Collaborative Activities:

Cut out headlines from pulp newspapers like News of the World.  In groups of three, have the students choose one and write an article to go with it.  Share with the class.

Examples of Headlines:
? Mutant Frog Given IQ Tests
? Buried Alive: Worker Crushed by Grapefruit Avalanche
? Midget Disguised as Little Boy Robs Banks
? College Student Eats 62 Rats
? Road-Kill Sculpture Brings Artist Big Bucks
? Eating Potato Chips Makes You Smarter
? Transplant Recipient Inherits Donor’s Habits
? Motorist Kills Woman—then sues her family for repairs to his car
? Help!  My Wife Wants a Sex Change for our Golden Anniversary
? Amazing VCR Records Dreams While You Sleep
? 3,000 Pound Prehistoric Man Unearthed
? You can Harness the Power of Angels
? One out of every four US Senators is a Space Alien
? Python Terror Erupts  Pet Snakes Turn Into Killers
? Dinosaur Captured in Nevada
? Housewife Find Human Eyeball in a Bag of Peanuts
? How to Have a Chat With Your Cat
? Wreckage of Flying Saucer Contains Three Perfectly Preserved Space Alien Corpses
 Additional headlines can be found at this site:
News of the world


Set up situations involving three characters and a conflict—examples:
? Husband, wife, marriage counselor
? Teacher, two students with identical answers on an exam
? Parent, two children—one of whom has put a dent in the family car
? Boyfriend and two girlfriends

In groups of three, have students compose a script for these characters.  Share with the class by each reading a part.