Each Wednesday we shine a spotlight on five student activities that support a broad range of learners. In this week’s roundup of accessible activities, we invite students to learn about careers in their community, reflect on their relationship with their inner critic, watch a film about the history of immigration between Mexico and the United States, read a winning essay from our STEM Writing Contest and react to the racist massacre in Buffalo.
Note: To learn more about this new weekly feature, read our introductory post. Please share your thoughts in the comments section or by emailing us at [email protected]
1. Learn about life as a dog walker.
In this Lesson of the Day students will learn about the daily routine and responsibilities of a dog walker in Brooklyn, New York. They will reflect on their own experiences with work and then interview a community member about their job.
2. Share how they deal with their inner critic.
This Student Opinion prompt asks students to think about that little voice in their head that creates self-doubt or criticism. They will read an illustrated story about the inner critic and share if, and how, they relate to it. Students can discuss their answers in a class discussion, write a short essay or share their reflections in the comments section.
3. Watch a film about the history of immigration to the U.S. from Mexico.
In this Film Club students watch a film that traces the history of the U.S.-Mexico border from 1848 to today. Students will learn how the border between the two countries became so political and divisive and share what they can learn from this history.
4. Read an entry from our STEM Student Writing Contest.
Our 3rd Annual STEM Writing Contest features writing from students around the world who — in 500 words or less — explain an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health. Invite students to read one of the winning essays and then react to it: What did they learn? What does the essay make them want to research or study?
5. React to the racist massacre in Buffalo, N.Y.
This Student Opinion offers a space for students to share their thoughts and feelings about what happened in Buffalo on May 14 when a white teenage gunman opened fire at a supermarket, methodically shooting and killing 10 people and injuring three more, almost all of them Black. Before responding, they should read — individually or as a class — the featured article that details what is known about the shooting.