How do you talk about current events with students?

I put together a lesson on Venezuela recently and tried to tie it to where I am in the AP curriculum, which is Unit 5.  We are touching upon revolutions, nationalism and imperialism. I just put the materials I curated in front of the students, let them explore for a bit, and then opened up for responses and questions.   

I know students want to know and understand. I've had groups of former students come to ask me about Venezuela since they said their US History teachers haven't touched it. That's really a lost opportunity.  If we aren't helping the students frame what's happening, then social media will. 

www.pbs.org/.../educator-voice-teachers-if-we-dont-teach-maduros-capture-in-venezuela-tiktok-will-heres-my-plan

I put together a lesson on Venezuela recently and tried to tie it to where I am in the AP curriculum, which is Unit 5.  We are touching upon revolutions, nationalism and imperialism. I just put the materials I curated in front of the students, let them explore for a bit, and then opened up for responses and questions.   

I know students want to know and understand. I've had groups of former students come to ask me about Venezuela since they said their US History teachers haven't touched it. That's really a lost opportunity.  If we aren't helping the students frame what's happening, then social media will. 

www.pbs.org/.../educator-voice-teachers-if-we-dont-teach-maduros-capture-in-venezuela-tiktok-will-heres-my-plan

Angela Lee Thanks for sharing your approach and a resource. I imagine connecting this very current event to your course content felt super relevant. What were some questions and insights this sparked for your students?