Grade 6

Students Use the Los Angeles Marathon as a Way to Keep Going

Source: NY Times

Learn why middle school and high school students in LA embrace marathon running.

Young Activists Want Action as Protesters Rally at COP26

Source: NY Times

Read about how student activists from all over the world gathered at the Climate Change Conference to make their voices heard about the planet and their future on it.

The Power of Introverts

Source: TED Talks

Nobel-Prize winner Albert Einstein was one. Susan Cain presents her ideas about the value of introverts. She argues that though many people today prize being social and outgoing, being contemplative and quiet should also be encouraged and celebrated. Listen to her TED talk or read the transcript.

Young, Black Native activists say it’s time to appreciate Indigenous diversity

Source: NPR

In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, these young activists raise awareness about multifaceted Indigenous identities.

Black interns: ‘You just need to give us a chance’

Source: BBC

This ground-breaking program gives thousands of young black professionals an opportunity to intern for elite companies around the world.

Teens around the world are lonelier than a decade ago. The reason may be smartphones.

Source: Washington Post

Read about how smart phones and social media impact the social lives of teens.

Disability activist shares biggest tips for young people who want to make a difference

Source: Yahoo

Read about Aubrie Lee’s experience with activism and her advice for young aspiring activists.

Teens on a Year That Changed Everything

Source: The New York Times

Teenagers reflect on a year of pandemic precautions through their words and artistic representations.

Listening Is an Act of Love

Source: StoryCorps

Do you know someone whose story should be heard—and remembered? StoryCorps is a spectacular project in which people just like you, your family, and your friends sit down to chat and record stories from their lives. Visit the site to hear some amazing tales and watch a few videos. When you’ve finished, click the “Record Your Story” link to find out how you, too, can see to it that the stories of your family and friends get heard.

How Classroom Political Discussions — Controversies, Too — Prepare Students for Needed Civic Participation

Source: KQED

This book excerpt explains why classes shouldn’t avoid discussing politics and provides tips for doing it well.

Navigating the Election Process for Students and First Time Voters

Source: Accredited Schools Online

Voting for the first time is a rite of passage that will make your voice heard at the highest levels. Find out the facts now, so you’ll be ready when the time comes.

Zoom camera option impacts classroom experience

Source: The Miami Student

Students learning remotely have plenty of good reasons to keep their cameras off. Instructors have plenty of good reasons for wanting them on. How much should you share?

How Inaugural Poet Amanda Gorman Overcame a Speech Impediment and Found Her Voice

Source: GBH

The star of the 2021 Presidential inauguration was a 22-year-old poet who had already climbed a steep hill.

What Teens Say They Need, and How Schools Can Adjust

Source: Edutopia

In response to the educational challenges presented by the pandemic, students are arming themselves with data.

Write your story, change history

Source: TED Ed

People don’t need to be old to make history. In this talk, Brad Meltzer encourages young people to change the world by following three simple principles.

Meet the teen whose discovery could lead to a Covid-19 cure

Source: The Quad Cities Dispatch-Argus

As school doors were closing in the spring of 2020, one Texas 8th grader was using her knowledge and curiosity to tackle the pandemic.

Fighting Stigma with Ice Cream at Sikia Café

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Café owners in Uganda encourage their customers to learn sign language to interact with their staff. Choose the Quick Read text option to get the basic story or the Deep Read text option for more details.

High school students are demanding schools teach more Black history, include more Black authors

Source: The Washington Post

Students across the country are making their voices heard: they want more diversity and thoughtful planning around anti-racism in their schools.

With a gay protagonist, Pixar short ‘Out’ makes history

Source: AP News

Animator Steven Hunter is proud to be a part of Pixar’s first film containing an LGBTQ protagonist.

Ai Weiwei Alcatraz tour: Legos, protest songs and prison cells

Source: The Los Angeles Times

Although detained in China for being critical of the Chinese government, Ai Weiwei still manages to create art supporting human rights and free speech. Read this photo essay about a visit to Alcatraz, a former military prison, and view Weiwei’s art made of Legos that speaks up for people from around the world who were imprisoned or exiled from their countries.

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