1. Expressing Opinions

The opinion pages of the newspaper are the place to look when you are searching for different outlooks on different subjects. One of the ways people express their opinions is through letters to the editor. For example, during the recent election many people wrote in to support candidates, while others wrote letters about why you shouldn’t vote for those same candidates. All communities have hot-button issues on which opinions are exchanged through letters to the editor. Search your newspaper for several letters to the editor expressing differing views on one topic. Write an analysis of which letters were most convincing to you, and why.

Common Core/National Standard: Analyzing how a text makes connections among and distinctions between individuals, ideas or events (e.g., through comparisons, analogies or categories).

2. Newscast

Newscasters on TV have a talent for taking news and analysis and breaking it down into the basic facts. This way people in a hurry can get information quickly. In teams, see if you can condense the top news from today’s newspaper into a 45-second "newscast." As a class, discuss the pros and cons of getting information this way. What were the differences between teams in the selection and treatment of stories?

Common Core/National Standards: Engaging in a wide range of discussion topics; writing fluently for multiple purposes to produce compositions, such as personal narratives, persuasive essays, lab reports and poetry.

3. A Christmas Argument

Is a Christmas Nativity scene in a public park offensive? One atheist in California thought so and took the issue to court. Last week, a federal judge ruled with atheist Damon Vix and said that a church may not put up a large Nativity scene in a Santa Monica public park because it violates the U.S. Constitution’s separation of church and state. Last year, Vix had put up a large banner next to the scene with images of Santa Claus, Jesus, King Triton and the devil with the question, “What myths do you see?” Some people in Santa Monica have expressed disappointment that a 60-year tradition won’t happen any more. Search your newspaper and the Internet for stories about arguments between religious organizations and non-believing atheists over Christmas Nativity scenes. As a class, debate whether or not Nativity scenes should be allowed in public spaces or should be confined to church properties.

Common Core/National Standard: Responding thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarizing points of agreement and disagreement.

4. The New Breed of Reporters

For decades, sports reporting was the bastion of men. They knew the games. They could go in the locker rooms. They could write with a veritable potpourri of sports lingo. Now that all-male club has become co-ed with female reporters on the sidelines, in locker rooms and in the commentary chairs. They know the lingo and the games and take their jobs seriously. Many male athletes didn’t get the memo that these are professional journalists, however. Recently, Baltimore Ravens receiver Jacoby Jones ended an interview with a female reporter by winking at her and saying, “Thank you, gorgeous.” Cam Newton, the quarterback for the Carolina Panthers, called a female reporter “sweetheart” during a press conference. As a class, discuss the challenges female reporters face covering male sports. Talk about what things teams or leagues could do to ensure that women in sports journalism are taken seriously. Write a short editorial expressing your view.

Common Core/National Standard: Responding thoughtfully to diverse perspectives, summarizing points of agreement and disagreement; producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.

5. Free Speech or Threatening Speech

Protests against animal testing for medical trials have taken many forms – picketing, fliers, petitions and demonstrations. Camille Marino crossed the line, however, when she wrote threatening blogs about Wayne State University professor Donal O’Leary. Marino was arrested in Michigan after violating a restraining order that had directed her not to publish O’Leary’s home telephone number and address. In one blog, Marino wrote, “I hope you die a painful death comparable to those you forced your victims to endure.” She also threatened to strap him down and cut off his limbs with rusty saws and rip his teeth out. Marino claims her writings are protected under the freedom of speech rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Search your newspaper and the Internet for examples of writers expressing strong opinions. Write an opinion essay on whether all speech should be protected or if there are times when restrictions are acceptable.

Common Core/National Standard: Producing clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the task, purpose and audience.