1. Bias

Last week the head of the television news network CNN, said that CNN is the only network delivering non-biased news. CNN leader Jon Klein said that when it comes to offering trustworthy news not influenced by opinion, CNN is "alone in a category of one." What news sources do you think are reliable? Look at the newspaper and online news sources. Do they all report the same news in the same way? Do any of them seem biased? Write a newspaper editorial discussing where you think people should turn to for credible news and information.

Learning Standard: Focusing on meaning and communication while listening, speaking, viewing, reading and writing in personal, social, occupational and civic contexts.

2. Going Into the Trenches

This week is National Volunteer Week. Check out the newspaper over several days for volunteer opportunities in your area. When you find one that interests you, write a short proposal about it, suggesting that your class go volunteer. After proposals are read, vote on a volunteer opportunity--and as a class, go lend a hand.

Learning Standard: Gathering and synthesizing information from books and other sources of information; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

3. Tweet

Twitter announced last week that it is introducing advertising to the site. Companies will now be able to pay to have their messages - called "tweets" -- show up first in searches. Twitter is the Web site where you can post 140-character messages about where you are, what you're doing, what you're thinking or anything else. In groups, pick five news articles and turn each one into a 140-character tweet (count spaces between words as characters). Try to include the most important facts and information while staying within the character limit. Share your tweets with the class.

Learning Standard: Employing the most effective strategies to construct meaning while reading, listening to, viewing, or creating texts.

4. To Be or Not To Be

William Shakespeare was born on April 23, 1564. His plays, such as "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet," proved so enduring that they are still read and taught today and have even been made into modern movies. Shakespeare didn't come up with all the ideas for his plays on his own. Many of his famous works were based on real events. In teams or pairs, pick an article in the newspaper and write a short play based on the people, events or location in the article. Or just write the opening scene.

Learning Standard: Evaluating the power of using multiple voices in oral and written communication to persuade, inform, entertain and inspire audiences.

5. Designer

A high school junior in Garner, Iowa, will be wearing a one-of-a-kind dress to her prom. Elizabeth Rasmuson made a dress out of gum wrappers, and even fashioned a matching vest for her date to wear. Rasmuson said that she's been collecting gum wrappers since last summer for the project. Using the newspaper for ideas, come up with a creative product or item. Draw a sketch or diagram of it. Show it to the class and explain what it is and what in the newspaper inspired you to create it.

Learning Standard: Reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.