The Newsies: Episode One

The first major unit that we worked on in social studies this year was on the U.S. Government.  To show off what we learned we decided to make a news broadcast.  In preparation for the broadcast we created a fictional bill that would make school in the United States year round.  In our broadcast the bill has passed through the House and Senate and is currently waiting for an approval or veto from President Sally James.  Her press conference, complete with her vice president and Secretary of Education can be seen in the broadcast!

Students worked in groups to research the topic, reading articles for and against year round school.  We then chose roles for the broadcast: anchors, reporters, members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, and average citizens.  In order to better learn our arguments to be prepared for the broadcast, we hosted a formal debate in class where the two "parties" argued for and against year round school.  At that point students set to work writing their scenes in the broadcast.  After two or three practices we were ready to film.  We are hoping to try this with other things that we learn in fifth grade this year.  Feel free to leave a comment below.  They will appear after they have been approved.  Enjoy our first episode of The Newsies...