Develop a Story Idea
Year/Grade 9
No subject
25 students
This lesson corresponds to national standards for creativity, communication, and collaboration.
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Brainstorming | 10 | Introduce the topic of brainstorming story ideas. Explain the importance of creativity in journalism. Provide examples of news story topics. |
| 2 | Brainstorming Session | 15 | Divide students into small groups (5 per group); each group brainstorms potential news topics. Encourage all participants to contribute. |
| 3 | Hand Out Printable Cards | 5 | Distribute printable cards to each student. Explain how to use them to jot down their ideas during the session. |
| 4 | Individual Idea Development | 5 | Allow students time to fill out their printable cards with ideas generated during group work. |
| 5 | Pitching Story Ideas | 5 | Each group briefly discusses their best story idea. Highlight key pitching strategies and effective communication. |
| 6 | Collecting or Random Checking | 3 | Randomly collect or check the printable cards to ensure students filled them out honestly and thoughtfully. |
| 7 | Assign Homework | 2 | Assign students to further develop one of their story ideas at home, providing guidelines on what to include. |
To be completed and submitted in the next class without presenting in front of the class.
Informal assessment will be conducted based on participation in group activities and completion of the printable cards.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to embark on an exciting journey to develop our story ideas. Our focus will be on brainstorming techniques, which are essential for generating creative news stories. Can anyone tell me why creativity is important in journalism?
[Pause for responses]
That's right! Creativity helps us present new angles on stories and engage our audience.
Let's look at some examples of potential news story topics:
As we go through today's lesson, remember that brainstorming is about letting your thoughts flow freely without judgment. Let's take advantage of our creative minds!"
"Now, I am going to divide you into small groups of five. Each group will have 15 minutes to brainstorm potential news topics. Make sure to encourage everyone in your group to contribute their ideas!
[Begin grouping students]
Once you’re settled, you can start chatting about what ideas come to mind. Remember, no idea is too out there! Just be sure to write them down clearly so you can share them later."
"Okay, everyone! I’m going to give each of you a printable card. Please take one, and make sure you have a pen or pencil.
[Distribute printable cards]
These cards are for jotting down all the ideas that you brainstorm in your groups. You'll use these cards to capture not just your group’s best ideas, but also any individual thoughts you might want to explore further. Let's get started!"
"Now that you’ve had some time to brainstorm in your groups, I want you to take 5 minutes for individual idea development. Please fill out your printable cards with the best ideas from your discussions. You can also add any new ideas that pop into your mind during this time. You have the floor—let your creativity shine!"
"Let's come back together now! Each group will have a chance to discuss their best story idea. Each group's representative will have 1 minute to pitch their idea to the class.
[Review key pitching strategies]
As you present, focus on being clear, concise, and persuasive. Remember: a good pitch explains why the story matters and who it will impact. Who would like to start?"
"Great job on the pitches, everyone! Now, I need you to pass your printable cards to the front of the class or hand them to me. I’ll be randomly checking them to ensure everyone filled them out honestly and thoughtfully.
[Collect cards]
Let's make sure that we have captured your creative thoughts effectively!"
"As we wrap up today’s lesson, your homework is to further develop one of the story ideas you wrote on your card. I want you to think critically about this idea and flesh it out. In your development, include:
"Thank you all for your participation today! I’m excited to see what ideas you come up with at home. See you next class!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom setting with students} | - Introduction to Brainstorming |
| - Importance of creativity in journalism | ||
| - Engaging the audience with fresh angles | ||
| 2 | {Image: Groups of students brainstorming} | - Group brainstorming session (15 minutes) |
| - Encourage contribution from all group members | ||
| - Write down all ideas, no judgment allowed | ||
| 3 | {Image: Printable cards and pens} | - Distribution of printable cards |
| - Use cards to capture group and individual ideas | ||
| - Start brainstorming session | ||
| 4 | {Image: A student writing on a card} | - Individual idea development (5 minutes) |
| - Fill out printable cards with the best ideas | ||
| - Encourage new ideas to emerge during this time | ||
| 5 | {Image: A student presenting to the class} | - Pitching story ideas back to the class |
| - 1 minute pitch for each group's representative | ||
| - Focus on clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness | ||
| 6 | {Image: Collecting cards from students} | - Collecting or random checking of printable cards |
| - Ensure thoughtful and honest completion of cards | ||
| - Capturing creativity effectively | ||
| 7 | {Image: A homework assignment on a desk} | - Assign Homework: Develop one story idea |
| - Include angle, potential interviews, relevant facts | ||
| - Prepare for the next class, no presentation required | ||
| 8 | {Image: Students engaging in discussion} | - Review of brainstorming and pitching process |
| - Importance of collaborative and individual thinking | ||
| 9 | {Image: A light bulb representing ideas} | - Encourage continued creativity |
| - Reflect on the importance of refining story ideas | ||
| 10 | {Image: Classroom farewell} | - Thank you for participation |
| - Excitement for the next class |
Define brainstorming. What is the significance of brainstorming in the context of journalism?
List three potential news story topics that you brainstormed with your group. Explain why you find each topic interesting.
Choose one story idea from your printable card and develop an angle for that story. Describe the angle in a few sentences.
Identify potential interview subjects for your story. Who would you want to interview, and why are they important to your story?
Research and list at least three relevant facts or data that could support your story idea. How do these facts enhance your story?
Reflect on your brainstorming session. What was your favorite idea that was shared in your group, and why did it stand out to you?
Write a brief pitch for your chosen story idea, explaining why it is crucial and who it will impact.
Discuss in your own words, the importance of creativity in journalism. How can creativity influence the way stories are reported?
Brainstorming is a technique used to generate creative ideas or solutions. In journalism, it allows reporters to explore various angles and present engaging stories.
Examples:
Example response: I want to take an angle that focuses on the emotional impact of the charity event on the community members involved.
Potential interview subjects might include:
Example facts/data:
Example reflection: My favorite idea was the student-led initiative. It stood out because it shows how young people can enact real change and inspires others.
Example pitch: My story will focus on how the charity event raised $10,000 to support local families in need, impacting hundreds of lives in our community.
Creativity is crucial in journalism as it allows for unique story angles, engages the audience, and enhances overall storytelling. Creative approaches can lead to more meaningful and impactful reporting.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why is creativity important in journalism? | |
| What are some examples of potential news story topics? | |
| How long do groups have to brainstorm potential news topics? | |
| What should you include on your printable cards? | |
| What is the purpose of the individual idea development? | |
| What are key strategies for pitching story ideas? | |
| What do you need to do with your printable cards after the group pitches? | |
| What are the components of the homework assignment? |