1. NOV. 11-12 I can identify elements of a sports story. I can create a sports story.

2. Current Events Discuss Don’t forget to make notes on at least 1 current event discussed.

3. Journal Free Write Write for 5 minutes.

4. Sports Writing Brainstorm Discuss current or recent sporting events. What was the last sporting event you watched? Describe what happened in the event? Write the words used to describe the event. Be specific. Identify (circle) the words you think are more powerful or precise. Examine the weaker words and replace them with stronger words.

5. Sports Writing Review Sports stories are constructed by writers who make careful decisions about words to use and how to organize information. Sports writers often want to inform and entertain readers Sports writing has genre-specific elements—short, expressive sentences; colorful, descriptive words; powerful verbs; and play-by-play commentary Find these characteristics within the article. Look for vivid language.

6. Language What language did you like within the article? List on the board. Discuss why you think the writer used those words. Game time: How many ways can you say won/lost? You have 1 minute to list as many as you can. Ready…set…go!

7. Watch Carefully You will watch several clips of different sport events. The events are just pieces of the sporting event. Take notes (like a sports journalist) about what is happening. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxw9rNrAQOU&app=de sktop Describe what you saw. Now work with a partner and identify more powerful words to describe the video.

8. Pregame A pregame story is…a story before the game takes place. Things to include: Last year’s scores of contests between the two schools Condition of athletes (and any injuries) Key athletes or starting lineups Comparisons of team or individual records Comments on styles of play (any emphasis on defense or offense) Significance of the event in terms of records or future events Any history of rivalries between the schools Any related spirit activities.

9. Game Story This would cover an entire event (1 game) Things to include: Tell the name of the event Be sure to make clear boys or girls and freshman, junior varsity, or varsity Scores Turning points (who had the winning shot, a shift from man to man to zone defense, etc.) Play by play commentary Comments from key players and coaches Info about the atmosphere

10. Postgame Story Postgame stories may include –or focus on- interviews with the players after the event, descriptions of spectators’ actions during the event, Historical perspectives on a sport or rivalry Wrap ups (or reviews) of the season And/or discussions of rule changes

11. Assignment 1. Choose 1 sporting event This can be high school, college, or professional 2. Gather information and write a short (around 150-200 words) pregame story. 3. Watch the event Take specific notes 4. Then write either a game story or post game story. (around 250-300) words Both need to by typed, 12 pt font, Times New Roman, and saved to either a flash drive or your school network! Both stories must be completed by Nov. 17! You will have the lab on Thursday!