Picturing a Radio Story: Part 1
How can a radio story be like a close-up photograph?
Part 1: "Five Things" by Matt Largey from HowSound.org
"What impressed me ten years ago when this piece was produced is what continues to impress me today: intimacy. The story's like a close-up photograph. That level of intimacy required full access. The people in the story had to trust Matt and let him into their private thoughts and moments. What's even more amazing is that this access was gained by a student."
- Rob Rosenthal
Standards:
Analyze how the author unfolds an analysis or series of ideas or events, including the order in which the points are made, how they are introduced and developed, and the connections that are drawn between them.
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language of a court opinion differs from that of a newspaper).
Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
Step One
Find the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-VEqmACxSk
Step Two
Find the radio story here: http://howsound.org/2014/07/five-things/
Step Three
#5thingsradio
Mapping "Five Things"
Step One
- Sound effects
- Imagery
- People you heard / People Interviewed
- Facts about cerebral palsy
- Facts about how Bill Picard lives
- Facts about Bill Picard's personality
Step Two
Find a public example here: http://www.mindmeister.com/450038534
For your own class, I recommend that you set up an account and copy this template. You can also use a different platform to create a whole-class mind map, but I like mindmeister because it tracks changes and allows students to collaborate real-time.
Step Three
Discussion Questions
Question 1
How does Matt Largey use sound effects and imagery to create intimacy?
Question 2
At the beginning of the podcast, the host Rob Rosenthal compares this radio story to a "close-up photograph." Did you have the same response while listening? Why or why not?
Question 3
"That level of intimacy required full access. The people in the story had to trust Matt and let him into their private thoughts and moments." What are some memorable moments and/or quotes from the story that reveal that "full access"?
Question 4
"Five Things" tells the listener a lot about cerebral palsy. How does cerebral palsy affect everyday life? What are some ways Bill Picard works though the challenges?
Question 5
When Bill Picard was 16, he and his grandmother wrote down the five things he most wanted to do in his life. Despite his disability, he has achieved some of his goals. What are some of Bill's personality traits led to him reach his goals? Which is the most important characteristic trait?