How to Write Newspaper Articles for Kids

Using newspaper articles in writing activities gets kids excited about the writing process, while introducing them to a real-life application. Connecting classroom assignments to real-world occupations prepares students for life outside of school. Writing newspaper articles covers a wide range of teaching topics, from brainstorming, interviewing and drafting to revising and editing. Students learn to write for a specific purpose, as opposed to writing for the sake of writing.

Brainstorm story topics. Before attempting to write a newspaper article, have a plan for what you are going to write about. Choose to write about events coming up at your school or community events that may interest your classmates.

Research your topic. Before writing, get as much background information on your topic as you can. It is always better to have too much information. You can cut out unneeded information later.

Interview experts on your topic. If you are writing about the upcoming school musical, interview the music teacher or some of the participants. If you are reporting on a community event, interview the person in charge of organizing it. First-hand accounts from people involved in the story make it more interesting for your readers.

Write the lead for your story. A good lead should grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading.

Write supporting paragraphs that focus on who, what, when, where and why.

Revise and edit your rough draft. Have your classmates or teachers offer suggestions for how to improve your story, such as by inserting direct quotes or adding more details. Edit your paper for spelling and punctuation errors.

Create a title or headline for your story, and submit your final copy to your teacher for publication.