1. VIDEO GAME OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED

Astro Bot, a platformer game where players explore Sony’s history, won the top prize for Game of the Year at the Game Awards. It also won other awards like Best Action/Adventure, Best Game Direction, and Best Family Game. Astro Bot was up against five other big games, including Balatro and Metaphor: ReFantazio. The Game Awards, which celebrate creativity and technical skill in gaming, also announced exciting new games. Famous guests like Hideo Kojima (creator of Metal Gear Solid) and actors from video game-inspired shows attended. There were even live performances by Snoop Dogg and Twenty One Pilots. Astro Bot’s win shows how video games can mix creativity, history, and fun—and earn top honors for it. If you were going to create a video game for kids your age, what would it be about? Would it be a game for one person or to play with a group? Write at least five sentences describing your game idea.

2. ROBOT DOGS

In New York, some older people are using a robot called ElliQ to help them feel less lonely. ElliQ talks, tells jokes, and even discusses deep topics like life and religion. It’s especially helpful for older adults who might not have many friends or family nearby. Many people who use it say it makes them feel cared for and less isolated. However, some people are worried about the robot collecting too much personal information or that people might rely on it too much instead of talking to real people. Despite these concerns, the robot has helped many people feel happier and more connected. Why do you think a robot dog would be helpful for an elderly person or someone who may not have family or friends around? Write 3 to 5 sentences about why you think this could be helpful for some people.

3. PROTECT THE MONARCHS

Monarch butterflies are being considered for federal protection because their numbers are dropping fast. These butterflies travel thousands of miles each year, but they face dangers like habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. If they are protected, it could help save them from disappearing. The government is asking the public for input on how to help, like planting milkweed and flowers for them to feed on. Scientists are worried about the butterflies’ long migration, which could stop if their numbers keep falling. Protecting them is important, not just for the butterflies, but also for traditions in places like Mexico, where the butterflies are seen as a symbol of visiting ancestors. Write at least 3 sentences that summarize what’s hurting monarch butterflies and how people are trying to help them.

4. SPY PUZZLES

The UK’s spy agency, GCHQ, has a fun Christmas tradition where they send out a holiday card with tricky puzzles. The puzzles are meant for kids aged 11 to 18, encouraging them to use creativity and teamwork to solve them. GCHQ hopes this challenge will inspire young people to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) and consider careers in cybersecurity. The puzzles also help people understand that spy work involves teamwork, not just solo agents like in movies. Since the puzzles started in 2015, they’ve become popular with schools in the UK. Write your own story or draw a comic strip about a team of spies and how they could work together to overcome a challenge or solve a problem.

5. PLAYLIST PROBLEM

New Jersey politician Josh Gottheimer, who’s running for governor, recently shared a list of his top songs for the year, which featured only Bruce Springsteen songs. However, people quickly realized the list was fake because the formatting didn’t match Spotify’s typical “Wrapped” results. Gottheimer admitted to creating the list himself but defended his love for Springsteen, saying his dog’s name is even “Rosalita” after one of Springsteen’s songs. He explained that the list was meant as a fun holiday post and that his actual Spotify Wrapped showed a mix of artists, including Billy Joel and Taylor Swift, alongside Springsteen. Despite the mix-up, Gottheimer’s Springsteen fandom is well known, and he even used his music during his campaign events. Create your own “top 5” list for the year! It can be about anything, from your favorite movies or music, your best memories, your favorite new things you tried—anything you can think of! Share your “top 5” lists with your classmates.