The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6
7 Activities
Grades K - 8
9 Hours
Overview
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.
Quality Instructional Practices
Continue Your Journey
1
1
What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
2
2
What Is Bias?
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
3
3
Interrupting Bias with Curiosity
Grades K - 8
1 Hour 30 Minutes
4
4
Finding Underreported Stories
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
5
5
Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
6
6
Responding to the News
Grades K - 8
1 Hour 30 Minutes
7
7
Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 2-6
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.
Grades K - 8
2 Hours
The News and You: Journalism and Media Literacy for Grades 2-6
Overview
Quality Instructional Practices
Continue Your Journey
1
1
What Is Journalism, and Why Does It Matter?
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
2
2
What Is Bias?
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
3
3
Interrupting Bias with Curiosity
Grades K - 8
1 Hour 30 Minutes
4
4
Finding Underreported Stories
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
5
5
Putting the Puzzle Together: Illustrating News Stories
Grades K - 8
1 Hour
6
6
Responding to the News
Grades K - 8
1 Hour 30 Minutes
7
7
Meet a Journalist: Preparing for and Hosting a Guest Speaker, Grades 2-6
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.
Grades K - 8
2 Hours
Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.
Copyright © 2026, Mizzen Education, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on a mission to empower, uplift and support out-of-school time educators.