I am doing a lesson plan for a 7th grade class (it's and English class, but I am trying to cross it over with current events) where I use Fox News's Shepard Smith's show because he does the "Around the World in 80 Seconds" segment, which is a very fast paced way to deliver world news. Then, the students will pick a story (usually there are at least four) and write a pragraph about the topic and what they though about the story, whether it be a stupid criminal story or about Iraq. What do you think? Any susggestions for improvement? I am planning on grading their pragraphs for grammatical errors, etc.

I think that is a very creative lesson plan, but, one paragraph is not enough for a 7th grader. I think I would bump up your requirements and get them to work a little harder at it. Maybe require them to do some more research on the topic. But, I have one question, what if they can't view the show? Not everyone has access to cable or even t.v. Will you give them the topics and then allow them to do some research on it?

But, I think that is a very creative way of getting them to write and getting them to be aware of current events!! KUDOS to you!!!

your idea is great accept the opinion of a beautiful stranger and do it, because it's really great to teach the kids how to search and understand things going on around them all the day and show them how television can be good and useful otherwise than series and movies, well by doing this you'll be created a new way to make kids love homework more.

Good luck

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I think it's a great idea. The only thing I would have them do that you haven't mentioned is maybe research words or parts of the story that they really don't understand. Or tell you about it in a paragraph and then have an opinion sentence or two, you know, how did they feel about the story.

Have a good day! : )

I like the concept a lot. Just a word of caution, be sure you have a "fair and balanced" selection of stories so no one can come back at you and say you were pushing an agenda. Keep a record of the stories you have put out there, so you can prove that point if necessary. It's sad, but teachers have to practice defensive teaching these days. But again, I think your concept is great. Good luck to you.

you could make them present it to the class in the role of a news reporter to make it interesting and get the whole class involved, rather than report submission for evaluation.