Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
12/16/2019
Trump’s tweet attack on teen brings criticism and response
First lady Melania Trump responded to accusations of anti-bullying hypocrisy over President Trump’s tweet attack on Greta Thunberg, 16, by saying she and her husband “communicate differently." Trump had tweeted it was "so ridiculous" that the climate activist was named Time’s Person of the Year and that she needed “anger management.” The first lady said in a statement the Swedish teen “who travels the globe giving speeches” isn't the same as her son Barron Trump, 13, who “deserves privacy.”
■Class discussion: Do you think it was hypocritical for Melania Trump to attack the mention of her teenage son in impeachment testimony but remain silent for days about her husband tweeting about another teen’s anger? Should different rules apply for commenting about Greta Thunberg and Baron Trump? Why or why not? Why do you think the president tweeted about the Swedish teen being named person of the year? What other teens have been publicly criticized or ridiculed for their activism? Is it fair?