What High School Is Really Like

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: Why might one artist’s perspective be different than another’s?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence:. 

• What are some ideas or themes that are shared by more than one student’s artwork? Why do you think these ideas appear so often? (Responses will vary, but students may point out that more than one piece is about using technology, or figuring out your identity, or feeling pressure and uncertainty about the future, or getting support from your peers.)

• What does “Fireflies” say about how social media affects high school life? How does its perspective contrast with that of “Social Media Feed?” (“Fireflies” offers a positive take on how social media keeps teens connected and can be used as a tool in the fight to achieve a common goal. However, “Social Media Feed” complicates that perspective by pointing out that being bombarded by social media can be confusing, isolating, and can cause teens to feel pressure and anxiety.)

• Which student’s statement and artwork interests you the most and why? (Responses will vary, but students should cite details to explain their choices.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Assign, print, or project the activity In the Author’s Eyes. Have students use it to analyze the point of view of the different teens included in the article.

4. Writing Prompt
Write your own personal statement that answers the question “What is high school really like?”

5. Dive Deeper
Select an artist’s piece on the Upfront website and analyze its meaning and purpose.

6. Quiz
Use the quiz to assess comprehension.