Student Newspapers:
Putting Skills into Action

A student newspaper allows students to put skills into action, taking on roles in investigative reporting, designing, and marketing and distribution.

Writing is a powerful way students demonstrate their understanding and share ideas. Teachers often recommend the use of written reflections to allow students to explore their feelings and opinions about social issues. Teachers also encourage students to share their ideas in a public forum by writing articles or letters in response to media stories.

Taking it to the next level, the creation of a student newspaper incorporates both language arts and social studies, allowing students to put skills into action. Students can take on roles in investigative reporting, designing and even marketing and distribution. The newspaper will allow students to share their knowledge with the larger school population, parents and even the local community. With a focus on social issues, the newspaper’s articles will inform and educate, and bolster support and build momentum for future fundraising events.

To help you get started, we are pleased to offer both elementary and secondary journalism resources. These units explore the world of journalism, including: approaches to creative writing, news story genres, conducting research, interviewing and writing a news story. From here, your students’ passions and skills will lead the way.

If you’re looking to incorporate news media and social issues into your lessons, take a look at Craig and Marc Kielburger’s Global Voices articles on the Toronto Star website. Lesson plans are available for each article and there is the opportunity for students to post their responses to the articles directly on the web site. Some students even go on to become Junior Journalists and submit their own articles to be published online.

As always, I welcome your feedback and I would love to hear stories of your students’ journalism experiences.

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development

Contact Catherine
Download student journalism resources (look for “Global Voices Links” in blue text box)
Read the latest Global Voices article
Know a student who could be Junior Journalist?

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.