New York Times Writing Lesson

Photo made public in January 2013 by Gawker.com 

This photo may be viewed on Matthew Hansen's article from Omaha.com.  The New York Times article that this lesson is based upon, is referring to Hansen's article and his solid journalism.  The original photo was taken by Stephanie Sands.

Background:  My husband discovered excellent writing examples, from two news sources, that will be certain to interest elementary and middle school students.  Their topic is about an amazing photo that appears to highlight several manhole covers flying off an Omaha street in a firey blaze. Was the photo real or fake?  The possibilities for learning objectives from these article are limitless - journalism ethics, sound reporting, the interview process, writing examples, news writng process.  Read further to explore the objectives this teacher chose for the news writers' fascinating topic.

Objectives:  To read an excellent example of writing from The New York Times and Omaha.com  To discuss solid reporting versus using the internet to get "the scoop" on a good story.

Prepare:  Open the New York Times article entitled "Logging off to Trace a Web Photo to Its Source."  The articles in this lesson were published on newyorktimes.com, and Omaha.com but copyright laws stipulate that neither may be printed, copied or published elsewhere. Download Catholic Teacher Daydream's writing guide titled Getting the News Scoop.  I grant full permission to print and copy this writing guide for educational purposes only.

Procedure: Display the photo taken, on a computer or iPad, taken by Stephanie Sands.  Ask, "Do you think the photo depicts what is truly happening?  Why or why not?  How could you learn if it is fake or real?  

Read the New York Times article aloud. Discuss how the author of the Omaha newspaper article reported in an old-fashioned manner and let his boots hit the reporting ground. "Were you surprised to find out that the picture was not exactly as it seemed? Would the reporter have discovered this if he had not done his homework and investigated offline?"

"What topic would you be interested in reporting offline?"  Hand out "Getting the News Scoop" downloaded at Scribd. Discuss the steps reporters take to get a good story. Allow time for choosing a topic and beginning “Getting the News Scoop.” Remind students that their sources and questions may change as they research.  If time permits students might also read Matthew Hansen's article on the internet.

Decide how long you will give students to complete their research. Schedule a second week for students to write, revise, and edit a final copy.  Students will publish articles by reading their articles to students or family, or displaying in classrooms.  A Catholic school newspaper or home school newsletter would also be an appropriate place for publishing a student article.

Evaluation: Did the students find reliable sources offline? Did they ask important questions to complete their research? Is their research organized? Were they surprised by the events that took place in their story? Follow familiar writing rubric for evaluating or the COPS rubric.

Teacher Notes: I am pleased that my husband found the New York Times article. It has many possible learning outcomes.  My children's responses to the photo were interesting.   They suggested going on the internet to "zoom in on the photo."  They wanted to search for another photo of the scene that might be taken from a different angle, in order to solve the mystery.  It did not occur to them that a reporter could find the photographer and ask her about the photo. Their response explains how important it is for students to "unplug" and communicate with people.