Writing News Stories for Elementary School Publications
Basic Structure
1. The Headline
- Keep it short and exciting
- Use simple, active words
- Make readers want to learn more
- Example: “School Garden Grows First Vegetables” instead of “Agricultural Project Yields Results”
2. The Lead (First Paragraph)
- Answer the 5 W’s in simple terms:
- Who is the story about?
- What happened?
- Where did it happen?
- When did it happen?
- Why is it important?
- Limit to 2-3 short sentences
- Use present or past simple tense
3. The Body
- Put most important information first
- One main idea per paragraph
- Keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences)
- Use simple transitions like “Then,” “Also,” or “Next”
Writing Style Tips
Use Kid-Friendly Language
DO:
- “The students helped plant tomatoes”
- “The principal was happy with the results”
- “The basketball team won their game”
DON’T:
- “The participants initiated the cultivation process”
- “The administration expressed satisfaction”
- “The team achieved victory in their athletic encounter”
Make It Visual
- Include clear descriptions
- Use comparisons kids understand
- Example: “The new playground is as big as two classrooms”
- Add relevant quotes from students and teachers
Keep It Active and Direct
Instead of: “The decision was made by the student council to have a pizza party” Write: “The student council chose to have a pizza party”
Final Checklist
- Is the headline interesting and clear?
- Did you answer all 5 W’s in the first paragraph?
- Are all words easy for elementary students to understand?
- Are paragraphs short and focused?
- Did you include quotes from people involved?
- Did you check spelling and grammar?
- Would your classmates want to read this?
Common Topics for School News
- School Events
- Sports games
- Field trips
- Special assemblies
- School plays
- Student Achievements
- Contest winners
- Good deeds
- Special projects
- Art displays
- School Changes
- New teachers
- Building updates
- New programs
- Schedule changes
- Community News
- Food drives
- Fundraisers
- School garden updates
- Environmental projects
Story Examples
Good Example:
Copy
New Playground Equipment Arrives!
Our school got exciting new playground equipment yesterday! The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) bought three new swings and a climbing wall for all students to enjoy.
“I can’t wait to try the climbing wall,” said Sarah Chen, a third-grade student. “It looks so fun!”
The new equipment will be ready to use next Monday after safety checks are done.
About the Author
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