1. Objective: Examine articles about American teens and stress to determine the effectiveness of the author’s structure and rhetoric.
RI.11.5, RI.11.6

2. Analyze the lyrics to “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots
Students: Can you relate to any of the lyrics in the song? Why?
If you can’t relate, are you worried or have any concerns about the lyrics?
Note: If teacher has the song or video, that may help enhance the activity.

3. Answer the following question:
What stresses you out? Why?
What do you think causes stress to current American teenagers?
Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.

4. Teens and Stress Articles
Read the following articles and complete Resource 1
Teens and Stress Articles
"American Teens Are Stressed and Bored. It’s Time to Talk About Feelings"
"Stress Management and Teens“
"Teens and Stress"

5. Complete Resource 1
Complete the graphic organizer for all three articles
It’s up to the teacher to determine how they want to divide the articles during class. Some may want to use a jigsaw, some may want students to read all three.

6. Hold a class discussion: Go over Graphic Organizer
What did we learn about teens and stress?
Due to the sensitive topic, did the authors set up their articles in a respectful manner for the readers?
Teachers can also go over the graphic organizer during this time

7. Assessment:
Complete the assessment resource sheet.