Introduction to Newspaper

Introduction to Newspaper

Unit 3: News Writing

sarajanewhittaker.com/news

Directions:

·  Work by yourself or with a partner to create a timely, local digital news story intended for publication on wsspaper.com. Your article and multimedia content will all be part of one post, and you will choose the topic and angle of your coverage. For examples of web stories that incorporate multimedia content, read The Lede Blog from The New York Times.

·  Be sure to include:

1.  A 300-500 word article with three sources

a.  Include at least three appropriate, local sources (include an expert source)

b.  Have a fresh, localized angle that applies and appeals to West High students

2.  A featured image to showcase your post on our website. Notice how all the top stories on wsspaper.com have an accompanying image; these are featured images.

3.  At least one multimedia element:

a.  photo gallery (at least 20 diverse photos)

AND/OR

b.  video (2-3 minutes edited)

AND/OR

c.  embeddable

AND/OR

d.  live-tweeting of an event

Deadlines:

o  Oct. 18: Everybody brings in a news idea to class. You’ll have class to conference with your partner and finalize your idea. Polished proposals due by the end of class.

o  Oct. 28: Interviews and photos compiled by today.

o  Oct. 29: Rough draft article.

o  Nov. 4: Final work posted on wsspaper.com by 4 p.m.

Schedule. This may change. Check the class calendar @ sarajanewhittaker.com/intro for the most updated deadlines.

M / Tu / W / Th / F
10.15
Defining newsworthiness. / 10.16
DUE: p. 35-37
News Writing Powerpoint / 10.17
DUE: p. 38-39
Discuss “Worst story ever written.”
Practice inverted pyramid with the events of your day. / 10.18
DUE: News idea
Work on story proposal and developing story angle, conduct background research and write interview questions. (detailed proposal due by end of hour)
10.21
Read and critique award-winning news articles. / 10.22
No 5th/7th
What’s wrong w/this lead? worksheet.
Practice writing news leads. / 10.23
No 1st
What’s wrong w/this lead? worksheet.
Practice writing news leads. / 10.24
DUE: p. 46-47, 49
Ms. Whittaker @ Iowa High School Press Association’s state journalism conference.
Practice writing a news article with given facts and quotes. / 10.25
Learn how to post articles, photo galleries, etc. on wsspaper.com. Work day
10.28
DUE: Interviews and photos.
Work day (write rough draft, edit photos). / 10.29
DUE: Rough draft
Fog index, peer edit / 10.30
DUE: p. 50-51, 54-55, 57
Work day / 10.31
Work day / 11.1
WSS critique
11.4
DUE: Final draft and edited photos
DUE: WSS Critique
Post and save final project as a draft on wsspaper.com by 4 p.m. / 11.5
Critique each others’ content

·  WEB INFO:

o  Go to wsspaper.com/wp-admin

o  Login: wss intern

o  PW: