Penguin Books
An Educator’s Guide to Gayle Forman
Sometimes a novel is the best way to tackle a tough topic. A helpful educator's guide for the novels of Gayle Forman discuss tough topics such as teenage suicide. Discussion questions and writing activities encourage readers to think...
Curated OER
Social Studies: Parent - Teen Relationships
Students discuss the characteristics and responsibilities associated with parent - teen relationships. They compose lists of issues they have with their parents and explain how they feel about them. In groups, students write lists of...
Curated OER
Thinking About the World of Work
Students explore the laws and protections afforded to adolescent workers. They analyze two case studies, create KWL charts, participate in class discussions and write entries in a thinking log to record their reflections.
Curated OER
Child Soldier
Students identify the exploitations of child soldiers. In this global issues instructional activity, students listen to a story that puts them in the shoes a 16 year old child soldier. Students discuss the plight of the teenager and then...
Curated OER
Homeless awareness on a cold night
Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions and posing problems. They use a variety of technological and informational resources to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate...
Curated OER
Getting Well
Scholars share ideas about health topics relevant to teens. They read posts on Well, the Times health blog, and produce their own health blog featuring teen health issues. In addition, they read and discuss the article "Well: A Times...
University of Kentucky
Bullying Awareness Lessons, Activities and Resources
What are the different types of bullying? What are the impacts? What is the role of the bystander in bullying? What can be done to stop bullying? These questions are addressed by the activities included in a workshop designed for middle...
Curated OER
Deadly Desires
A lesson plan on STD's captures learners with shocking statistics. Small groups create informational brochures on specific STD's, which they will present to the class. The links for research are overall excellent, but should be previewed...
Curated OER
Bullying Lesson Plan
Learners will brainstorm and write about their feelings and experiences with bullying. In this preventing bullying lesson, students watch a Power Point presentation and video clips about bullying. Learners engage in...
Childnet International
Crossing the Line: Cyberbullying
Members of the LGBTQ community are more likely to be bullied online than their peers—and bystanders who do nothing can be as problematic as the bullies themselves. Middle schoolers explore ways to protect themselves and others on the...
Utah Education Network (UEN)
Self-Concept: Self-Esteem
Most teenagers struggle with self-image and self-esteem. Guide them through these stormy waters with a series of activities focused on positive messages, true friendship and support, and self-concept.
Curated OER
9-11: Looking Back...Moving Forward
Young scholars watch and discuss a video about teens living in and around New York and how 9-11 changed their lives. They answer discussion questions, read and discuss newspaper/magazine articles, take a self-test on depression, and...
Curated OER
Learning About Islam
Learners discover how Muslim teens are affected by people's misconceptions about Islam. They see a Muslim teen's point of view on Islam and how it is portrayed in Western society and write a letter to Muslim youth group.
Curated OER
Immigration: Stories, Struggles and Debates
Considering including Tatyana Kleyn's Immigration: The Ultimate Teen Guide as part of your course? Check out this curriculum guide designed for use with her book. The activities help learners understand the complexity of the immigration...
Curated OER
The Care and Feeding of Kids: Finding Information on Nutrition and Fitness
The Learning Network is featuring an article about First Lady Michelle Obama and her quest to help reduce childhood obesity in America. The article talks about how she has talked with the top three suppliers of school lunches and has...
Penguin Books
An Educators' Guide to Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys
Books can help teens understand complex global issues. A helpful educator's guide introduces readers to what it's like to be a refugee. Lesson components for the novel Shades of Gray include an anticipation guide and writing and research...
PACER Center
Kids Against Bullying Classroom Activity Book
Have class members take the pledge against bullying! Use the eight-page packet during a bullying unit to reinforce the importance of sticking up for others, thinking about what might hurt others' feelings, and ways to prevent bullying.
Curated OER
Teen Health: Talking with Your Doctor
Students discuss common health care issues they're facing today. For this health science lesson, students explain the benefit of seeking professional help. They write a journal to keep track of their own health issues.
Curated OER
Who Serves Time? Breaking Down Stereotypes About Juvenile Offenders
Students read and discuss article "Doing Time," explore juvenile justice system and juvenile hall, and discuss stereotypes of young offenders.
Nemours KidsHealth
STDs: Grades 9-12
After gathering information about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), high schoolers engage in two activities designed to educate themselves and others. They begin by using what they have learned to write a speech for a friend who...
Curated OER
Targeting Young Speeders
Young scholars research the police ticketing of teens in their city or county. They determine if the police are targeting teens and why. Students explore other ways the community tries to ensure safer teen drivers. They survey teens in...
Curated OER
Destressing: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Students interview peers, teachers, counselors, parents and local health providers to see how they identify "good" stress and suggest teens cope, write news feature about stress, complete with extra boxes, such as list of signs to spots,...
Curated OER
The age of majority: How old is old enough?
Young scholars research on the Web and in books the "age of majority" in general and how it applies in their particular states. Explore, too, "emancipation" and whether this is another way for teens to earn additional rights. Students...
Curated OER
Hair a disruption or personal expression?
When does hair (or clothing) disrupt the school process? This question is the topic of the argumentative paper your class with write. They read and react to an article about a boy who was expelled from school for sporting a Mohawk, then...