The first days back in the classroom are often filled with icebreakers, introductions and setting expectations. This year, consider adding media literacy activities to the mix. These skills-based videos will equip students with media literacy skills that will serve them well both in and out of the classroom. You can also find them in our Media and News Literacy subject page.

Can You Spot Misinformation?

This 2-minute video encourages students to take a closer look at viral headlines by using a technique called lateral reading. Through the story of Jennifer Connell, who was labeled the “Worst Aunt Ever” in misleading online coverage, students will learn about the consequences of spreading misinformation. Included: Lateral Reading lesson and activity for grades 6-12.

Rebecca Leonard, an elementary teacher in Massachusetts, shared her experience showing this short doc to her class. “The students really enjoyed the conversation that these videos inspired,” she told us. “The participation rate was very high, and they enthusiastically jumped into the next part of the lesson.”

The Misunderstood McDonald’s Hot Coffee Lawsuit

This 10-minute Retro Report short doc examines a lawsuit filed against McDonald’s Restaurants by Stella Liebeck in the early 1990s that is often cited as an example of frivolous litigation. But the full story highlights a news media narrative that left out important facts. 

Justin Emrich, a middle school teacher in Ohio, showed this 10-minute short doc to his classes. Two weeks later, there was a news report about a Starbucks customer who had been burned by tea. “I asked my students their thoughts,” Emrich said. “The first thing said in four out of five classes was, What’s the context?”

How to Fact-Check History

In this 6-minute skills-based video, producer Joseph Hogan explains the methods he has used to verify information in Retro Report’s videos. Hogan shows how news coverage can mislead, and demonstrates how careful research can set the record straight. Included: Two sets of lesson plans with media literacy activities for grades 6-12.

Sam Futrell, a middle school teacher in Virginia, said this video helped guide her students with interesting stories and clear action steps. “Students who have a hard time discussing History were able to engage with this video,” she said. “Students also easily related this to their everyday life of searching for stuff on the internet.”

For more free short docs and classroom-ready resources on media literacy, browse our subject page today. 

ISADORA VAREJÃO is an engagement producer.

GRACE OH, an audience engagement intern at Retro Report, is an undergraduate at the University of Southern California studying communications and public relations.

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