Words into Action

Students across the U.S. have shown the power and importance of news articles in the classroom. Moved by the resilience of their peers and a desire to help, kids—supported by their teachers—have developed student-led activism initiatives to raise awareness and funding for the causes they’ve read about in Scholastic Classroom Magazines such as Storyworks® for grades 4–6 and Scholastic Scope® for grades 6–8. This week, we're talking with Lauren Tarshis, editor-in-chief and publisher of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, and Kristin Lewis, editorial director of Scholastic Classroom Magazines, about how they craft the stories that inspire students to become changemakers. We'll also hear from a third grade teacher in Cleveland, OH, about how her Scholastic News readers have made a real difference at their school with anti-bullying and recycling efforts. Additional resources: Sign up for a free trial of Scholastic Classroom Magazines Read the Scope article "Thirst" that inspired students to raise money to build clean-water wells Read the Storyworks article “Two Miles for a Drink of Water,” which shared Natalia's story with younger readers Read the Storyworks article "Deadliest Animal" that inspired students to raise money for mosquito nets Read the Scope article "Can She be Saved" that inspired students to adopt an elephant Guests Lauren Tarshis is the senior vice president and editor-in-chief/publisher of Scholastic Classroom Magazines. She's also the author of the bestselling I Survived series. Kristin Lewis is the editorial director of Scholastic Classroom Magazines and the editor of Scholastic Scope Robin Allen-Palmore is a third grade teacher at Bolton Elementary School in Cleveland, OH.