Lesson plan; inspired by uplifting stories.

Lesson Plan: Uplifting Stories from BBC News

Did you know that the BBC has a website called Uplifting stories? Turns out CBS in the USA has a similar sight.

Standards

• English Language Arts Standards for Reading: Informational Text.
• English Language Arts Standards for Writing.
• English Language Arts Standards for Speaking and Listening

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify and analyze the elements of a news story that make it uplifting.
• Students will be able to write their own uplifting news stories, inspired by real-world events.
• Students will be able to collaborate with others to produce a creative and informative presentation.

Introduction:

1. Begin by asking students what they know about BBC News and CBS News. What are some of the ways that these two news organizations are similar and where they are different?
2. Explain to students that the goal of this lesson is to compare and contrast uplifting news stories from BBC News and CBS News. Students will then use this knowledge to write their own uplifting news stories.

Introduction:

1. Begin by asking students what they think of when they hear the word “uplifting.” What are some things that make them feel happy, hopeful, or inspired?
2. Explain to students that the goal of this lesson is to explore uplifting stories from BBC News and to identify the elements that make these stories so inspiring. Students will then use this knowledge to write their own uplifting news stories.

Activity 1: Uplifting Story Analysis

1. In groups of 3, choose two uplifting stories from BBC News and two from CBS to share with the class.
2. Students should read or listen to the stories and identify the elements that make them uplifting. These elements might include:
   • Positive outcomes: Does the story have a happy ending?
   • Overcoming adversity: Does the story feature a character who overcomes a challenge or obstacle?
   • Acts of kindness and compassion: Does the story feature people helping others?
   • Humor and creativity: Is the story told in a way that makes the reader smile or laugh?
   • Differences in the stories from the USA and BBC, can they mention any different approaches?
3. After students have finished reading or listening to the stories, have them come together as a class to discuss their findings. What common elements did they identify in the uplifting stories?

Activity 2: Writing Uplifting News Stories

1. Now that students have a good understanding of what makes a news story uplifting have them start writing their own uplifting news stories. These stories can be based on real-world events, or they can be completely fictional.
2. Encourage students to be creative and to think about what kinds of stories would inspire and uplift their readers.
3. Once students have finished writing their stories, have them share them with the class.

Extension Activities:

• Have students create a presentation or video about their uplifting news stories.
• Have students research and write a report on a topic related to uplifting news stories, such as the benefits of reading or writing uplifting stories, the role of uplifting stories in the media, or the history of uplifting news stories.

Assessment:

• Assess students’ understanding of the elements of an uplifting news story by observing their participation in class discussions and by reviewing their written news stories.
• Assess students’ creativity and originality by looking at the content and presentation of their news stories.
• Assess students’ collaborative skills by observing how they work together to create their presentations.