Writing Teasers and Headlines
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | 5 | Introduce the topic and explain the importance of headlines and teasers in writing. |
| 2 | Discussion of Examples | 10 | Show examples of effective and ineffective headlines and teasers. Discuss what works and why. |
| 3 | Activity: Distributing Cards | 5 | Hand out printable cards to each student for the following activity. |
| 4 | Writing Headlines and Teasers | 15 | Students use the cards to create their own headlines and teasers based on a given topic. |
| 5 | Pair-share Activity | 5 | Students pair up to share and discuss their creations with a partner. |
| 6 | Collection of Cards | 5 | Collect or randomly check the students' filled cards for completion and ideas. |
| 7 | Homework Assignment | 5 | Assign homework related to writing teasers and headlines without student presentations. |
| 8 | Conclusion | 5 | Wrap up the lesson by summarizing key points and emphasizing the importance of good headlines. |
"Good morning, everyone! Today we are going to dive into the exciting world of writing teasers and headlines. Can anyone tell me why you think headlines and teasers are important? [Pause for responses]
Exactly! Headlines and teasers are crucial because they grab our reader's attention and pull them into the story. Whether it’s for an article, a blog, or even social media, a good headline can make all the difference. So today, we’ll learn how to craft intriguing headlines and teasers that will attract your audience and make your writing stand out."
"Next, let’s take a look at some examples of effective and ineffective headlines and teasers. [Display examples on the projector or write them on the board.]
Can someone read this one for us? [Point to an effective example]
What about this one? [Point to an ineffective example]
Now, let’s discuss. What makes the first headline effective? [Facilitate discussion, prompting students for their input.]
And what about the second? Why doesn't it work?
Yes, great points! An effective headline is clear, engaging, and often evokes curiosity or emotion. Remember, your goal is to entice your audience to want to learn more."
"Now it’s time to get a bit hands-on! I’ll be handing out printable cards to each of you. These cards have a prompt on one side, and there’s space for you to brainstorm your ideas on the other side.
[Distribute the cards]
Take a moment to read your prompt. This will be the topic on which you’ll create your headline and teaser later in the lesson."
"You now have your cards, so it’s time to get creative! I want you to use the space on your cards to write an engaging headline and teaser based on the prompt you've been given.
Remember the techniques we discussed earlier: be clear, evoke curiosity, and aim to draw your readers in.
You have 15 minutes for this activity. If you finish early, feel free to refine your work or add more ideas."
"Alright, writers! Now that you have your headlines and teasers, I’d like you to pair up with a classmate. Take turns sharing what you’ve created. Your partner will give you feedback on how engaging they find your headlines and teasers.
Make sure to listen actively and think about how you can improve or refine your ideas based on your partner’s suggestions. You have 5 minutes for this."
"Thank you for sharing! Now, let’s collect your cards. I’ll take a moment to check in on what you’ve created and gather some insights for our next discussion.
Please hand your cards to the front of the class as I come around. I might ask a few questions or give suggestions on the spot!"
"For your homework, I want you to practice what we learned today further. You’ll write two more teasers and headlines on a different topic.
Please remember, we'll be collecting your assignments next class, but there will be no presentations. Just make sure to bring them in. This is a great way for you to solidify today’s lessons!"
"To wrap up our lesson, let’s summarize what we learned today. We discussed the importance of catchy headlines and teasers, explored what makes them effective, and practiced creating our own.
Remember, whether it’s for an article or social media, the way you present your content can greatly affect how many people engage with it!
Thank you for your hard work today, everyone! I look forward to seeing your creativity in the homework assignments!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A classroom with students} | - Introduction to writing teasers and headlines - Importance of headlines and teasers - Engage readers and pull them into the story |
| 2 | {Image: Examples of headlines} | - Discuss examples of effective and ineffective headlines - Engage class in conversation - Characteristics of an effective headline |
| 3 | {Image: A prompt card} | - Distributing printable cards with prompts - Cards designed for brainstorming - Prepare to create headlines and teasers |
| 4 | {Image: A student writing} | - Creative writing activity - Write an engaging headline and teaser based on prompts - Techniques: clarity, curiosity, engagement |
| 5 | {Image: Students in pairs discussing} | - Pair-share activity - Share created headlines and teasers with classmates - Provide and receive feedback on engagement and effectiveness |
| 6 | {Image: A collection of cards} | - Collecting cards for review - Teacher checking in on student creations - Insight gathering for class discussion |
| 7 | {Image: Homework assignment reminder} | - Homework assignment explanation - Write two additional teasers and headlines on a different topic - No presentations next class |
| 8 | {Image: Summary notes} | - Summary of key points from the lesson - Importance of catchy headlines and teasers - Recap of techniques discussed in class |
| 9 | {Image: A thank you note} | - Thank students for participation - Encouragement to apply today's learning in future writing - Looking forward to homework submissions |
| 10 | {Image: An open book with a pen} | - Closing thoughts on the impact of headlines and teasers - Remember engagement is key in writing - Encouragement to be creative and bold |
Why are headlines considered important in writing? Give at least two reasons.
Define what makes a headline effective. Provide an example of an effective headline.
What are common mistakes to avoid when writing a teaser? List at least three.
Write a headline and a teaser based on the following prompt: "The impact of social media on mental health."
Reflecting on the pair-share activity, what was one piece of feedback you received from your partner that helped you improve your headline or teaser?
After today’s lesson, what techniques will you focus on when creating your homework headlines and teasers? List at least two techniques.
Choose a topic for which you'd like to create a headline and teaser. Briefly explain why you chose this topic.
In what ways do you think the skills of writing engaging headlines and teasers can benefit you outside of this class? Provide at least one example.
Headlines grab reader's attention and entice them to read more. They also summarize the content's main point.
An effective headline is clear, engaging, and evokes curiosity. Example: "Unlocking the Secrets of a Happier Life Through Mindfulness."
Common mistakes include being vague, overly complex, or failing to connect with the target audience.
Example: Headline: "Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword for Your Mental Health" | Teaser: "Discover how your online presence might be affecting your well-being—both positively and negatively."
Answers will vary; an example could be: "My partner suggested I make my teaser more mysterious by adding a question."
Answers will vary; examples could include "be clear" and "evoke curiosity."
Answers will vary; students might choose topics of personal interest or relevance.
Answers will vary; examples could include enhancing skills in blogging, social media posts, or professional writing.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why are headlines and teasers important in writing? | |
| Can you name a characteristic of an effective headline? | |
| What emotion or feeling should a good teaser evoke? | |
| What makes the first headline in our example effective? | |
| Why doesn't the second example headline work? | |
| What techniques should you use when crafting your own headlines and teasers? | |
| How can you improve your headlines and teasers based on peer feedback? | |
| What are the main goals of a headline and teaser? | |
| How can you practice writing effective teasers and headlines at home? | |
| What feedback did you find most helpful during the pair-share activity? |