Title: Writing a News Report: Informing and Engaging Grade 7 Students

Grade Level: 7th Grade Subject: Language Arts Duration: 60 minutes

Objectives: 1. Understand the structure and purpose of a news report. 2. Identify the key elements of a news report, such as headline, lead, body, and conclusion. 3. Develop effective writing skills by creating a news report with accurate information and engaging language. 4. Enhance critical thinking skills by analyzing news reports for bias and credibility.

Materials: - Whiteboard or blackboard - Markers or chalk - News articles from various sources (online or printed) - Handout with news report structure and key elements - Writing materials (paper, pencils, etc.)

Warm-up Activity: “Headline Hunt” (10 minutes)

1. Begin the lesson by displaying a few news headlines on the board. Examples:
   • “Local Hero Saves Stranded Kitten from Tree”
   • “New Study Reveals Surprising Health Benefits of Chocolate”
   • “City Council Approves Funding for New Skate Park”

2. Divide the students into small groups and provide each group with a set of news headlines (printed or written on cards).

3. Instruct the students to discuss and rank the headlines based on their level of interest or curiosity.

4. After a few minutes, ask each group to share their top-ranked headline and explain why they found it interesting.

5. Facilitate a brief class discussion about the importance of engaging headlines in news reports and how they can capture readers’ attention.

Main Activity: “Writing a News Report” (40 minutes)

1. Review the structure and key elements of a news report using the handout or by writing them on the board:
   • Headline: A concise and attention-grabbing title.
   • Lead: The opening paragraph that summarizes the most important information.
   • Body: Provides additional details, facts, and quotes to support the lead.
   • Conclusion: Wraps up the report and may include a call to action or future implications.

2. Distribute news articles from various sources to each student or group. Instruct them to read the articles and identify the key elements mentioned in the previous step.

3. Discuss the articles as a class, highlighting the different elements found in each one. Emphasize the importance of accurate information, unbiased reporting, and engaging language.

4. Provide a topic or event for the students to write a news report about. It could be a recent local event, a school-related topic, or a fictional scenario.

5. Instruct the students to plan and write their news reports, ensuring they include all the key elements discussed earlier.

6. Allow time for peer editing and revision. Encourage students to provide constructive feedback on each other’s reports, focusing on clarity, accuracy, and engaging language.

7. Finally, ask a few students to share their news reports with the class. Discuss the strengths and areas for improvement in each report, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in news writing.

Closure Activity: “Bias and Credibility Analysis” (10 minutes)

1. Display a news article on the board or distribute printed copies to the students.

2. Instruct the students to read the article individually and identify any potential biases or credibility issues.

3. Facilitate a class discussion, allowing students to share their observations and opinions. Encourage critical thinking by asking questions such as:
   • Are there any biased language or opinions presented in the article?
   • Are there any missing perspectives or counterarguments?
   • How credible is the source of the article? Why?
4. Summarize the discussion by emphasizing the importance of being critical consumers of news and considering multiple perspectives before forming opinions.

Note: This lesson plan can be modified and adjusted based on the specific needs and interests of the students.