K-12 US · 6–8
Health Headlines Literacy for Grades 6–8
This guide helps US middle school classrooms teach health headlines literacy with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Analyze viral health claims with caution about preliminary studies. Introduce algorithmic feeds, social proof, and bias framing. Ask students to document evidence before sharing claims. Use it to plan a single lesson or a short unit arc in 6–8 — then explore how Split a Cookie (SaC) modules reduce prep time for teachers and substitutes.
Last reviewed 2026-07-05
Learning objectives
- In Grades 6–8, students define core concepts of health headlines literacy with classroom examples — aligned with health headlines literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
- In Grades 6–8, students apply health headlines literacy skills to age-appropriate texts and media — aligned with health headlines literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
- In Grades 6–8, students reflect on how health headlines literacy supports responsible citizenship — aligned with health headlines literacy instruction in middle school classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Open with a 5-minute "Health Headlines Literacy" warm-up using a short age-appropriate clip or headline, then chart student questions on the board.
- Run a paired source comparison: give middle school classrooms two short texts on the same event and ask which is more trustworthy and why.
- Close with a written exit ticket: one verified fact, one open question, and one habit students will use this week.
SaC curriculum fit
SaC's digital literacy track includes modules that reinforce health headlines literacy through Split-Level handouts and facilitator-ready Navigator's Guides.
Standards alignment note
Districts across the United States align Grades 6–8 media literacy instruction to state ELA, social studies, and library standards. SaC resources support local adoption — they do not replace state-specific scope and sequence requirements. Review your state framework when mapping 6–8 outcomes.
Related resources
Other grade bands — Health Headlines Literacy