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1. "Old" News
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8
Subjects:
Language Arts, Social Studies
Even "old news" was once current. Students can learn about newspaper layout and terminology while creating their own newspaper that focuses on the news of a particular period in history. Begin by exploring today's newspapers to identify the kinds of articles, sections, or features that they share (e.g., the editorial page, advertisements, classified ads, etc.).
Select a time period in history to report on. What would be included in the news from the Oregon Trail? The Gold Rush? The Lewis and Clark expedition? The American Revolution? Ancient Greece? Assign reporters to contribute different types of content to the newspaper.
Students will need to pay particular attention to the front page, because readers see it first. Examine several current newspapers to learn about layout. What things do the front pages of newspapers have in common? Research the terminology used by newspaper reporters and editors. Have students find out what the following terms refer to and identify them on a newspaper:
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Ears
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Lead Story
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Play Picture
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Flag
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Byline
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Caption
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Folio Line
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Off-lead
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Dateline
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Students should produce a realistic newspaper covering the time period or event in history you've chosen.
Resources
New York Times: Guide to the Front Page (PDF)
http://www.nytco.com/pdf-factbook/front_page.pdfDetroit Free Press: Journalistic Jargon
http://www.freep.com/jobspage/high/jargon.htmThe News: The Process Behind the Presentation, Glossary of Terms
http://library.thinkquest.org/18764/print/glossary.htmlSmall Town Press: Journalism Terms
http://www.smalltownpress.net/articles/terms.htmGranfield, Linda. Extra! Extra!: The Who, What, Where, When and Why of Newspapers. New York: Orchard Books, 1993.
2. Comparing News Media
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8,
9-12
Subjects: Language Arts, Social Studies
News stories may be presented differently by different news sources. Record a 30-minute television news program covering national and/or international stories. Make a note of what stories are covered and the time devoted to each. Record a radio news broadcast, and examine a newspaper. Look for stories covering the same topics covered on television.
Compare the coverage of the same story in each of these three news sources. List and compare some of the characteristics you notice for each source.
Our newest source of news is the Internet. Visit an Internet news site and look for one of the same stories there. Be sure to look on web sites produced by the same companies who produced the television, radio and newspapers you analyzed.
Compare these Internet news sites with television, radio, and newspaper reports. How is news on the internet similar to these other sources? How is it different? Which news media do you think does the best job of explaining issues? Why?
Select a current news story in your school or community. Using the characteristics you identified for each news source, work in groups to prepare a newspaper article, radio news script, and television broadcast reporting the story.
Do you have a favorite news source? Why do you prefer it to other types of news media? Has what you've learned in this activity made you change your mind about where to get your news information?
National Public Radio
npr.orgCNN Headline News
www.cnn.com/HLN/USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/The New York Times
http://http://www.nytimes.comNewslink
newslink.org
Don't miss these programs airing in June! Check your local listings for the most accurate air date and time.
Frontline
Air Date: Thursdays, continuing series, 9:00 p.m.
ET
Web Site: pbs.org/frontline/
This series presents timely, compelling and engaging investigative documentaries that explore the stories and issues of the times.
The Newshour With Jim Lehrer
Monday-Friday, continuing
series, 6:00 p.m. ET
pbs.org/newshour/
pbs.org/newshour/extra/
Now in its 27th year, THE NEWSHOUR continues to provide in-depth analysis of current events with a news summary, live studio interviews, discussions and both foreign and domestic on-site reports. Jim Lehrer hosts.
Now With Bill Moyers
Fridays, continuing series, 9:00 p.m.
ET
pbs.org/now/
Bill Moyers returns to public television in a weekly news program that includes documentary reporting, in-depth one-on-one interviews and articulate commentary offering viewers relevant and diverse perspectives on the events, issues and ideas that are shaping their world. The series will also draw on the editorial resources and journalistic strength of NPR News to tap public radio's brightest talents every week.
Wall $treet Week
Fridays, continuing series, 8:30 p.m. ET
pbs.org/wsw/
WALL $TREET WEEK looks at what's ahead for the financial markets, offering a timely mix of news and in-depth analysis on the changing financial and economic scene. The program features revealing interviews with business, investment and government leaders, who provide insights and informed views on key factors affecting the marketplace.
Washington Week
Fridays, continuing series, 8:00 p.m.
ET
pbs.org/washingtonweek/
WASHINGTON WEEK, PBS's longest-running public affairs series, features Washington's top journalists analyzing the week's top news stories and their effect on the lives of all Americans.
