Hello all,
As part of our journey work we talked the ways media is used by the community. I asked the girls to pick two people in their community circles outside of immediate family like friends, teachers, or neighbors to survey about their thoughts and feelings about media. These don’t have to be face to face interviews. They can be emailed, discussed over the phone, or however else you would be comfortable with them communicating to others. Please see the sample survey attached as a guideline for the girls to follow.
The second activity that I would like the girls to have completed and ready to discuss is an examination of a current news story. I would like them to find a story that interests them, and consider why it maters whether news is reliable or not. As they look over their chosen story I want them to see if they can identify any examples of spin, slant, or sensationalism, as well as the “hook” or human connection in the story. I would like them to decide whether they think the story fits into the sensational or trustworthy category.
Spin – to twist or form ” I can make something else out of this material”
Slant – to present in a way that conforms with a particular bias “I like this topic therefore, the tone of my writing is positive.”
Sensationalism – Events and topics in news stories are selected and worded to excite the greatest number of readers and viewers. “Click Bait”
Once they have completed and turned in these surveys and news article discussions they will have earned their Monitor award for the journey. They will need to have them completed and ready to discuss for our next meeting.
Please let me know if anyone has any questions. Thanks and have a great week!
Cadette Troop 25787 