Brittany Spears

Unbelievable that she is one of my posts; however, if you haven't heard, Brittany is suing the Star and Radar Online.com and her ex-husband, Jason Alexander, for libel.  It should be an awesome case to follow with your journalism kids next week.

Google it to find out all the details.  It is all centered around an audio recording that the ex-husband alleges is Brittany.  It was then posted by Radar and and article was printed in the Star.

All the "radio talk show" attorneys seem to think she has a great chance at proving malice.  Very interesting, since celebrities rarely make a case.

An exciting nugget to contemplate and research as you begin your weekend.

Mug Shot Activity

Have students practice taking mug shots.  (All students on staff should be required to complete this task.  Even editors need to review basic skills periodically.)   Require them to shoot a 3/4 view, straight on, and one from a different angle.  Photo edit the shots as a computer lab activity.

To build on this assignment in beginning classes, have each revisit the business card activity I posted.  Using the mug shot of their choice, add dimension to the business card by using a photo to enhance the card.  Now that they have spent a few extra months with the computer programs and learning new skills, the business card activity should be much more productive.  This is a great activity to wrap up the end of the semester..building on old skills while incorporating new ones.

Tip of the Day

Check this out!

New York Times Lesson Plans for Journalism

Composition PowerPoint

I'll be honest in saying that I have no clue who did this PowerPoint.  It's been on an old flash drive for several years.  It could have been Anita Stafford or Lori Oglesbee or Nancy Smith--whoever the creator, it is a great composition lesson to teach your students.  Thanks to the originator and thanks to those who have shared it all these years!

Photo Composition

Historical Photographers

This is an assignment which can be as easy or complex as needed.

Make a list of 25 photographers who played a role in journalism history.  Place the names in a sack and have each student draw out a name.  Using a computer lab give them each 10 minutes to learn as much about that person as possible.  Print one image that is considered the photographer's most famous work.  Share their findings with the class at the end of the period.  If you have an overhead projection unit, show other images as the students present.

This makes for an intense webquest/history assignment that energizes the students after a long school break.  This project can also be made into a more complex assignment.  Have them prepare a powerpoint or oral presentation with images for support to share with the class.

Sample names:  Stan Honda, Matthew Brady, Anne Geddes, Margaret Bourke-White, Timothy O'Sullivan, Edward Westin, Ansel Adams, Frances Johnston