Procedures

• SET-UP:

  This lesson offers several options for you to use with your students whether you are teaching in class, using a hybrid model, or engaging through distance learning. It can be completed in steps as a class or students can move at their own pace and complete the activities independently.

  You can post links to the videos in the lesson along with the related handouts and engage in discussion to share responses on a discussion board or learning management system.

  You can also save and share the following Google resources for students to use with this lesson.

  Vocabulary Chart: Female Reporters in the 19th Century (Google Doc)

  Handout: Female Reporters in the 19th Century (Google Doc)

  In Google, choose "File" then "Make a Copy" to get your own copy. You can make any needed adjustments in the instructions such as which activities students need to complete, when it is due, etc. and then make it available to them via Google.

• INTRODUCTION:

  Have students view the video clip below. Then engage in class discussion with the related question.

  VIDEO CLIP 1: Origin of Stunt Reporting (2:24)

  Author Kim Todd talks about the beginning of girl stunt reporting, including the story of Nellie Bly.

  • How did stunt reporting get its start?

• EXPLORATION:

  Have students view the following video clips. They can take notes and respond to the accompanying questions on the handout. Students can watch each video independently or view clips with a partner, prepare responses to the questions and share them in class discussion.

  VIDEO CLIP 2: Female Reporter Helen Cusack (:39)

  Author Kim Todd talked about Helen Cusack, also known as Nell Nelson, and the issues she reported on for the Chicago Tribune.

  • What issues did Helen Cusack (Nell Nelson) report on during her time at the Chicago Tribune?

  • Describe her success.

• VIDEO CLIP 3: Female Reporter Victoria Earle Matthews (:58)

  Author Kim Todd talked about the contributions of female reporter Victoria Earle Matthews.

  • How did Victoria Earle Matthews get her start in writing?

  • What issues did she write about as her career evolved?

• VIDEO CLIP 4: Obstacles for Female Reporters in the 19th Century (2:33)

  Author Kim Todd talked about some of the obstacles female reporters faced in the 19th Century.

  • Describe some of the obstacles female reporters experienced during this time as Kim Todd explained.

• VIDEO CLIP 5: Legacy of 19th Century Female Reporters (2:15)

  Author Kim Todd talked about the legacy of female reporters in the 19th century.

  • Explain the legacy of early female reporters and the era as Kim Todd describes.

• CONCLUSION:

  After class discussion on the clips that were viewed, have students share their positions on female journalists today as an exit slip. Some questions to consider are:

  • Which issues do they currently report on?
  • Are there parallels between the past and present?
  • What kind of access do they have to publishing their articles?

• EXTENSION ACTIVITES:

  Choose one of the following projects to learn more about this topic.

  Research one of the women discussed in this lesson to learn more about her experiences and contributions to journalism. Present your findings in your own way.

  Some examples are:

  • Become the character! Discuss what you have learned from the person's perspective.

  • Write journal entries that describe the person's experiences.

• You are a stunt reporter! What present day issue would you want to investigate and report on? Explain the issue you are researching, why you are interested in it and how you would approach it.