Poppy Harlow is a well-respected American journalist who has made significant contributions to the field of news reporting. In an era dominated by sensationalist headlines and misinformation, it’s essential for educators to teach students about credible figures in journalism such as Poppy Harlow. By developing critical thinking skills, media literacy, and an understanding of journalistic integrity, students can become informed consumers of news. This article offers guidance on teaching students about Poppy Harlow’s career and the lessons they can learn from her work.
Lesson 1: Poppy Harlow’s Background and Career
Begin by providing an overview of Poppy Harlow’s background and career. Born in 1982 as Katharine Julia Harlow, she grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She attended Columbia University, where she earned a degree in Political Science and Middle Eastern studies. After graduation, Harlow worked her way up as a reporter for NY1 News, Forbes.com, and CNNMoney.com before joining CNN as a full-time correspondent.
Lesson 2: The Role of a Journalist
Using Poppy Harlow’s work as an example, explain the role of a journalist – to gather facts, conduct interviews, and report on news events objectively. Highlight some of her notable accomplishments:
– Covering international stories such as the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
– Reporting on numerous financial crises and their global impact.
– Interviewing famous personalities like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Jay-Z.
Lesson 3: Ethics in Journalism
Discuss the importance of ethics in journalism with your students. Use examples from Poppy Harlow’s reporting to illustrate:
– Integrity: Reporters should always be honest and pursue the truth.
– Objectivity: Journalists must maintain neutrality when covering stories.
– Accountability: Every reporter is responsible for confirming their sources and fact-checking information.
Lesson 4: Reporting Techniques
Delve into various reporting techniques Poppy Harlow uses in her stories:
– Researching: Demonstrating the importance of thorough research and understanding the sources.
– Storytelling: Explaining how storytelling can make complex subjects more engaging and accessible.
– Interview Techniques: Providing examples of how Harlow maintains a professional and respectful tone. Encourage students to practice interviewing each other.
Lesson 5: Critiquing Media
Discuss the role of critical thinking in evaluating media. Encourage students to question sources, consider different perspectives, and evaluate information presented by outlets.
– How can readers distinguish between facts and opinions?
– What are some credible news sources?
– How can one separate bias from objective reporting?
