How Did We Get Here? Exploring the History Behind the News
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
In this ongoing, discussion based current events and media literacy class, learners will explore topics of interest from the news and learn the history behind the major headlines of the week as well as how to evaluate news sources. This class is designed for learners who are seeking to dig deeper into the events of the day and work on their critical thinking skills. While learners will be given the opportunity to ask questions and share thoughts during the class, they are also welcome to...
Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex current events of the week through discussion, teacher guidance and resources. Learners will evaluate news sources and discuss the accuracy and viewpoints of various media outlets. We will also explore connections to broader themes such as freedom vs. security, conflict vs. peace, etc.
I have an undergraduate degree in History with minors in Political Science and Middle East Studies. I also hold a Master's of Secondary Social Studies Education. I have had extensive training in teaching difficult topics from organizations such as National Humanities Center and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of the world while remaining age appropriate.
Homework Offered
While there is no assigned homework, it is expected that learners will explore major news stories on their own prior to class each week. Learners can choose how to access the news (podcasts, audio, newspapers, news networks, etc.) and a discussion of sources will take place each week.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered
I put a great deal of thought into teaching history and current affairs in a way that is age appropriate for younger learners while also being true to the realities of what really happened. I have had extensive training in teaching difficult topics from organizations such as National Humanities Center and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources and images for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of the world while remaining age appropriate. These resources include, but are not limited to, materials from PBS Learning Media, the Smithsonian Institution, and Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teachers and students stand up to racism through learning and exploring history. No graphic images or videos will be shown in the class. However, sensitive topics will be addressed in a honest and forthright manner. If you have any concerns about whether this is an appropriate course for your learner, please reach out to me.
A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of news stories while remaining age appropriate. These resources include, but are not limited to, materials from PBS Learning Media, the Smithsonian Institution, and Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teachers and students stand up to racism through learning and exploring history. No graphic images or videos will be shown in the class. However, sensitive topics will be addressed in a honest and forthright manner. If you have any concerns about whether this is an appropriate course for your learner, please reach out to me.
Hi I'm Leigh! I am a licensed Social Studies teacher (North Carolina) with an M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education. I'm also a homeschooling/world schooling parent of two children (ages 8 and 11) and a lifelong learner. I joined Outschool...
Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 15 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
3-9 learners per class