Dozier Kids News Network

1.  First Production Meeting (If possible, show a short newscast that is videoed or a children's newscast.)Teacher records information given for later use.  Graphic organizers are excellent tools for each segment of the news.

• Questions are presented and discussed.  Question addressed were…

• What is a newscast? 

• What happens on a news report?

• Names some segments on the news you have seen.

• What is National, State and Local News?  

• What is involved in weather and sports reports?

• How does the news affect everyone?

• How important are weather reports?

• What kind of role do they play in our world?

• Can you name some local news reporters? 

• Bring in school news

• Have students bring in topics for the next meeting.

2.  Second Production Meeting (Discussions-Decisions)

•  Ask the students for topics at the National Level (Use a US Map to explain National)

• Ask the students for topics at the State Level (Use a state map to introduce State News)

•  Ask the students for topics at the Local Level (Use an area map to introduce Local-Parish News)

• Ask the students for topics for school news

• They vote on topics at each level.

• List the levels National-State-Local-School-Weather-Sports-Special News on the board or on a chart and offer the opportunity for the children to volunteer for the roles in a newscast and how would the topics be researched.  A director must also be chosen.

• For the students not wishing to report, they may be used to help film, take pictures, build the set, etc.  It is important that every child be offered the opportunity to participate. This is meant to be a positive activity.  If a child is too shy for a speaking part, have them understand the importance of the "behind the scene" crew.  Explain the production crew is just as important and the Anchor/Reporter Crew.

• Once signed up, each group will meet and have a discussion on "how" to locate "FACTUAL" information about their topic.

• The teacher should begin bookmarking "safe and appropriate sites" for the children to use as research.  Here are a few sites that are geared for children.

• The class needs to decide if a special guest will be interviewed.  The director or Co Anchors may email questions to the guests ahead of time.

• Reasearched topics should be printed for children to make general reports.

3.  Third Production Meeting (Writing)

•   In groups, now the children begin trying to locate specific information for their report.  Graphic organizers are  excellent tools for each segment of the news to help gather thoughts. 

•   Each group will need a leader and secretary.  The leaders guides the discussions, while the secretary writes the information for the first rough draft.  the report doesn't have to long, however it does have to be accurate.

•   Once the teacher reviews the written rough draft, the students will be allowed to type.  (The groups should share in the typing.  maybe a sentence or two if possible.)

•  The rough draft is printed and discussed.  If time, the team proofreads it and corrects it.  They may do this several times before the final draft is printed.  It is crucial that they understand that proofreading and editing plays a critical role anytime something is written! 

4.  Compiling Reports- (Teacher compiles and creates a News Cast)

• Children with speaking parts will take home copies to practice at home for at least 2 nights.

5.  Build Set

• Create a sign with News name

• Create a back panels for back drop (Draped cheap material is great)

• Need a white piece on the panel to use as a "white screen" to show segment names (Optional)

• If you work on the above, create a Powerpoint Slide Show to display in the background as the reporters are reporting the news.

•  Get a desk or small table

•  Get a digital video camera with appropriate extension cords and a tripod.

• Have a digital video tape for the camera

• Charge batteries if necessary

• Digital Camera for photographs

• Get a microphone if needed.

• Prepare a lap top or computer/Projector to generate the background pictures if necessary.

• Great to have on hand:  straight pins, safety pins, scissors, large tape (mailing), scotch tape, stapler, staples, etc.

6.  Practice Run of Newscast

•  Have the students practice their parts the day before filming to assure smoother taping segments.

7.  Film the Newscast using the student built set.

8.  Preparing to create and CD or DVD (Optional)

• To create a CD or DVD, the teacher may use Movie Maker with Windows XP machines or use a program such as Adobe Premiere. 

9.  Capturing and Editing

• Capture the footage using a fire wire and edit in the Movie Maker or other filming program.  You may need to contact your Technology Leader in your area for assistance in working with this.

10. Sharing Newscast With Children -View the Newscast

11. Assessing their Newscast

• To conclude the project, the students were asked to write brief summaries were learned from creating and producing their own newscast. As a culminating a unique K-DOZ NEWSCAST (computer generated) book was created explaining the production process.