What an informative and interesting day! I enjoyed learning about focusing story ideas (loved the planet-->zip code analogy) and hearing all of the strategies you all use in your own classrooms. However, the group reporting exercise really stood out to me.
Though I have implemented a few role play activities in my own classroom, none were this detailed. I have never participated in one myself. Actually DOING this made me realize just how hard it can be for my own students. Disappointingly enough, I found myself speechless and confused so many times, and had to really rely on my group members to think of insightful (and intelligent) questions to ask the participants.
This activity opened my eyes to how different it is to plan an interview upfront versus being immersed in an actual story and having to roll with the punches. Having no journalism background, I have never been in a situation like that. Though it was staged, I feel it gave me a good sense of what it might be like.
I will definitely tweak my role plays to include all of the extra layers (red herrings, twists) that this activity had. It definitely showed me to make sure to report only on the facts, to figure what you know and what you don't know. This is something I haven't really emphasized with my kids. These participants did a fantastic job staying in character. It never would have worked so well without their ability to assume their roles. I would assign these roles to outgoing students--they can be so dramatic already!
Here's a short clip of the crying nurse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFZ-JHQFS4k&feature=youtu.be
Lauren Gutierrez
Corbett Jr. High School
San Antonio, Texas
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