As an EIP teacher, I am usually already working with students when our school’s Morning News Program airs, but when I do get the opportunity to watch it I am always amazed with what I see. We have come a long way from listening to the announcements presented by the principal over a staticy intercom. Of course in the school setting, the concept of a News Program starts with a staff member or members with a vision for the possibility and a commitment to a huge project. In my school, the vision was begun by a former Media Specialist and continues with the current LMS and three other teachers. They manage five different teams of fifth grade students who are responsible for one show a week. The students, under the direction of the teacher advisors, write, design and create the show. The News Crews were selected based on applications they submitted along with teacher recommendation.
The benefits of a school news program are many. Let me just take a minute to brainstorm a list – build writing, verbal communication, technology, research, reading and media literacy skills, as well as editing and revising skills, promote teamwork and development of collaborative skills, sharpen problem solving, decision making and critical thinking skills, encourage interest in current affairs, build self esteem and, on top of everything else, create a great sense of community within the school. When you think of the impact this type of program has on the students involved, the benefits become immeasurable.
My school news program includes a segment on Fridays called Super Science. A group of students are filmed conducting a simple science experiment, usually using common household items, and then they explain the scientific principle behind it. This feature alone has ignited a school wide interest in science and illustrates the power behind the media – even at an elementary level. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have our national media embrace the notion of this “positive power?”
Submitted by Diane Brannen
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The setup at your school seems to be the best program I have heard about thus far. 3 teachers and a media specialist are ideal. 5 teams of 5th grader that rotate keep the students from getting bored with broadcasting or suffering from burn-out.
ReplyDeleteThe benefits you mentioned go beyond anything done within the classroom. My son was fortunate enough to be a part of the broadcast team at his elementary school. He never wanted to be late for school because he didn’t want to disappoint the media specialists. He always made sure he had on a collared shirt for broadcasting. The most important skill he learned is working with others. He has also been able to take his experiences with him to middle school. He hopes to be on their broadcast team in 8th grade. Broadcast helped him to realize the importance of punctuality, professional dress, and positive attitude. You can’t beat that!
Your posting does an excellent job at advocating for the instructional and academic benefits of incorporating a school news broadcast. Although every student may not get to be involved in the production, many will be motivated to achieve better in the classrooms to earn the opportunity to participate. For those students who have demonstrated the effort and good behavioral choices required, this is an excellent way to reinforce with them that good choices do lead to additional opportunities. Also, it provides the students that are achieving a valuable academic enrichment opportunity that they deserve for being positive contributors to the school community.
ReplyDeleteIncluding the “Super Science” portion of the broadcast on Fridays is a great way to bring excitement to learning schoolwide while incorporating academics and standards. Maybe this could be extended to Mondays and Wednesdays to introduce some fun math and language arts concepts!
I love the Super Science idea. I have seen many different gimmicks during the broadcasts to keep the viewers attention. Special guests, mystery guests, contests, drawings, sports results, weather broadcasts, live from the hall broadcasts, it all lends to keeping the viewers attention and that helps them listen to the whole bradcast. Cole hit on the additional benefits to participating in the broadcast. The character traits and personal attributes that the students gain. It's about much more than the information put out. It's about total education.
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