Listenwise News Bites

This week we cover the results of the 2020 Presidential election with Joe Biden winning the necessary electoral votes. And what kinds of signals to do you send to others about your friendships? For student reflection: How might laughter help humans and other animals survive?

This week we look at the legality of the rise of private militias and hear the inspiring story of the first all-Black high school rowing team. For student reflection: How do you think doing a sport helps you win in life?

This week we look at how a COVID-19 superspreading event seems to have created a cluster of COVID cases at the White House, including President Trump and the First Lady. Also board games are surging in popularity as people have more time at home. For student reflection: What can you do to stay healthy and keep those around you safe?

This week showcases the wildfires that are ravaging the Northwest. We look at how difficult it is to fight fires during a pandemic. And we hear about the importance of using punctuation in text messages. For student reflection: How do you think communities can help people affected by the wildfires?

This week we look back on the 57th anniversary of the Civil Rights March on Washington at a time when marches for racial justice are demanding change. We learn about zoos reopening from the pandemic and 11-year-old Gui Khury who became the first skateboarder to land a 1080-degree spin during quarentine. For student reflection: Do you think public marches are effective tools for advancing social change?

This week we hear how one state has successfully conducted mail in voting. And a National Football League team changes it name because it's a racial slur. For student reflection: How can sports team names, mascots, images, and fan gestures cause harm?

This week we learn how the pandemic is growing in the U.S. and we hear about the importance of the voting rights act. For student reflection: Why is it important that all citizens have an equal opportunity to vote?

This week we remember civil rights icon Congressman John Lewis. And we learn how some people can spread the corona-virus without even knowing they have it. For student reflection: What can you do to protect yourself and others from silent spreaders?

This week we hear about how masks can protect you and others in this pandemic. Also, we revisit the Emancipation Memorial in Washington, DC. As Confederate statues and other symbols of racism are being dismantled around the country, some people are calling for this statue’s removal, too. For student reflection: Do you think learning that masks protect the wearer will encourage more people to wear them?

This week we hear about how schools leaders are thinking about how to safely reopen school in the fall. And what does the earth look like from space? For student reflection: What ideas do you have for keeping schools safe during a pandemic?

This week's news showcases Mississippi's flag, the last state flag with the Confederate emblem, which is now being removed. And some NBA teams are stepping up to help with voting during the pandemic. For student reflection: What can be done to make voting accessible, especially during a pandemic?

This week we learn how the Supreme Court ruled in favor of protecting LGBDQ employees. And we hear how people are demonstrating against racism in their cars to stay safe. For student reflection: Have you ever felt that you could not be yourself in certain situations?

This week we look at how sheltering in place requirements have worked to prevents thousands of coronavirus deaths. And we look at the NFL's response to protests about racial inequality. For student reflection: How are you thinking about protecting yourself from the virus in the future?

This week's news is about reimagining public safety following weeks of protest over police brutality against black people. Also, it’s summer which means baseball! For student reflection: What do you think are the most important jobs of a police officer?

This week news is about how systemic racism is driving thousands of people across the country to protest for change. Also, the lock down during the pandemic has meant fewer cars on the road, which means it's safer for bikes, especially women on bikes in Pakistan. For student reflection: What do you think can be done to create positive change where you live? For more current events go to: listenwise.com

This weeks news focuses on protests happening in cities around the country following the death of George Floyd, a black man in police custody. And we hear from a grocery store cashier who is on the front lines of the pandemic. For student reflection: What can you do to protect essential workers? For more current events go to Listenwise.com

This week's episode looks at how school leaders are looking for alternatives to traditional, in-person high school graduations. And dogs and their incredible sense of smell are being trained to detect COVID-19. For student reflection: What other ways do you think dogs might be trained to help humans? For more current events go to Listenwise.com

This week's episode looks at why farmers are throwing away food during the pandemic. And we hear how students in one community are helping their elderly neighbors. Also in Florida, cold weather means falling iguanas. For student reflection: What can you do to help people during the coronavirus pandemic? Listen to more current events at: listenwise.com

In this week's news we'll explore how contact tracing works. And a new toilet paper company in Maine stepped up production just as the coronavirus crisis hit. And do you miss your school building? One student did so he recreated it on Minecraft. For student reflection: What other skills, other than being a good listener, do you think are important to being a contact tracer? For more stories from the news selected for young listeners go to www.listenwise.com

In this week's news we'll explore what going to school might look like in the fall. And will you be shaking hands once social distancing ends? A look at the history of the handshake and why it may become "history". Also, a lonely dog radio show. For student reflection: When school starts again in the fall what are some ways you think schools can keep students safe? For more stories from the news selected for young listeners go to www.listenwise.com  

This week in the news we look at how shortages of protective gear for health care workers is putting them in danger. And we visit some animals at the zoo, who are lonely without visitors. And you will learn what alligators can teach us about social distancing. For student reflection: reflect on what zoo animal you'd want to take care of and why.   For more stories from the news selected for young listeners go to www.listenwise.com  

Are you a teacher with students who have limited access to wifi or laptops? Are you running out of ideas to keep your kids engaged in high quality, fun learning? The Listenwise News Bites podcast combines NPR news stories selected for young listeners with instructional activities. Listen on wifi, or download for an easy, offline way to engage young learners with fun news, weird news, and some serious news.