Should children keep up with the news Lesson Plan

In a thought-provoking lesson plan aimed at Key Stage 2 pupils, the central theme revolves around the impact of news consumption on children and the importance of staying informed. The learning objectives are twofold: firstly, to delve into the emotional effects of news stories on young minds, and secondly, to ponder over the necessity of children keeping abreast with current events. This VotesforSchools lesson plan encourages critical thinking and self-reflection among students as they navigate the complex world of media.

The lesson kicks off with a brief review of the previous week's topic, followed by a starter activity where students acknowledge their awareness of recent news stories. This leads to a whole-class discussion about the ubiquity of news and its emotional impact. In the 'VotesforSchools Newsroom' segment, individuals read news headlines and summaries, using facial expressions to communicate their emotional reactions, and identify stories they wish to explore further. Subsequently, students contemplate various opinions on the relevance of news for children, signalling their agreement or disagreement through gestures. If time permits, there's an engaging group activity where pupils discuss the top three news stories they would broadcast on their own news channel. The session concludes with a class vote on the topic and information about the Student Voice Awards, providing a platform for students to express their opinions beyond the classroom. Additional home learning opportunities are also provided to extend the learning experience.