Lesson Plan: News Package Concepts in High School Video Production Class
Objective: Students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques involved in creating a news package, including story selection, scriptwriting, interviewing, shooting, and editing.
Duration: 3-4 class periods (45-60 minutes each)
Materials: - Video camera or smartphones with video recording capabilities - Tripods (optional) - Computer with video editing software (e.g., iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro) - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - Handouts (optional)
Lesson 1: Introduction to News Package Concepts 1. Warm-up Activity (10 minutes): - Show examples of news packages from reputable news sources. - Discuss the elements that make a news package effective (e.g., clear storytelling, engaging visuals, concise reporting). - Ask students to share their observations and opinions about the news packages.
- Introduction to News Package (15 minutes):
- Define what a news package is and its purpose in journalism.
- Explain the key components of a news package: introduction, story development, interviews, visuals, and conclusion.
- Discuss the importance of accuracy, fairness, and ethical considerations in news reporting.
- Story Selection and Research (20 minutes):
- Teach students how to identify newsworthy topics and stories.
- Discuss the importance of researching and verifying information before reporting.
- Assign students to brainstorm and select potential news stories for their own news packages.
Homework: Students should research and gather information about their chosen news story for the next class.
Lesson 2: Scriptwriting and Interviewing Techniques 1. Review Homework (10 minutes): - Allow students to share their chosen news stories and discuss their research findings. - Provide feedback and guidance on the selected stories.
- Scriptwriting Basics (15 minutes):
- Explain the structure and format of a news script (e.g., lead, body, tagline).
- Discuss the importance of clear and concise writing in news reporting.
- Provide examples of well-written news scripts.
- Interviewing Techniques (20 minutes):
- Teach students effective interviewing techniques, such as preparing questions in advance, active listening, and follow-up questions.
- Conduct a mock interview with a student volunteer, demonstrating proper interview etiquette and techniques.
- Assign students to practice interviewing each other in pairs, focusing on asking open-ended questions and active listening.
Homework: Students should write a draft news script for their news package, incorporating the information gathered during research.
Lesson 3: Shooting and Visuals 1. Review Homework (10 minutes): - Allow students to share their news scripts and provide feedback on clarity and conciseness. - Offer suggestions for improvement.
- Shooting Techniques (15 minutes):
- Discuss the importance of framing, composition, lighting, and audio in video production.
- Teach students basic camera techniques, such as establishing shots, close-ups, and cutaways.
- Demonstrate how to use a tripod for stability and smooth panning/tilting shots (if available).
- Visuals and B-roll (20 minutes):
- Explain the role of visuals and B-roll in enhancing the storytelling process.
- Show examples of effective visuals and B-roll in news packages.
- Assign students to shoot relevant visuals and B-roll footage for their news packages.
Homework: Students should shoot the necessary footage for their news packages, ensuring they have enough visuals and B-roll to support their story.
Lesson 4: Editing and Finalizing the News Package 1. Review Homework (10 minutes): - Allow students to share their footage and discuss any challenges faced during shooting. - Provide guidance and suggestions for improvement.
- Editing Basics (15 minutes):
- Introduce students to video editing software and its basic functions.
- Demonstrate how to import footage, arrange clips, and add transitions.
- Teach students how to edit their news packages, focusing on maintaining a clear and engaging narrative.
- Finalizing the News Package (20 minutes):
- Discuss the importance of accuracy, fact-checking, and proper citation in news reporting.
- Guide students in adding voiceovers, background music, and graphics (if desired) to their news packages.
- Allow students to share their final news packages with the class.
Conclusion: - Recap the key concepts and techniques learned throughout the lesson. - Encourage students to continue practicing and refining their news package skills. - Discuss the importance of responsible journalism and the impact of news media on society.
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