CINXE.COM

Find Your Story - StoryMaker

<!DOCTYPE html> <html class="no-js" lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <title> Find Your Story - StoryMaker </title> <meta name="description" content="" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /> <!-- Chrome, Firefox OS and Opera --> <meta name="theme-color" content="#7857ff" /> <!-- Windows Phone --> <meta name="msapplication-navbutton-color" content="#7857ff" /> <!-- iOS Safari --> <meta name="apple-mobile-web-app-status-bar-style" content="#7857ff" /> <!-- Metatag plugin for Wagtail --> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Find Your Story"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story."> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://ded2p6uwhlbzl.cloudfront.net/images/LeesonPlan_7_Find_your_story_Small.original.png"> <meta property="og:url" content="http://stroy-maker.org/library/find-your-story/" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Find Your Story" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story." /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="StoryMaker" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://ded2p6uwhlbzl.cloudfront.net/images/LeesonPlan_7_Find_your_story_Small.original.png" /> <meta property="og:image:width" content="500" /> <meta property="og:image:height" content="325" /> <meta itemprop="url" content="http://stroy-maker.org/library/find-your-story/"/> <meta itemprop="name" content="Find Your Story"> <meta itemprop="description" content="Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story." /> <meta itemprop="image" content="https://ded2p6uwhlbzl.cloudfront.net/images/LeesonPlan_7_Find_your_story_Small.original.png" /> <title>Find Your Story</title> <meta name="description" content="Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story."> <link rel="icon" href="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/logos/site-identity-small-transparent.png" sizes="192x192"/> <link rel="icon" href="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/logos/site-identity-small-transparent.png" sizes="32x32"/> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/styles/app.css" type="text/css" /> <link rel="stylesheet"> <!-- Google Tag Manager --> <script> (function (w, d, s, l, i) { w[l] = w[l] || []; w[l].push({ 'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(), event: 'gtm.js' }); var f = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j = d.createElement(s), dl = l != 'dataLayer' ? '&l=' + l : ''; j.async = true; j.src = 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id=' + i + dl; f.parentNode.insertBefore(j, f); })(window, document, 'script', 'dataLayer', 'GTM-M55CTLJ'); </script> <!-- End Google Tag Manager --> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-FRY1KV7SLQ"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag() { dataLayer.push(arguments); } gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-FRY1KV7SLQ'); </script> </head> <body class=""> <!-- Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-M55CTLJ" height="0" width="0" style="display:none; visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript> <!-- End Google Tag Manager (noscript) --> <nav id="srl-top-nav" class="flex items-center h-20 bg-white srl-top-nav md:h-16 md:shadow print:hidden px-3 md:px-8"> <div class="flex flex-1"> <div class="flex items-center"> <a class="inline-flex md:hidden" href="/"> <img class="max-w-[128px]" src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/logos/logo-name.png" alt="SRL Storymaker Logo"> </a> <a class="hidden md:inline-flex" href="/"> <img src=" https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/logos/storymaker_banner_logo2.png" alt="Storymaker Logo" width="233" /> </a> </div> </div> <div class="grow flex flex-row items-center justify-end"> <div class="flex-row h-full items-center justify-end hidden md:inline-flex"> <a class="text-sm rounded-md py-2 px-6 tracking-wider uppercase" href="/pitch-page/">Pitch Your Story</a> <a class="text-sm rounded-md py-2 px-6 tracking-wider uppercase" href="/faq/">faq</a> <a class="ml-3 text-sm rounded-md py-2 px-6 tracking-wider uppercase" href="/getting-started/">getting started</a> <a class="ml-3 text-sm btn btn--gradient hover:shadow-lg hover:shadow-pink-200/50 transition-all" href="https://give.newshour.org/page/48170/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=srl_storymaker_website&supporter.appealCode=R2400SW0200SRL">DONATE</a> <a class="ml-3 text-sm btn btn--inverse" href="/login">Educator Login</a> </div> </div> </nav> <div id="srl-side-nav" class="h-screen duration-500 ease-in-out srl-side-nav transition-left closed md:pt-20 md:pl-10 md:pb-20 print:hidden"> <div class="relative flex flex-col h-full srl-side-nav_inner md:rounded-lg"> <div class="h-full w-72 md:w-56"> <nav class="px-6 mt-10 "> <ul class="srl-side-nav_menu" role="menu"> </li> <a class="flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200 " href="/library/"> <span> <svg width="19" height="19" viewBox="0 0 19 19" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M1.05556 10.5556H7.38889C7.96944 10.5556 8.44444 10.0806 8.44444 9.5V1.05556C8.44444 0.475 7.96944 0 7.38889 0H1.05556C0.475 0 0 0.475 0 1.05556V9.5C0 10.0806 0.475 10.5556 1.05556 10.5556ZM1.05556 19H7.38889C7.96944 19 8.44444 18.525 8.44444 17.9444V13.7222C8.44444 13.1417 7.96944 12.6667 7.38889 12.6667H1.05556C0.475 12.6667 0 13.1417 0 13.7222V17.9444C0 18.525 0.475 19 1.05556 19ZM11.6111 19H17.9444C18.525 19 19 18.525 19 17.9444V9.5C19 8.91945 18.525 8.44444 17.9444 8.44444H11.6111C11.0306 8.44444 10.5556 8.91945 10.5556 9.5V17.9444C10.5556 18.525 11.0306 19 11.6111 19ZM10.5556 1.05556V5.27778C10.5556 5.85833 11.0306 6.33333 11.6111 6.33333H17.9444C18.525 6.33333 19 5.85833 19 5.27778V1.05556C19 0.475 18.525 0 17.9444 0H11.6111C11.0306 0 10.5556 0.475 10.5556 1.05556Z" /> </svg> </span> <span class="mx-4 text-lg font-normal">Library</span> <span class="grow text-right"></span> </a> </li> <li> <a class="flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200 " href="/stories/"> <span> <svg width="20" height="18" viewBox="0 0 20 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M15.5554 0H4.44434V18H15.5554V0Z" /> <path d="M2.22222 2.3999H0V15.5999H2.22222V2.3999Z" /> <path d="M19.9996 2.3999H17.7773V15.5999H19.9996V2.3999Z" /> </svg> </span> <span class="mx-4 text-lg font-normal">Stories</span> <span class="grow text-right"></span> </a> </li> <li class="pt-5 border-t-2 border-color_srl_light_gray md:hidden flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200 "> <a class="tracking-wider uppercase " href="/faq/">Pitch Your Story</a> </li> <li class="md:hidden flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200 "> <a class="tracking-wider uppercase " href="/faq/">faq</a> </li> <li class="md:hidden flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200"> <a class="tracking-wider uppercase " href="/getting-started/">getting started</a> </li> <li class="md:hidden flex items-center p-2 my-4 transition-colors duration-200"> <a class="items-center justify-center w-full text-sm btn btn--gradient hover:shadow-lg hover:shadow-pink-200/50 transition-all" href="https://give.newshour.org/page/48170/donate/1?ea.tracking.id=srl_storymaker_website&supporter.appealCode=R2400SW0200SRL">DONATE</a> </li> </ul> </nav> </div> </div> </div> <button id="srl-fab-menu" class="flex items-center justify-center p-0 rounded-full srl-fab w-14 h-14 focus:outline-none md:hidden print:hidden"> <svg width="34" height="13" viewBox="0 0 34 13" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M0 1.5H34M0 11.5H19" stroke="white" stroke-width="3" /> </svg> </button> <div class="py-12 pl-10 title-bar md:pl-80 print:!px-5"> <div class="flex items-center mb-2"> <a class="mr-4 print:hidden" href="/library/"><img src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/navigation/back-arrow-icon.png" alt="Back to SRL Storymaker Resource Library"></a> <h3 class="text-sm font-medium uppercase">Lesson | 50 Minutes</h3> </div> <h1 class="text-5xl font-bold">Find Your Story</h1> </div> <div class="px-5 pt-10 pb-10 srl-app-page_container md:pl-72 print:!px-5"> <div class="sticky top-0 left-0 z-10 flex flex-col py-4 md:relative srl-app-page_nav md:flex-row bg-color_page_background print:hidden"> <ul class="flex flex-row flex-wrap items-stretch flex-1 pl-8 font-semibold srl-app-page_nav-links md:flex-auto justify-items-start"> <li class="flex items-center justify-center pt-6 text-color_primary_darker" id="overview-tab"><a href="#overview">OVERVIEW</a> </li> <li class="flex items-center justify-center pt-6 ml-4 text-black md:ml-6" id="activity-tab"> <a href="#activities"> ACTIVITIES </a> </li> </ul> <div class="grow"></div> <div class="flex flex-row flex-1 mt-4 srl-app-page_nav-buttons md:mt-0"> <button id="share-button" class="ml-2"> <svg class="icon-share" width="26" height="28" viewBox="0 0 26 28" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path class="icon-share_circle" d="M4 17C5.65685 17 7 15.6569 7 14C7 12.3431 5.65685 11 4 11C2.34315 11 1 12.3431 1 14C1 15.6569 2.34315 17 4 17Z" stroke="none" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" /> <path class="icon-share_circle" d="M22 7C23.6569 7 25 5.65685 25 4C25 2.34315 23.6569 1 22 1C20.3431 1 19 2.34315 19 4C19 5.65685 20.3431 7 22 7Z" stroke="none" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" /> <path class="icon-share_circle" d="M22 27C23.6569 27 25 25.6569 25 24C25 22.3431 23.6569 21 22 21C20.3431 21 19 22.3431 19 24C19 25.6569 20.3431 27 22 27Z" stroke="none" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" /> <path class="icon-share_line" d="M19 5L7 12.2421M7 15.7579L19 23L7 15.7579Z" stroke="none" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" /> </svg> </button> </div> </div> <hr class="mt-4 srl-app-page_nav-hr print:hidden" /> <div> <section id="overview-tab-content" class="pt-8"> <div class="grid items-start grid-cols-1 gap-0 md:gap-5 md:grid-cols-5"> <div class="order-2 col-span-4 md:order-1"> <div class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Introduction</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cjqbt"></p><img alt="" class="richtext-image right" height="325" src="https://ded2p6uwhlbzl.cloudfront.net/images/LeesonPlan_7_Find_your_story_Small.width-500.png" width="500"><p data-block-key="1s7dg">Students explore new topics and people to develop a compelling news story.</p><p data-block-key="2l5au">This lesson will help students understand <b>how journalists decide what kinds of stories to pursue</b> and help them sharpen the focus of their own story ideas.</p><p data-block-key="9rthg">Go <a href="https://www.story-maker.org/library/find-your-story/#activities" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">HERE</a> to complete the lesson.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Learning Outcomes</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cjqbt">Students will be able to answer this question: What makes something newsworthy?</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">When Would You Use This Lesson?</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cjqbt">Use this lesson at the beginning of your news-gathering journey and before students do <a href="/library/pre-interviewing-lesson/"><b>pre-interviews</b></a> or <a href="/library/pitch-your-story/"><b>write a pitch</b></a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Media Literacy Connection</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cjqbt">Lots of media and news literacy lessons ask students to think about the decisions that reporters make without asking them to step into the journalist’s shoes and experience the decisions that go into every story -- from the idea to the research, the pitch, framing, and production. This lesson will deepen students’ understanding of media, especially visual media, and help them be much more discerning and savvy media consumers.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Civics Connection</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cjqbt">Decisions about money, priorities, and policy are affected by decision-makers’ understanding of an issue. Ideas and opinions often come from the research, information, and media that decision-makers consume and the media that shape the general public’s understanding of complex topics. A stronger understanding of where stories come from gives students power over the messaging and information, and an understanding of the connection between media, community issues, policy-making, and civic life.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mt-8 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Resources</h4> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><ul><li data-block-key="8nsdv"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10TZBOrVaA1kp53axVVDF6PHTmDUaJOkT/edit?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=115722502621931464656&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Finding Your Story Worksheet</a></li><li data-block-key="5ub1r"><a href="https://story-maker.org/pitch-page/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pitch Page</a></li><li data-block-key="6ol6d"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/19INOEnPxB6gtFS5mDfbIdIQn6QH6_z2QAA9xPWXU06I/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">WORKSHEET: Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story</a></li><li data-block-key="brhvb"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fhdl9j10lmnAMk33Mf6NzPhiAfzWDoBzakcosyPdUSc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ANSWER KEY: Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story</a></li><li data-block-key="a7f1c"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eoJ0IdEbQN1HSds-9h16ZG7_llxZusZsZF6FqiHqDuI/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Find Your Story - Google Doc Version</a></li></ul></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mt-8 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <button type="button" data-standard-vocab-type="vocab" class="w-full pr-10 standard-vocab_show-hide-button focus:outline-none"> <div class="flex flex-row items-center pointer-events-none"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Vocabulary</h4> <div class="flex-1"></div> <svg id="standard-vocab-form_arrow--vocab" class="transition-all duration-700 transform print:hidden rotate-180 " width="12" height="8" viewBox="0 0 12 8" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M6 2L6.71523 1.30111L6 0.569157L5.28477 1.30111L6 2ZM11.7152 6.41802L6.71523 1.30111L5.28477 2.69889L10.2848 7.8158L11.7152 6.41802ZM5.28477 1.30111L0.28477 6.41802L1.71523 7.8158L6.71523 2.69889L5.28477 1.30111Z" fill="#122933" /> </svg> </div> </button> <div id="standard-vocab-form_container--vocab" data-standard-vocab-type="vocab" class="overflow-y-hidden transition-all duration-700 max-h-0 print:!max-h-full"> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Journalism">Journalism</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="5x1fl">Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. </p><p data-block-key="4tf9h"><a href="https://www.americanpressinstitute.org/journalism-essentials/what-is-journalism/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source: American Press institute</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Journalism Ethics">Journalism Ethics</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="mtzb9">Ethical journalism strives to ensure the free exchange of information that is accurate, fair and thorough. An ethical journalist acts with integrity. Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.</p><p data-block-key="d3nk7"><a href="https://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source: Society of Professional Journalist Code of Ethics</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Community">Community</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="duelo">A group of people who live in the same area (such as a city, town, or neighborhood). It can also be a group of people who have the same interests, religion, race, etc.</p><p data-block-key="ealtc"><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/community" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source: Merriam Webster</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Timeliness">Timeliness</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="l3rvw">Immediate, current information and events are newsworthy because they have just recently occurred. It’s news because it’s “new.”</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Proximity">Proximity</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="0046a">Local information and events are newsworthy because they affect the people in our community and region. We care more about things that happen “close to home.”</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Solutions">Solutions</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="vbkdd">Investigating and explaining, in a critical and clear-eyed way, how people try to solve widely shared problems. Solutions journalism focuses on responses to problems.</p><p data-block-key="acame"><a href="https://thewholestory.solutionsjournalism.org/solutions-journalism-what-is-it-and-why-should-i-care-e5acd0ab5332" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source: Solutions Journalism </a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Human Interest">Human Interest</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="jd1ba">People are interested in other people. Everyone has something to celebrate and something to complain about. We like unusual stories of people who accomplish amazing feats or handle a life crisis because we can identify with them.</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Relevance">Relevance</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="vvkyk">People are attracted to information that helps them make good decisions. If you like music, you find musician interviews relevant. If you’re looking for a job, the business news is relevant. We need to depend on relevant information that helps us make decisions.</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Story Angle">Story Angle</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="pilst">In news, it’s a story’s point or theme. It&#x27;s the lens through which the producer or writer filters the information they have gathered and focuses it to make it meaningful to viewers or readers. </p><p data-block-key="1186d"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-story-angle-2073756" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Source: ThoughCo.</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-2xl font-semibold break-all"><a href="/glossary/?search=Audience">Audience</a> </h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="0hldc">The people who read, watch and consume news. Often, journalists think about audience and newsworthiness in similar ways. How will the news story serve their local or national audience? Who am I writing the story for and why?</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="flex flex-row mt-8 srl-app-page_activity-section print:hidden"> <div class="srl-app-page_overview-section-left print:hidden"> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <button type="button" data-standard-vocab-type="standard" class="w-full pr-10 standard-vocab_show-hide-button focus:outline-none"> <div class="flex flex-row items-center pointer-events-none"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Standards</h4> <div class="flex-1"></div> <svg id="standard-vocab-form_arrow--standard" class="transition-all duration-700 transform print:hidden rotate-180 " width="12" height="8" viewBox="0 0 12 8" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"> <path d="M6 2L6.71523 1.30111L6 0.569157L5.28477 1.30111L6 2ZM11.7152 6.41802L6.71523 1.30111L5.28477 2.69889L10.2848 7.8158L11.7152 6.41802ZM5.28477 1.30111L0.28477 6.41802L1.71523 7.8158L6.71523 2.69889L5.28477 1.30111Z" fill="#122933" /> </svg> </div> </button> <div id="standard-vocab-form_container--standard" data-standard-vocab-type="standard" class="max-w-full overflow-y-hidden transition-all duration-700 max-h-0 print:max-h-full"> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Writing - Research to Build and Present Knowledge</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="sjwrp"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/W/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.9</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Speaking and Listening - Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="gaqib"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/SL/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Reading - Key Ideas and Details</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="amynu"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1</a>-<a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Reading - Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="y5q54"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.10</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Empowered Learner</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="f1enc">Students leverage technology to take an active role in choosing, achieving, and demonstrating competency in their learning goals, informed by the learning sciences. (<a href="https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ISTE</a>)</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Determining Helpful Sources</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="5ijwb">Determine the kinds of sources that will be helpful in answering compelling and supporting questions, taking into consideration multiple points of view represented in the sources, the types of sources available, and the potential uses of the sources. (NCSS D1.5.9-12) </p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Historical Sources and Evidence</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="41m5r">Historical inquiry is based on materials left from the past that can be studied and analyzed. (NCSS <b>D2.His.9.9-12 - D2.His.13.9-12)</b></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Demonstrate writing processes used in journalism and broadcasting media.</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="cmk6x"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YYR4jh_CB6gKM5oJENHwoWjwvqkGxhhb/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCTC - AR-JB 2.1-AR-JB 2.8</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Demonstrate the use of basic tools and equipment used in audio, video and film production.</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="45dca"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YYR4jh_CB6gKM5oJENHwoWjwvqkGxhhb/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCTC - AR-AV 2.1-AR-AV 2.7</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Reading - Craft and Structure</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="2wyud"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.4-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.6</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Language - Conventions of Standard English</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="s46x0"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/L/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Creative Communicator</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="kv2xa">Students communicate clearly and express themselves creatively for a variety of purposes using the platforms, tools, styles, formats and digital media appropriate to their goals. (<a href="https://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards-for-students" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ISTE</a>)</p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Gathering and Evaluating Sources</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="bxje2">Whether students are constructing opinions, explanation, or arguments, they will gather information from a variety of sources and evaluate the relevance of that information. (NCSS <b>D3.1.9-12 - D3.2.9-12)</b></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Reading - Integration of Knowledge and Ideas</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="4xx9s"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/RL/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.7-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.9</a></p></div> </div> <div class="pl-4 mt-5 srl-app-page_resource-block"> <h3 class="mb-2 text-lg font-semibold break-all">Speaking and Listening - Comprehension and Collaboration</h3> <div class="prose break-all lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"><p data-block-key="jbj66"><a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/SL/9-10/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1-CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.3</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="right-0 items-center order-1 inline-block w-full col-span-1 p-6 mb-4 bg-white rounded-md md:sticky top-6 md:order-2"> <div class="mb-6"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium">Topics</h6> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Journalism</p> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Media Literacy</p> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Lessons</p> </div> <div class="mb-6"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium">Levels</h6> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Beginner</p> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Intermediate</p> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Advanced</p> </div> <div class="mb-6"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium">Materials</h6> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Internet</p> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">Notebook</p> </div> <div class="mb-6"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium">Estimated Time</h6> <p class="mb-1 text-xs">50 Minutes</p> </div> </div> </div> </section> <section id="activities-tab-content" class="hidden pt-8 print:!inline-block"> <div class="grid items-start grid-cols-1 md:grid-cols-5"> <div class="relative flex flex-col order-2 col-span-4 md:order-1"> <div id="Newsworthy Review" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">01</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Newsworthy Review</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cmuti">With students, review key factors from <a href="/library/what-is-newsworthy/"><b>What is Newsworthy?</b></a></p><ul><li data-block-key="7eelc">Timeliness</li><li data-block-key="40dfl">Proximity</li><li data-block-key="5v5uf">Conflict and Controversy</li><li data-block-key="8jatd">Human Interest</li><li data-block-key="emgn0">Relevance</li><li data-block-key="epvsn">Solutions</li></ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="Activity 1 - Story Ideas" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">02</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Activity 1 - Story Ideas</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cmuti"><b>STEP 1:</b> Show the class a student-produced piece from SRL:</p><ul><li data-block-key="7ge7g"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/can-west-virginias-pipeline-jobs-keep-youth-in-the-state" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Can West Virginia’s Pipeline Jobs Keep Youth in the State</a>?</li><li data-block-key="3areu"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUSHNfqncl8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">How Wyoming Manages to Keep its Rural Schools Open</a></li><li data-block-key="2voj4"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_-qNwAoa4g" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Exploring Hawaii’s Teacher Shortage Crisis</a>.</li></ul><p data-block-key="7va2g"><b>STEP 2:</b> After students watch the piece, ask them to give examples from each quality of newsworthiness.</p><p data-block-key="f04qo"><b>STEP 3:</b> Then have them watch<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vut4gPPzEac" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i> How to Pitch a Story</i></b></a><b><i>,</i></b> a piece by the Associated Press about what characteristics good video stories share. (We know, it’s outdated, but the information is solid. Plans are underway to produce a better one!)</p><p data-block-key="f2aq2"><b>STEP 4: Ask students to share in pairs or small groups:</b></p><ul><li data-block-key="ahhad">Is anything in your life newsworthy? What’s happening around you that’s interesting and/or important to you?</li><li data-block-key="6t2eb">Is there anything newsworthy in the stories you hear among your family, friends, and in your community? Why or why not?</li></ul><p data-block-key="1dd9i"><b>STEP 5:</b> Ask each group to pick their most newsworthy story and share it with the class. Have students from each group explain why their story is the most newsworthy and take a class vote (via secret ballot/ anonymously) on whose story is the best/most newsworthy.</p><p data-block-key="e4fq9">Being a good listener and considering the six news values are keys to finding and developing local stories.</p><p data-block-key="227jv"></p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="Activity 2 - Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">03</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Activity 2 - Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cmuti">Video journalists sometimes confuse an <b><i>important topic</i></b> with a <b><i>compelling visual story</i></b><i>.</i></p><p data-block-key="4icgu">Topics are vague; good video story ideas are specific and visual. But the topics themselves are important because they hint at themes that underlie the stories.</p><p data-block-key="7k26r"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/19INOEnPxB6gtFS5mDfbIdIQn6QH6_z2QAA9xPWXU06I/edit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Take a look at this chart</a> to see how important topics can be distilled into compelling visual stories and then fill out the blank spaces in the accompanying chart.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="Activity 3 - Generate News Stories from Life" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">04</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Activity 3 - Generate News Stories from Life</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <h4 data-block-key="cmuti">This activity could also be used as a homework assignment.</h4><p data-block-key="7icp4">Pass out the<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10TZBOrVaA1kp53axVVDF6PHTmDUaJOkT/edit?usp=sharing&amp;ouid=115722502621931464656&amp;rtpof=true&amp;sd=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Finding Story Ideas Worksheet</b></a> and introduce the activity. Students can work on this in class or as homework. Set a firm but short deadline so students can experience some of the pressure involved in journalism. This is an exercise to get students thinking, not a final project. As the final step in the Finding Story Ideas Worksheet, students fill out an <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TMtB5w7GglpXK9HL703BUUhFSETwdaQLmXKPO4D-tz0/edit" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>SRL Pitch Sheet.</b></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="Reflection" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">05</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Reflection</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <p data-block-key="cmuti">Point out to students that all the story ideas students have generated are unique insights from <i>this</i> class. Explain that PBS Newshour is a national television and online news program and that Student Reporting Labs connects thousands of students across the country. Producing a story is an opportunity to give voice to these missing perspectives: if you don’t tell these stories, they won’t get told.</p><p data-block-key="8bl2j"><b>Reflection exercise:</b></p><ul><li data-block-key="76vi0">Pick one of the students’ story ideas</li><li data-block-key="4rg9t">Brainstorm who you would interview for this story. Are there more than two sides to the story? What are the stakes-- in short, why does this story matter?</li></ul> </div> </div> </div> <div id="Exit Ticket" class="flex flex-row mb-6 srl-app-page_activity-section print:block"> <div class="srl-app-page_activity-section-left print:hidden"> <h6 class="text-sm font-bold">06</h6> </div> <div class="flex-1 ml-3 srl-app-page_activity-section-right"> <h4 class="mb-8 text-2xl font-bold">Exit Ticket</h4> <div class="prose lg:prose-lg 2xl:prose-xl"> <ul><li data-block-key="cmuti">List three attributes that could make something newsworthy.</li><li data-block-key="a6hss">Explain the difference between an important topic and a compelling story.</li></ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="right-0 order-1 inline-block w-full col-span-1 p-6 mb-4 bg-white rounded-md md:sticky md:order-2 top-6 print:hidden"> <ol> <li> <a href="#Newsworthy Review" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Newsworthy Review"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Newsworthy Review</h6> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#Activity 1 - Story Ideas" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Activity 1 - Story Ideas"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Activity 1 - Story Ideas</h6> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#Activity 2 - Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Activity 2 - Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Activity 2 - Turning a Topic into a Newsworthy, Visual Story</h6> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#Activity 3 - Generate News Stories from Life" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Activity 3 - Generate News Stories from Life"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Activity 3 - Generate News Stories from Life</h6> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#Reflection" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Reflection"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Reflection</h6> </a> </li> <li> <a href="#Exit Ticket" class="scroll-to-activity" data-activity-id="Exit Ticket"> <h6 class="mb-3 font-medium pointer-events-none text-color_primary_darker">Exit Ticket</h6> </a> </li> </ol> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript" src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/js/main.js"></script> <footer class="grid w-full grid-cols-1 pb-6 text-base srl-footer pt-14 font-extralight md:pl-72 md:grid-cols-6 md:gap-4 print:hidden"> <div class="max-w-screen-xl col-span-3 px-4 pb-8 mx-auto"> <div> StoryMaker is a free learning platform developed by PBS News Student Reporting Labs to build the next generation of media creators. Our lesson plans and activities provide a strong foundation of storytelling and journalism skills to help students gain confidence, find their voice, and discover their place in the world. </div> <div class="mt-5 text-xs"> © 2024 PBS News Student Reporting Labs | Privacy Policy </div> </div> <div class="max-w-screen-xl col-span-1 px-4 mx-auto"> <ul> <li class="underline"><a href="https://www.story-maker.org/getting-started/">Getting Started</a> </li> <li class="underline"><a href="https://www.story-maker.org/faq">FAQs</a> </li> <li class="underline"><a href="https://studentreportinglabs.org/">Student Reporting Labs</a> </li> <li class="underline"><a href="https://story-maker.org/terms/">Terms of Use</a> </li> <li class="underline"><a href="https://story-maker.org/privacy/">Privacy Policy</a> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="items-stretch w-full max-w-screen-xl col-span-2 px-4 mx-auto justify-items-stretch"> <h1 class="text-2xl font-bold text-white">Stay Connected</h1> <ul class="flex flex-row mt-4"> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/studentreportinglabs/?hl=en"><img src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/landing-pages/instagram-white.png" alt="Instagram"></a> </li> <li class="ml-4"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StudentReportingLabs/"><img src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/landing-pages/facebook-white.png" alt="Facebook"></a> </li> <li class="ml-4"><a href="https://twitter.com/reportinglabs"><img src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/landing-pages/twitter-white.png" alt="Twitter"></a> </li> <li class="ml-4"><a href="mailto:"><img src="https://d2m06gwiiv9vk7.cloudfront.net/images/landing-pages/email-white.png" alt="White"></a> </li> </ul> </div> </footer> </body> </html>

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10