Very busy week despite rain outs and wrapping up the 4th six weeks. In sociology we chipped away at learning the terminology of the discipline and how to apply it. J1 pursued their skill development in feature writing and what separates it from news writing.

The best part of the week came with senior staff members staying after school to solve the problems of the world, plan futures and address a range of issues that were mind boggling.  

The weekend stretched out with another UIL Journalism practice meet in Lindale after a playoff basketball game in Nac. Short, short weekend as we head into the first week of the 5th six weeks.

Sociology:

Students will be able to:

~demonstrate application of terms of discipline correctly

~discuss institution of education in U.S.–strengths & weakness

~identify weaknesses of bureaucratic system of education and possible fixes

~identify the role of good teachers in education

Monday:  lecture & discussion

Tuesday & Wednesday:  Waiting for Superman film

Thursday:  Discussion

Friday:  Essay test

 

Intro to Journalism:

Students will be able to:

~demonstrate proficiency at writing feature leads

~brainstorm story ideas for student publications

~explain impact of broadcast journalism on the development of American journalism

Monday:  lecture & discussion

Tuesday & Wednesday:  Bio-Murrow

Thursday: Essay test

Friday:  Read Out

Sociology students went to a new place intellectually and emotionally in their study of sociological perspective and how societies are formed and the institutions that uphold them and determine their health. After viewing the film ALIVE! not only was there a new appreciation for the resiliency and determination of humans, a greater appreciation for life was proclaimed by students. As one student said, “How can I complain?” Indeed.

J1 students have been working on feature writing and producing leads based on impromptu stories and interviewing. The continue to pursue their daily study of the current events with a daily reading of the Longview News-Journal.

Spring school activities continue to decimate classes as tennis, golf, baseball, softball, band and choir have been out for competitions. Makeup work in a timely manner is essential for the students’ grades and the teacher’s sanity.

Sociology:

Students will be able to:

~explain fully the terms: sociology, culture, group, role, role conflict, norms, mores, taboos, folkways, status, status symbol, values, and give examples of each.

~list and explain fully the traditional American values and what impact they have had on America’s political system, economy and society.

Tuesday-Thursday: lecture, notetaking, discussion

Friday:  Senior Friday-college prep, scholarships, FAFSA, etc.

Introduction to Journalism:

Students will be able to:

~clearly explain what feature writing is, specific elements of feature writing, difference between news-feature and feature writing.

~fully develop a feature story with interviewing and quotes

~identify contributions of feature writers to the craft

Tuesday-Thursday: UIL/ILPC films & powerpoints on feature writing

Friday:  Read aloud from Pulitzer prize-winning stories

After an Indiana Jones ride to Hallsville’s UIL meet Saturday the journalism team came home with hard won medals. The meet was highly competitive with 30-35 students in the small school division (1A-3A). Team captain and former state feature medalist Austin Jordan won the gold in headline writing. Rookie sophomore Mason Malone nailed down the bronze in feature writing and rookie freshman Cade Palmer took 4th in editorial. The team celebrated with a dinner at a great Mexican food restaurant.

Sociology:

Students will be able to:

~identify the elements of society that re-emerge in crisis situations as people adapt to changing circumstances.

~identify and explain roles within a group in crisis situations.

~explain how previously acquired roles can create conflict as circumstances change.

Monday-Tuesday:  complete viewing of film Alive

Wednesday -Thursday:  discuss film and take essay test

Friday:  Senior Friday-college prep skills

Introduction to Journalism:

Students will be able to:

~create a timeline of journalism from the first newspaper in journalism through broadcast journalism

~explain who Edward R. Murrow, Ernie Pyle and other significant broadcasters are that laid the groundwork for this new form of journalism

~discuss and explain how world events contributed to the evolving field of journalism

Monday:  Lecture & discussion of Great Depression & WWII on development of broadcast journalism

Tuesday:  biography film of Ernie Pyle

Wednesday:  read Pyle’s columns and explain in writing why they are impactful

Thursday-Friday: Edward R. Murrow film bio.

 

 

Last week’s highlight came on Friday when author, writing guru, and ’71 alum Bobby Hawthorne spent the entire afternoon with scholastic journalists donating his time and expertise to improve our writing. The students who committed the time were blown away by the presentation. The most telling quote coming from a senior who said, “I learned more about writing in three hours than I have in four years of high school.” Unfortunately, not all staff members were able to commit, or chose to commit, the time to what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. That kind of attitude never ceases to amaze me. That what they are doing is more important than an opportunity to sit at the feet of a master and learn. The handful that were able to stay for the entire afternoon spent quite a bit of time expressing gratitude for the exposure to someone who uses his talent in the real world to write about a real world. I was very proud of the scholastic journalists who are indeed committed not only to successful grades and winning awards, but to learning and self-growth.

Those students who are hungry to learn, to grow, to become more than what it takes to be traditionally successful in our school system are the fuel that drives me as a teacher. I do my dead level best to inspire that ambition for personal, as well as intellectual growth, and when it happens I am blessed beyond reason.

Sociology:

Students will be able to:

~explain basic terms and give real world examples verbally and in writing.

~identify and explain the five institutions that support society

~identify the building blocks of society

Monday:

Film clip:  Intro to Sociology

Survivor game (building a society from scratch)

Tuesday-Thursday:  film: Alive

Friday:  Essay Test

 

Intro to Journalism:

Students will be able to:

~explain the historical development of broadcast journalism

~discuss the implications of broadcast vs. print journalism

Monday:  Lecture & discussion development of broadcast journalism in radio & newsreels

Tuesday: film biography of Edward R. Murrow

Wednesday: discussion of combat journalism, read Ernie Pyle columns

Thursday:  film biography of Ernie Pyle

Friday:  Essay Test