovery. Jazz at Lincoln Center has made identifying and decoding symbols in art a fun and easy process. Throughout the module, students learn to "read" a provided comic book by researching the history of New Orleans and learning the tools artists use to symbolize their experiences, emotions, etc., in their work. Students studying the fundamentals of music, dance, and illustration, throughut this immersive experience, unleash their imagination, celebrate diversity, and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.

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From Concept to Screen: Building Your Own News Show

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

21 Activities

From Concept to Screen: Building Your Own News Show

PBS

3 - 5

10 Hours 30 Minutes

Welcome to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL)’s Module, From Concept to Screen: Building Your News Hour.

The module is broken into three sections. The first, "Beyond the Headline" and "A News Show Structure" contain lessons that can be completed as standalone activities or as part of a series. All three sections converge to provide a powerful and fun introduction to producing and hosting news shows.

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Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 3-5

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

8 Activities

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 3-5

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

6 Hours

The playlist has been curated to support reading and literacy enrichment through fun and innovative learning experiences. This playlist supports grades 3-5 and can be implemented in a various out-of-school settings.

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Opening and Closing Activities for K-2

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

10 Activities

Opening and Closing Activities for K-2

kid-grit

K - 2

2 Hours

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Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 6-8

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

8 Activities

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 6-8

Mizzen Education, Inc.

6 - 8

6 Hours

Discover Collection

Building a NewsHour: Part 6

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

8 Activities

Building a NewsHour: Part 6

PBS

3 - 5

1 Hour 30 Minutes

Welcome to PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs (SRL)’s Module, Building a NewsHour: Part 6

This is Module 6 of 6 in the Building a NewsHour Collection series.

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Social and Emotional Learning Activities for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Stories and Perspectives, Belonging and Community

10 Activities

Social and Emotional Learning Activities for 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Mizzen Education, Inc.

3 - 5

7 Hours 15 Minutes

This Playlist provides younger students various activities that teaches them the importance of understanding the emotions of their peers.

Discover Collection

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 9-12

Digital Voices, Stories and Perspectives

7 Activities

Reading and Literacy Enrichment, Grades 9-12

Mizzen Education, Inc.

9 - 12

5 Hours 15 Minutes

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The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

7 Activities

The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6

Pulitzer Center

K - 8

9 Hours

This module supports students in developing a healthy relationship to the news rooted in curiosity, critical thinking, empathy, and empowerment.

Are you looking for media literacy activities for upper middle and high school learners? Check out The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 7-12, also on Mizzen.

Discover Collection

The Big Easy

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

15 Activities

The Big Easy

Jazz at Lincoln Center

3 - 8

20 Hours

Discover Collection

From Concept to Screen: Building Your Own News Show

Stories and Perspectives, Digital Voices

21 Activities