About This Lesson
Thinkalong.org is a free, evidence-based interactive tool for students to develop media literacy skills by applying the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy to public media content. Importantly, the tool does not require registration for teachers or students, abides by student privacy laws, and is advised by a board of both youth and educators.
Each module consists of:
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a compelling and timely question;
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related current and age-appropriate public media content including audio, video, and text;
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extension resources for advanced or highly-interested students;
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student graphic organizers;
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a simple debate tool;
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a teacher's guide to the module;
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and a guide to the 5 Key Questions of Media Literacy.
This Teacher's Guide supports the Should essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic receive hazard pay? module on thinkalong.org. Here is the full module and below is a summary.
As COVID-19 lockdowns, quarantines, and “stay-at-home orders” continue, everyone able is encouraged to work or attend school from home. However, certain workers have been designated “essential” to the functioning of our society and continue to show up to work in-person, even in the midst of a global health crisis. In addition to the doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers on the frontline of caring for COVID patients, these essential workers also include grocery store clerks, farm workers, delivery people, and restaurant staff who frequently make low wages and have few benefits. Many of these workers are now demanding hazard pay as they continue to risk contracting COVID-19 while doing their jobs. Should essential workers receive hazard pay?
To use this module with learners in any setting, we recommend using one of the structured discussion formats outlined at thinkalong.org/structuring-discussions. You can find options for a small or large group, so that all students or just a few participate, and examples of some discussion formats.
