WiS Lesson 9B

The original Writing in Stereo was published online back in the late 1980's.  Its purpose was to apply creative radio dramatics or broadcast journalism to all aspects of the teaching of high school English.  Each lesson included a lesson plan and notes.  I'm sharing these with you here. UNIT OBJECTIVE: (IX) The student will improve skills in writing the essay of opinion by composing and recording a commentary. LESSON OBJECTIVE: (B) The student will compose and record a commentary following the model below: 1. Soft lede as introduction 2. Statement of concern a. Reason for significance b. Reason for significance c. Reason for significance 3. Suggested solution a. Detail addressing a reason b. Detail addressing a reason c. Detail addressing a reason 4. Outcome MATERIALS REQUIRED: Paper and pencil, audio tape recorder/player, some recording space INTRODUCTION: In our "Special Interest" simulation we identified a number of problems and concerns for our community. You joined others who shared your concerns. Now we'll give you an opportunity as a broadcast journalist to offer your suggestions to address those concerns. PROCEDURE 1. Put the above outline on the board or overhead. 2. Discuss its steps. Elicit examples for each. 3. Have students list or "cluster" significant aspects or reasons for their chief concern. Repeat this for details of the solution addressing those reasons. 4. Work on the soft lede and outcome paragraphs should follow that on the body drafts. The outcome should suggest a positive result if this solution is realized and close the essay. 5. When scripts are satisfactory, record the commentaries. EVALUATION FOCUS: Beyond the fundamentals of broadcast style, this essay should be logical and coherent. However many details or reasons for the problem may be cited, there should be details in the solution to meet each of those aspects. Notes (IX.B) The key here is in the rhetoric of the body paragraphs. Insist the students address each of the problem's details with details in the solution proposed. There can be no oversights. The broadcast style requirements enhance the assignment's complexity.