When I was

Chatterbox: Down to Earth

When I was

When I was in 6th grade, my school had a newspaper going on, but by the time 6th grade had ended, it had died. Lately my dad has been encouraging me to resurrect it. I've been thinking about it, and I would like to see the newspaper up again. However, I don't want it to bore people. Could anyone give me suggestions on how to make the newspaper good and interesting to my "fellow students"? Thanks!

submitted by Lauren, age 13
(May 20, 2009 - 5:28 pm)

back to the Down to Earth

They killed our school newspaper as well, mainly because the writers weren't doing very well. Also, it was sort of... pitiful. As in, the only stories were basically about Vera Bradley and Webkinz (yes! And this was written by middle schoolers!), and all the articles about "current events" in school came out, what, a MONTH after the thing actually happened?! The editing was exTREMEly poor as well... it was sort of an embarrassment. I was a bit disappointed that they discontinued it right when I was old enough to contribute, but no big deal.

Therefore, I think that the school newspaper is a wonderful idea, but here's some advice that you might want to tae into considertion:

1. No Vera Bradley, Webkinz, or other such trivial, random topics. EVER. Unless it actually relates.

2. Be organized enough that it'll come out on time and well-written.

3. Get teachers and other students to look over your work so that you don't look like "orangutans" as I have heard professionals call people with bad edting skills.

4. Think of a better name and slogan than "The McKnighty News- the paper you can trust!" *reddens* That was the one the crew at my school dreamed up... :/

Best wishes (I don't believe in saying "good luck"- sorry), and I hope it works for you! :) It's fun if done correctly. :)

submitted by Mary W., age 11.35, NJ
(May 22, 2009 - 3:29 pm)

Great tips! :)

submitted by Lena
(May 22, 2009 - 5:28 pm)

and front...

submitted by Mary W.
(May 22, 2009 - 3:29 pm)

Thanks for the advice! Yeah, I still need to find out why ours died. It wasn't horrible, although it wasn't like SPECTACULAR. I think it may have just sort of gotten lost in the events we were doing at the time; we're a small school, but we've been getting busier and busier each year. Hopefully I might be able to start 'er back up again (and I'll keep what you said in mind! :D). Who knows.

submitted by Lauren, age 13
(May 22, 2009 - 10:23 pm)