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Advising in the Middle Three lessons learned Stephen Rexford ([email protected] ) ursus.news One about writing one about layout and one about the staff handbook

Copy of lessons from the middle

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Powerpoint Slides for the CSPA Spring convention

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Page 1: Copy of lessons from the middle

Advising in the MiddleThree lessons learned

Stephen Rexford ([email protected])

ursus.news

One about writingone about layoutand one about the staff handbook

Page 2: Copy of lessons from the middle

Lesson learned on writing . . .First misconception was that middle schoolers won’t and can’t write on tough topics.

Actually, they want to and should work on controversial topics (within reason).

Page 3: Copy of lessons from the middle

How to do it . . .

Lighten up a bit on journalism standards

● teach them qualitative data (interviews)- let them interview some friends, family members

● teach them to gather quantitative data (polls and surveys)- engage in some informal polling and data collection

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Quantitative Data Rough before HR More polished Googleforms

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Use a simple outline for complex stories1. Anecdotal lead2. Nut graph (Why the issue is important to

reader)3. Quantitative data4. Qualitative data5. End with advice or next steps

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Issues we have and are going to coverHandicapped parking accessBack packs in classBar and bat mitzvah swag controversyTesting retake policyCliques and lunch table dramaCyberbullyingSuicide preventionParents who don’t pick up after walking dog near schoolStress caused by schoolShould police have body camerasSchool start times

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Lesson learned about layoutI thought it really important to keep layouts the same (template) because kids can’t design

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How to get variety in layouts. . .

● Give two kids a full page on a feature item.

● They have to use at least four pictures.

● Must have headline, captions and lifted text.

● Avoid making pics the same size.

● Spend three days in Sept. teaching Indesign and Photoshop.

● Keep templates for news and opinion.

● Have them draw dummy sheets for advisers to place.

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Hands-on dummy sheets. With construction paper, a tabloid sheet and scissors, kids can create layout ideas that advisers can help turn into reality.

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Lesson learned about the a middle school staffI thought skill wise that middle schoolers were little high schoolers.

Actually, they aren’t at all- fewer Photoshop and InDesign skills.- little knowledge of First Amendment- different problem solving and initiative taking

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HandbookMost journalism textbooks are aimed at high schoolers. Put together a “How to” guide on how to handle the writing and running of the paper and call it a handbook.

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If you would like a copy of our handbook, go to http://ursus.news/handbook/ and download.

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Documents I will be adding this year to the handbook.Perfect size slug list for a 12 page tabloid. (Most stories 500 words on avg.

Guide to what stories are going where.

Kept page number consistent from issue to issue.

Shared on google docs so staff can see.

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Let kids work in pairs, less scary

Adviser determines length

Adviser takes the lead on telling writer what the “real” story is and possible angle to take

Adviser also gives kids the “big” sources to interview

In high school, student editors do the work on this page. In middle school, for better or worse, I controlled direction to get things started.