Learning Objectives
Students will write a news article that makes claims supported by reasons and evidence.
Grade Levels
6-8
Common Core Standard
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.2
Determine two or more central ideas in a text and analyze their development over the course of the text; provide an objective summary of the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8
Trace and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is sound and the evidence is relevant and sufficient to support the claims.
Materials Needed
Newspaper articles, news clips, trailers, etc. Suggested dog-related websites below:
o www.akc.org
o http://caninechronicle.com/
o http://www.showsightmagazine.com/
o http://www.dnmagazine.us/
Newspaper article graphic organizer
Internet access for students
Pencils or pens
Lesson
Introduction
- Show the students a few examples of dog-themed current events. Some possibilities are: a news clip, a newspaper article, a trailer of a new dog-themed movie or TV show.
Explicit Instruction/Teacher Modeling
- Review the parts of a newspaper article with the students: headline, byline, lead, body (explanation and additional information), and quotations.
- Pass out graphic organizer and rubric.
Independent Working Time
- Students will write a newspaper article based on a real-life event featuring dogs. Students can use The Canine Chronicle, DN Magazine: Dog News, Showsight: The Dog Show Magazine, and AKC News for inspiration. However, as good reporters, they should find at least 3 different sources for their story.
- While researching the story, student will complete the graphic organizer.
- Students will write a newspaper story of at least 350 words not including the headline or byline.
- In addition, the students should create an illustration to accompany the news article.
Review and Closing
- Review the parts of a newspaper and what makes a good news story.
References
http://caninechronicle.com/
http://www.showsightmagazine.com/
http://www.dnmagazine.us/