California has made an important decision regarding marriage. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law that stops children from marrying. Starting in January, everyone must be at least 18 years old to get married in California. This law aims to protect young people from marrying too soon.
Courtney Stodden is someone who supported this law strongly. She got married when she was just 16 and believes in protecting kids from similar mistakes. She experienced being forced into marriage and wishes for others to have the freedom to choose. Many think this new law offers hope to young people.
There are still 32 states in the US that allow child marriage. People believe changing the laws in these states is important too. In the past, children needed their parents' permission to marry in the US. Now, California is following other states in stopping this practice.
Original news source: California bans child marriage, a practice still legal in 32 US states – BBC News (BBC)
🎧 Listen:
📖 Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
1. Talk to a partner about what you know about marriage.
2. Share what age you think people should get married and why.
3. Discuss what laws you know about that protect children.
4. Talk about someone famous who has made a positive change.
5. Share a time you made an important decision.
🤔 Comprehension Questions:
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the new marriage law.
The new minimum age to marry in California is 18 years old.
The law was changed to protect young people from marrying too soon.
Courtney Stodden is a person who supported the new marriage law and got married at
There are 32 states that still allow child marriage.
In the past, children needed their parents' permission to marry.
The law aims to stop children from marrying too early.
🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
California has made an decision regarding marriage. Gavin signed a law that stops children from marrying. Starting in January, everyone must be at least 18 years old to get married in California. This law to protect young people from too soon. Courtney Stodden is someone who supported this law strongly. She got married when she was just 16 and believes in protecting from similar mistakes. She experienced being forced into marriage and for to have the freedom to choose. Many think this new law offers hope to people. There are still 32 states in the US that allow child marriage. People believe the laws in these states is important too. In the past, children needed their parents' to marry in the US. Now, California is other states in stopping this practice.
💬 Discussion Questions:
1. Do you think 18 is a good age to get married? Why or why not?
2. Have you ever heard of child marriage before?
3. What are some reasons children should not get married?
4. How do laws protect children in your community?
5. Can you think of other laws that should be changed to protect young people?
6. What does freedom mean to you?
7. Why do you think some states still allow child marriage?
8. How do you think marriage laws affect society?
9. Do you know anyone who got married young?
10. What is the role of a governor?
11. How do you feel about the changes in California's marriage law?
12. What other changes would you like to see in your community?
Individual Activities
📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
