The Writing Process: It's Not Just For Paper Anymore!

The TV Production program at Rocky Hill is an interdisciplinary, multi-grade program that strives to support the language arts program through hands-on experiences.

When students walk into the classroom for the first time, they expect to grab a camera and film. This is not the case. The first classes focus on the writing process and the steps needed to create a quality video segment that tells a story. Students will develop ideas through planning, research for accurate information, clearly define a purpose, use story elements to build a story, capture and maintain the attention of an audience, revise, and complete a final "draft" of the writing using video equipment to produce a movie.

After studying and practicing the skills needed to plan/write the story, they are then taught the technical skills needed to film and edit their video. Once these skills are "mastered", the groups are given assignments, such as the one below, where they apply their language arts, writing, and video skills to create quality video segments for the morning show.

Lesson Example: Around RHMS-To Inform
Purpose: To give clear, consise information about a school related topic or activity

Objectives:
-To tell a story
-To create a detailed and organized plan
-To capture and maintain the attention of the audience
-To provide a clear message to the audience
-To give important information in a clear and consise manner
-To create an intended mood through the use of various techniques

Lesson Steps:
1. Select a topic that is school related.
2. (Research and Data Collection)Research the who, what, when, where, why and how of your topic and take notes, making sure to write down your sources of information.
3. (Analysis and Synthesis of Information) Analyze the collected information and decide which information is important and meaningful to your topic.
4. (Planning) Create a script and storyboard of your project, making sure to plan out a beginning that captures the attention of your audience as well as a conclusion that leaves your audience thinking about your topic.
5. Rehearse and gather props; film your storyboard and script.
6. Edit your footage into a meaningful, informative piece that effectively communicates your message. Make sure to include credits (creators and resources used must be included).