Teachers' Forum:
How Do You Teach about the Election?

Creating a 'Newscast' on the Election:
A Lesson Plan

by Mitch Bickman

Your Task:
You will be asked to create a news broadcast with your group based on the research and articles you have collected over the past few weeks on the upcoming presidential election.

Presentation:
You may use note cards and/or a sheet of notes, but you cannot read the notes directly - some of this must be memorized.

Length:
The broadcast must be a minimum of ten minutes, and a maximum of fifteen.

Structure:
You can structure the broadcast any way you wish. There can be two main anchors, a co-anchor, on-scene reporter, guest expert, etc. Please be aware you must have equal speaking time.

Process:

• You will take notes on the articles you collect over the weeks.
• You will make an outline (to be graded) of your news broadcast. The outline must include the main points of the broadcast.
• Once you finish an outline, you will begin filling in the outline with detailed information that you will relate to the class during the broadcast. This will be your script! Please note the script is also being graded.
• Once you finish the script, you will be given time to practice with your group. We will go over some public speaking tips prior to the due date.
• We will discuss a schedule of due dates in class. Please adhere to that date or you will receive severe penalties for lateness. A grading rubric will be give to you next week.

Certain topics may lend themselves to comedy, but other topics do not, especially 9/11. Please use your best judgment. You will be asked to dress up the day of your presentationóremember you are a news anchor.

Mitch Bickman is a teacher at Oceanside High School in Long Island, New York.

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