Teach your journalism students to report on diverse cultural traditions with respect, accuracy, and empathy! This comprehensive bundle combines feature writing, photo journalism, and cultural sensitivity training—perfect for November/December or any multicultural unit. Why This Bundle is Different: Most journalism assignments teach writing skills. This one teaches students to be culturally competent journalists who can report on diverse communities with respect and authenticity. The included Cultural Sensitivity Guide is a game-changer that addresses stereotypes, "othering" language, and ethical storytelling practices—skills students will use throughout their journalism careers. What's Included: Holiday Traditions Feature Story Assignment – Students interview someone about their cultural or family holiday traditions and write a 400-500 word feature story. Includes comprehensive interview questions, writing guidance, and "what to avoid" checklist. Cultural Sensitivity Guide – THE VALUE-ADD! Step-by-step guidance on approaching diverse traditions respectfully, with: Before/during interview best practices Language guide table (what to say vs.
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what to avoid) Common pitfalls explained (othering, spokesperson problem, deficit narrative, surface coverage) Self-check questions for final review Real examples of good vs. problematic language Photo Essay Guidelines – Students create 5-8 photo visual stories documenting holiday traditions. Covers storytelling structure, composition tips, ethical photography practices, and AP Style caption writing with examples. Comprehensive Teacher Guide (6 pages) – Everything you need to implement successfully: Full unit timeline (2-3 weeks) broken down day-by-day Condensed version (1 week) with modifications Teaching tips and best practices 7 extension activities Grading suggestions Common challenges with solutions Short Feature Story Rubric – Professional rubric with scored example and student checklist Photo Essay Rubric – Clear criteria for evaluating visual storytelling Perfect Timing: November/December: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Lunar New Year prep Multicultural units: Any time you're teaching diversity and inclusion Feature writing units: Teaches cultural sensitivity alongside journalism skills Back-to-school: Build inclusive classroom community from day one Skills Taught: Feature writing (leads, structure, kickers, sensory details) Interview techniques (questioning, active listening, follow-ups) Photo journalism and visual storytelling AP Style (writing and photo captions) Cultural sensitivity and inclusive language Ethical journalism practices Critical thinking about stereotypes and representation Why Teachers Love This: Addresses a real gap – Most journalism curricula don't teach cultural sensitivity Flexible – Use full unit (2-3 weeks) or condensed version (1 week) Thoroughly documented – Teacher guide anticipates challenges and provides solutions Builds empathy – Students learn to engage respectfully with people different from themselves Real-world relevance – Prepares students for diverse workplaces and communities Fully editable – Customize assignments, due dates, and requirements What Makes This Bundle Special:
The Cultural Sensitivity Guide sets this apart. It doesn't just tell students to "be respectful"—it teaches them HOW through specific examples, language comparisons, and common pitfalls to avoid. Students learn to recognize "othering" language, avoid treating subjects as spokespeople for entire cultures, and tell stories that honor people's lived experiences. These are professional journalism skills that most high school students never learn. Student Outcomes: Students will create portfolio-quality feature stories and photo essays while developing cultural competency that extends far beyond journalism class. Many teachers report this becomes students' favorite assignment of the year because it's meaningful, builds connections, and celebrates diversity. What You Get: 6 comprehensive resources across 3 documents in editable Word format (.docx): Holiday Traditions Feature Assignment Cultural Sensitivity Guide Photo Essay Guidelines Teacher Guide Short Feature Story Rubric Photo Essay Rubric Perfect For: High school journalism classes Yearbook/newspaper staff Creative writing classes teaching feature writing English classes with journalism units Multicultural education units Social studies classes teaching cultural awareness Give your students the tools to tell stories that matter—with respect, accuracy, and empathy. This bundle teaches journalism skills AND cultural competency, preparing students to be ethical storytellers in our diverse world.
Designed for grades 7th – 12th.
Starmaker English and Journalism Tools 
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