This lesson was originally published in 2015 and was updated in 2024.

As a new year begins, look back at unforgettable events from the past year and explore the possibilities the next year could bring. Instructions are provided on how to use this lesson for every new year.

Choose from one of the following short activities:

1. A short history about New Year's
2. Key scientific developments from the past year
3. Word-of-the-year
4. Popular movies from the past year
5. Letter to Self activity

Looking back

**The History of New Year's | History Channel

Did you know that historical records show the celebration of New Year's dates back to 2500 B.C. and before written records long before that? One other point to keep in mind is that not everyone celebrates New Year's Eve on the last day of December. Watch this History Channel short to learn more about how the holiday is celebrated all over the world.

If you'd like to learn specifically about New Year's celebrations in the U.S., read News Hour's Having a ball: The history behind American New Year’s Eve celebrations.

** Science Highlights | PBS News Hour

Take a look at some of the most notable research-related events and discoveries of 2024 via Knowable Magazine.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/the-biggest-science-stories-that-lit-up-our-world-in-2024

**Word-of-the-year | PBS News Hour

Why do you think Merriam-Webster comes up with a "word of the year" every year? What is the word of the year when you came across this lesson? Simply type in "Merriam-Webster's word of the year." Do you agree? Why or why not? If not, what word would you have picked? What would be part of your decision-making? (shout-out to Kate McNamara, teacher-librarian, for suggesting this last question!)

Link to News Hour story:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/merriam-websters-2024-word-of-the-year-polarization

**Year in Search | Google

Each year Google puts together a Year in Search video to celebrate the year's tragedies and triumphs by recording what people searched most frequently on Google. Just Google "Year in Search" and that year's video will come up. Filled with powerful images and footage (be sure to preview it before showing to students), these montages will likely take you on an emotional journey through the ups and downs of the year.

**Movies | PBS News Hour

The holidays are a great time to catch up on the year’s best films, whether streaming at home or heading to the theater. For this year's movies, search for "movies" and "PBS News Hour" — along with whatever year it is — since we do this story annually!

Link to video with transcript:

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/must-see-hollywood-hits-in-2024-and-a-few-lesser-known-gems

Moving forward

Giving back: Stories of individuals creating positive change in their communities | Student Reporting Labs

Giving back to your community is on most people’s to-do list but takes time and commitment. Choose one of the stories from this playlist via PBS News Hour Student Reporting Labs' videos from the past year about young people who made a difference in their communities.

Letter to Self Activity | PBS News Hour Classroom

In this personal activity, students have the chance to write a letter to themselves that they will open either at the end of the school year or on next New Year’s Eve.

Guidelines:

(You can access the old lesson plan here or just follow the directions below.)

A. Let students know that they now have the chance to write a letter to themselves as a reflection of the way things were and the way things might be in the future in their own lives. Prompt students to choose from the following topics and then write about them in the letter to themselves. Suggested topics:

• What was great about this past year? What was bad?
• Do you think you changed over the last year? How?
• Who are people in your life you feel close to or admire or think about in some way? What did they do to make you feel close to them? What would you like to say to them?
• What are your favorite and least favorite things from this moment in time? Think food, colors, clothes, hobbies, sports, music, classes, etc.
• Do you think you will change over the next year? How and in what ways? Do you have any predictions about the next year?
• If you could give your future self one piece of advice, what would it be?

B. Important: Tell students that they are the only person who will ever read their letter (unless they choose to share it with others). This means that they can write in any language, draw pictures, do a great job or not such a great job – because they are the only ones who will ever know what the letter said.

You can offer to keep the letters in a large manila envelope that you can staple and duct tape close to prove that you won’t open and read them. Or they are free to keep the letter themselves and open them at the end of the school year.

C. Give the students 15 minutes in class to write the letter and provide them with as many sheets of blank paper as they would like. You should also do yourself a favor and write your own letter – you will treasure it just as much as your students will.

D. At the end of the time, collect the letters that have been given to your care, stuff them in the big class envelope and make a big show of closing and duct taping it shut. Place it, ideally, in a filing cabinet that only you have access to (one with a lock is even better).

Conclusion: At the end of the school year dig out the envelope and pass them back to your students. Everyone should open the letters at the same time, but remind students that the letters are private and they should only share them if they want to with their classmates (We don’t recommend them sharing the letters, because that could create pressure on other students to share). Enjoy!

by Katie Gould, Teacher Resource Producer for NewsHour Extra

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