The Scholastic News 5/6 program continues to inspire students in grades five and six through timely, age-appropriate journalism that connects classroom lessons with real-world events. As of November 2025, Scholastic News remains one of the most widely used student news resources in the United States, with educators integrating it into literacy and social studies curricula nationwide.
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What Scholastic News 5/6 Offers in 2025
Scholastic News 5/6 provides print and digital editions filled with weekly issues that teach students how to read critically, understand current events, and engage with nonfiction texts. The publication is designed for students aged 10–12, bridging the transition from elementary to middle school reading levels.
Each issue includes:
- Age-appropriate news articles covering science, civics, history, and global events.
- Interactive quizzes and vocabulary tools.
- Videos, podcasts, and leveled reading versions for differentiated learning.
- Teacher guides aligned with Common Core and state standards.
The current school-year theme for 2025–2026 emphasizes “Building Informed Thinkers”, reflecting Scholastic’s mission to help students evaluate information and recognize reliable news sources in the digital era.
Current Topics Featured in Fall 2025 Issues
Scholastic News 5/6’s recent issues highlight stories tied to current events shaping the world as students experience it. For November 2025, teachers and classrooms using the publication have been exploring articles on:
- NASA’s Artemis Moon Mission Update: A special report tracks the progress of the Artemis program as astronauts prepare for the next lunar test phase in 2026.
- Election Awareness and Civic Learning: With the 2026 midterm elections approaching, issues are focusing on how voting shapes democracy and how young people can participate through community engagement.
- Climate and Conservation Stories: Recent articles feature youth-led environmental projects, including ocean cleanup efforts and sustainable farming innovations.
- STEM in Everyday Life: A spotlight on how technology—from AI to renewable energy—is changing industries that today’s students will lead tomorrow.
Each story is written in clear, engaging language that helps fifth- and sixth-grade readers connect complex subjects to their own world.
How Teachers Use Scholastic News 5/6 in Classrooms
Across the country, educators rely on Scholastic News 5/6 to strengthen reading comprehension, nonfiction analysis, and vocabulary development. Teachers often integrate the magazine into literacy blocks or social studies lessons.
Popular classroom uses include:
- Close reading exercises that encourage annotation and discussion.
- Debate and writing prompts drawn from feature articles.
- Digital quizzes that test comprehension in real time.
- Collaborative projects that link articles to science or history units.
The digital platform’s accessibility tools—including text-to-speech, translation, and adjustable reading levels—make Scholastic News 5/6 a flexible resource for diverse classrooms.
Digital Expansion and Interactive Learning Tools
The 2025 edition of Scholastic News 5/6 continues to evolve with digital enhancements that make learning more interactive. Subscribers now have access to:
- Immersive issue archives—students can explore past articles categorized by topic and standard.
- AI-powered reading support—offering guided hints for difficult vocabulary and comprehension questions.
- Interactive timelines and infographics—ideal for visual learners.
- Google Classroom integration—allowing teachers to assign articles directly within their classroom platforms.
These updates reflect Scholastic’s ongoing investment in digital literacy and accessible learning resources. Teachers report higher engagement among students when lessons combine print and online activities.
A Trusted Source for Student Journalism
Since its introduction decades ago, Scholastic News has remained a trusted classroom publication. The Scholastic News 5/6 edition continues that legacy by presenting factual reporting written at an appropriate reading level, reviewed by educational editors and child development specialists.
The magazine’s editorial standards ensure:
- Verified, age-appropriate information.
- Balanced coverage that encourages discussion.
- Visuals and infographics designed for comprehension, not sensationalism.
This focus on responsible journalism helps young readers build early media literacy skills—a crucial foundation for understanding news and social media responsibly in later years.
Connecting Students to Global Awareness
In 2025, Scholastic News 5/6 has also emphasized global perspectives. Students are introduced to stories about cultural celebrations, international cooperation, and global problem-solving.
Some recent global features include:
- How young inventors worldwide are developing clean-water solutions.
- A look at children’s rights campaigns supported by the United Nations.
- The impact of digital technology on classroom learning around the globe.
By presenting global issues through a student-centered lens, Scholastic encourages empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility.
Teacher Feedback and Classroom Impact
Educators across the U.S. continue to praise Scholastic News 5/6 for blending literacy and real-world awareness. Teachers note measurable growth in reading comprehension and class discussion skills when students regularly engage with nonfiction news texts.
A 2024–2025 feedback survey conducted by Scholastic showed:
- 91% of teachers said Scholastic News 5/6 helped improve critical-thinking skills.
- 88% reported increased student engagement during nonfiction lessons.
- 93% said students showed stronger interest in current events.
In many classrooms, students look forward to “Scholastic News Day” each week—a sign of the publication’s growing role in modern education.
Parent and Student Reactions
Parents often appreciate how Scholastic News 5/6 bridges school and home learning. The magazine’s topics spark dinner-table conversations about civics, science, and cultural understanding. Students, meanwhile, enjoy seeing their world reflected in stories written “for kids, not about kids.”
Fifth- and sixth-graders often cite articles on space, technology, and inspiring youth changemakers as their favorites. Teachers have observed that these stories motivate students to write their own news-style essays and even start classroom newspapers.
Subscription and Access Information for 2025–2026
For the 2025–2026 school year, Scholastic News 5/6 subscriptions include:
- Printed issues mailed throughout the school year (up to 20 per classroom).
- Digital access to current and archived editions.
- Lesson plans, skill sheets, and quizzes included for each issue.
- Student view access for home reading and assignments.
Subscriptions are available to schools, districts, and individual teachers across the U.S. Scholastic also offers grants and discount programs to help underfunded schools access its classroom magazines.
The Educational Value of Scholastic News 5/6
By connecting current events with academic standards, Scholastic News 5/6 strengthens key learning outcomes:
- Critical reading and comprehension
- Civic and global awareness
- Evidence-based writing
- Discussion and debate skills
These outcomes align with Common Core State Standards and state frameworks for English Language Arts and Social Studies. More importantly, they empower students to see themselves as active, informed citizens.
The Future of Scholastic News 5/6
Looking ahead, Scholastic plans to expand digital storytelling, incorporating student voices into upcoming issues. The publisher has already introduced short video segments where students interview community leaders and share their opinions on local news topics.
This evolution reflects the organization’s mission to keep journalism education relevant in an era dominated by social media and online information.
Informed students create stronger communities. Share your thoughts on how Scholastic News 5/6 has shaped learning in your classroom or home below!