1. ATTENTION ON MUSEUMS

President Trump signed a new rule asking the Smithsonian museums to focus more on showing the good things about American history. He said he wants them to be symbols of “American greatness” and not tell stories that make America look bad. The Smithsonian runs many museums and the National Zoo. Right now, it shows history from many different viewpoints, including ones about civil rights and Native American history. Some people think the president’s rule could stop museums from telling the full story. The Smithsonian is partly run by Congress and doesn’t have to do everything the president says, but he is asking them to make changes. Some people agree with the president, but others are worried it will erase important parts of our history. Write a short paragraph explaining why it’s important for museums to tell the whole story about a country’s history. Think about what might happen if museums only showed the good parts and left out the hard or unfair parts. Then describe how you would create a museum exhibit that tells both the proud moments and the mistakes from the past, so people can learn and grow from them.

2. INTERNATIONAL VOCABULARY

The Oxford English Dictionary added a fun new word called gigil (say it like ghee-gill). It’s a word from the Philippines, where people speak a language called Tagalog. Gigil means that strong feeling you get when you see something super cute—like a tiny baby or a fluffy puppy—and you just want to squeeze or hug it! The dictionary added 42 new words from different countries that don’t have an exact match in English. Some other cool words include yoh from South Africa (for surprise), alamak from Malaysia (for shock or worry), and to act the maggot from Ireland (for being silly). People all over the world borrow words like these when regular English words don’t fit. It helps us learn more about other cultures and how people express their feelings in different ways! Think about a time when you felt a really strong feeling—like being super happy, surprised, or even overwhelmed by cuteness. Imagine there was no English word for that feeling. In a short paragraph, describe your feeling and make up your own new word for it! Explain what your word means and how someone might use it in a sentence. Then, write one sentence using your new word to show how it could become part of the English language.

3. FOOD DYES OUT

West Virginia just made a big decision to help keep people healthy. The state passed a new law that will ban certain colorful dyes and preservatives from being used in foods. These are ingredients often found in snacks like candy, cereal, and chips. Scientists say these dyes and chemicals might make some kids feel too energetic or have trouble focusing, and some may even be bad for your body over time. Starting this August, schools in West Virginia won’t be allowed to serve food with these dyes, and by 2028, all stores will have to follow the new rule too. Other states are thinking about doing the same thing. Companies might start making food without these dyes so everyone across the country can eat healthier snacks. Imagine you’re in charge of designing a brand-new snack for kids that’s colorful and fun—but made without artificial dyes or preservatives. What would your snack look like, what would it be called, and what natural ingredients could give it bright colors (like strawberries for red or carrots for orange)? Draw a picture of your snack and write a few sentences explaining how it’s both tasty and healthy!

4. MODEL OR CLONE?

The clothing store H&M is trying something new with technology. They are making computer versions of real models, called “digital twins,” to help show clothes online and in ads. These digital twins look just like the real people, and the models get to choose when their digital versions are used and still get paid. Some people are worried that using computer-made images might take jobs away from other workers like makeup artists and photographers. A new law in New York will help protect models by making sure they give permission and get paid fairly when their digital images are used. Think about how you would feel if someone made a computer version of you. Write a paragraph explaining whether you think it’s a good idea or not. Would you want to be in two places at once like the model said? Or would you worry that someone might use your image without asking? Use what you learned in the article to help support your opinion.

5. SWEET TREAT OF RAMADAN

After the holy month of Ramadan, Muslim people around the world celebrate a special holiday called Eid al-Fitr. In the United States, one favorite Eid tradition is eating doughnuts! At mosques across the country, families enjoy different kinds of doughnuts after their morning prayers. Some are from Krispy Kreme or Dunkin’, and others are made by local bakeries. There are even special flavors like pistachio-rose or salted caramel chai. Many people say doughnuts are perfect because they’re sweet, easy to share, and remind them of treats from different cultures around the world. For lots of American Muslims, it’s not really Eid without a doughnut! Think about a food that’s special to you or your family during a holiday or celebration. Write a paragraph explaining what the food is, when you eat it, and why it’s important to you. Is it something you eat every year? Does it remind you of your culture, your family, or a happy time? Use details to help your reader understand why this food matters to you.