Extra! Extra! Read All About It
Bylines : a photobiography of Nellie Bly by Macy, Sue - National Geographic Society, p2009, c2009--070--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 7.5 A photo-illustrated biography of American journalist, author, industrialist, and charity worker Nellie Bly. Replete with photos,quotes, and maps, this chronological biography of the muckraking journalist, globetrotter, and women’s rights advocate presents Nellie Bly as a woman eager to engage in the controversial issues of her day.
Rationale: Teachers and administrators frequently send weekly newsletters home to parents. I’ve found, however, that student created and written newsletters are read more carefully at home than the adult newsletters. Over the years, students and teachers in my schools have
done an assortment of newspaper lessons and units: a unit newspaper (Medieval Times), writing a news article, a weekly KidPix newsletter, a weekly written summary of classes, a monthly school newspaper, and even a yearbook. The Inspiration Book is a challenging title which will be used in a mini unit about news writing and a journalism careerfor Grades 5-8. Students in Grades 3-6 will create a classroom newspaper following the two week lesson plan developed for Thinkfinity.org and ReadWriteThink. Grades K-3 begin creating a weekly newsletter for their parents.
Grades K-3--What I Did This Week
Background: One of the most effective classroom newsletters I’ve seen is one which was written by second graders each week. The teacher followed the ideas presented in this Thinkfinity lesson. Weekend News! A Weekly Writing Activity K - 2 | Lesson On Monday
mornings, you’re likely to be asked, “What did you do this weekend?” In this lesson, students respond to this question in a self-assessed
writing... URL:
My teacher modified the lesson to be about what happened in school that particular week. She kept a chart on the chalk/whiteboard for each subject area. At the end of each day, just prior to dismissal, the students talked about the day and wrote the events of the day under
each subject area. There was always an extra spot for special events that were non-curricular. Then on Fridays after lunch, the whole week was reviewed. Pairs of students, on a rotating basis, wrote at least one sentence about their subject area of the week. The teacher quickly
checked for grammar and spelling. Then each group used their best penmanship to write their news on a master template. Thus the teacher was able to complete a writing activity, summarize the week, and prepare news for the parents. By having students do the writing, the parents were always eager to know what happened in school that particular week. The teacher wrote a note at the end of the newsletter summarizing her goals or telling parents about upcoming events. Students not yet writing can dictate their sentences to the
teacher which makes the lesson applicable for Grades K & 1. The Kindergarten teacher also posted her newsletter online at her teacher site.
Titles to Share Especially with Second and Third Grade:
Newspaper hats by Cummings, Phil — Charlesbridge, 2016-E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.3. A little girl, Georgie, visits her grandfather in the nursing home where he is suffering from memory loss, and manages to reconnect with him when they make newspaper hats for everyone.
The paperboy by Pilkey, Dav — Orchard Books, an imprint of Scholastic Inc., 2016-E-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.5. A paperboy and his dog enjoy the quiet of the early morning as they go about their rounds.
Learning about fact and opinion (Pebble Plus: Media Literacy For Kids) by Rustad, Martha E. H — Capstone Press, a Capstone imprint, 2015. 302.23; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 2.6. Introduces readers to the media literacy skills needed to evaluate and understand the difference between fact and opinion in media. Includes a hands-on activity related to media literacy.
Miss Mary reporting : the true story of sportswriter Mary Garber by Macy, Sue — Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016. 070.4; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.3. Details the life and career of American sportswriter Mary Garber.
Ivy + Bean : no news is good news (Ivy And Bean, Book 8) by Barrows, Annie — Chronicle Books, 2011-Fic-; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 3.4. Ivy and Bean try to make money by writing a newspaper about Pancake Court but the neighbors are not pleased to read about themselves. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follet.
Grades 3-6--Who, What, Where, When and Why
Background: Sometimes others have prepared a well designed lesson and/or unit, so well designed that rather than modifying it, I’ve chosen to recommend the whole unit. I modify this type of unit depending on the class skill and time allotment, thus each time it’s taught there may be a different emphasis. I keep the whole unit in my file and rework it each time I teach it. The lesson from Thinkfinity.org about newspapers is one of those units. I suggest you
visit the site and decide what you would like to use. All the resources are there. Creating a Classroom Newspaper 3 - 5 | Lesson Students write authentic newspaper stories, including learning about various aspects of newspapers, such as writing an article, online articles, newspaper...
URL: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/creating-classroom-newspaper-249.html
Preparation:
Become familiar with the lesson plan at
Creating a Classroom Newspaper 3 - 5 | Lesson Students write authentic newspaper stories, including learning about various aspects of newspapers, such as writing an article, online articles, newspaper...
URL: http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/creating-classroom-newspaper-249.html
Download and print sufficient copies for your class(es) of the student materials.
Gather as many of the titles from the bibliography and make a display.
Gather newspapers, enough for each student.
Titles for Book Talk, Display, and/or Check-out:
Judy Moody : around the world in 8 1/2 days by McDonald, Megan -Candlewick Press, p2010, c2006--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 3.8. Judy Moody's new friendship with Amy Namey causes problems with her old friends and the school project they are working on together. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
The newsy news newsletter (Nikki And Deja, Book 3) by English, Karen — Sandpiper, 2010 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 4.1. When Nikki and her best friend, Deja, start a newsletter about what is happening on their street and in their school, they focus more on writing exciting stories than on finding the truth.
The truth about Truman School by Butler, Dori Hillestad - Whitman, p2008, c2008--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.4. Tired of being told what to write by the school newspaper's advisor, Zibby and her friend Amr start an underground newspaper online where everyone is free to post anything, but things spiral out of control when a cyberbully starts using the site to harass one popular girl.
It can't be done, Nellie Bly! : a reporter's race around the world by Butcher, Nancy - Peachtree, p2003, c2003--070--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.9. In 1888, a young, female reporter for New York World newspaper sets out to travel around the world in fewer than eighty days, while a Cosmopolitan magazine reporter tries to beat her to the goal.
Ugly : a memoir by Hoge, Robert — Viking, 2016 362.4; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.3. Journalist Robert Hoge was born with a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs, but he refused to let what made him different stand in the way of leading a happy, successful life. This is the true story of how he embraced his circumstances and never let his 'ugly' stop him from focusing on what truly mattered
Shaking things up : 14 young women who changed the world by Hood, Susan — Harper, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2018. 920.72; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.7. Shares stories of fourteen inspiring young female rebels ... who broke down walls to pursue their interests, talents, and rights. They fought fires, discovered prehistoric animals, circled the globe, braved Nazis, championed sports, changed the way we eat, integrated schools, improved medicine and more. Readers will also hear about Molly Williams, Annette Kellerman, Nellie Bly, Pura Belpre, Frida Kahlo, Jacqueline and Eileen Nearne, Frances Moore Lappe, Mae Jemison, Angela Zhang, and Malala Yousafzai--all whose stories will enthrall and inspire.
Around the world : three remarkable journeys by Phelan, Matt -Candlewick, p2011, c2011--741.5--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.0. The journey of Thomas Steves, wheelman, 1884 -- The journey of Nellie Bly, girl reporter, 1889 -- The journey of Joshua Slocum, mariner, 1895. Fictionalized accounts of the true stories of three people who made separate attempts to travel around the world in the late nineteenth century, including Thomas Stevens, who made the journey on a bicycle, reporter Nellie Bly, who used conventional methods of travel, and sea captain Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail around the world alone.
The daring Nellie Bly : America's star reporter by Christensen, Bonnie - Dragonfly Books, p2009, c2003--070--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.3. Introduces the life of Nellie Bly who, as a "stunt reporter" for the New York World newspaper in the late 1800s, championed women's rights
and traveled around the world faster than anyone ever had.
The stars of summer by Dairman, Tara — G.P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2015. : -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.9. Sequel to: All four stars. Dragged to summer camp by her friend Charissa, twelve-year-old Gladys Gatsby, an undercover restaurant reviewer for a big New York City newspaper, finds a way to practice her cooking and restaurant reviewing skills.
Stars so sweet by Dairman, Tara — G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2016 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 5.9. Sequel to: Stars of summer. "Just as Gladys Gatsby prepares to enter the complicated world of middle school, her secret gig as the New York Standard's youngest restaurant critic won't be a secret much longer--and Gladys must enlist the help of her Parisian aunt to be true to herself, and honest with her friends and family.
All four stars by Dairman, Tara — G. P. Putnam's Sons, an imprint of Penguin Group (USA), 2014 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 3-6; Rd Lvl: 6.0. Eleven-year-old Gladys Gatsby loves food and cooking, so when she lands an assignment to write a restaurant review for a New York City newspaper, she will do anything to make it happen, even risk the wrath of her fast-food loving parents.
She persisted : 13 American women who changed the world by Clinton, Chelsea — Philomel Books, 2017. 920.72; Int Lvl: K-3; Rd Lvl: 6.9. Profiles the lives of thirteen American women who have left their mark on U.S. history, including Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Margaret Chase Smith, and Oprah Winfrey. This book features- Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor-and one special cameo.
Teacher Resources:
Sue Macy introduces and shares some of the backstory for creating Bylines: A Photobiography of Nellie Bly.
Around the World in 1896 Lesson Plan
Grades 5-8--Getting the Scoop
Background: Although newspapers don’t play as great a part in disseminating news as they did in the past, the type of writing found in newspapers is still a useful writing format. One of the themes running through middle school curricula is a careers theme. This lesson, developed by Johns Hopkins University for the Maryland State Department of Education, teaches writing in newspaper format and learning about journalism and is a four day unit. The final activity is a class newspaper. Although similar to the activity for Grades 3-6, this unit is condensed into four days rather than two weeks.
Preparation: Become familiar with the lesson plan at
Let’s Write a Newspaper Story
Download and print sufficient copies for your class(es) of the student materials.
Gather as many of the titles from the bibliography and make a display.
Gather newspapers, enough for each student.
Introduction: Extra! Extra! Read all about it (Read the headlines from each of the sections of a newspaper) During this week we’re going to be studying the career work of a journalist. You will identify the purposes of a newspaper; apply the Who -What -When -Where -Why -How
writing technique; write an effective lead; use basic editing principles; apply basic layout principles; and produce a class newspaper. Sounds like a lot of work. It is, but we’ll go step-by-step. Like a practicing journalist you will need to meet deadlines.
(Follow the four daily lesson plans found at
Even though the plan is a four day unit, I recommend using a whole week because the activities for the last day, day and a half take longer to do than anticipated.)
(Begin or end each day with a quick book talk and reference to one or more of the books you have on display.)
Other Titles for Display and Check-out:
Cheat (Orca Currents) by Butcher, Kristin — Orca Book Publishers, 2010. -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.4. Laurel, an aspiring investigative journalist, becomes a social outcast after writing an article about cheating at her high school, but she continues to pursue the story with no thought to the people she might be hurting, until she makes a shocking discovery. FREE Teaching Resources available for download from Follett.
Change-up : mystery at the World Series by Feinstein, John — Yearling, 2009. -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.6. While covering the World Series, teen reporters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol uncover some inconsistencies in the life story of a popular, new pitcher and begin to investigate.
Adam Canfield, the last reporter by Winerip, Michael, 1951- -Candlewick Press, p2010, c2009--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.7. When the school board shuts down the student newspaper, the Ameche Brothers, two budding entrepreneurs with a knack for refurbishing junk but a shaky command of journalistic ethics, step in to help.
Adam Canfield, watch your back! by Winerip, Michael, 1951- -Candlewick Press, p2009, c2007--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 4.8. A much-welcomed snow day turns into an embarrassing nightmare for middle-grader Adam Canfield when, after being mugged by high school bullies for his snow-shoveling money, he becomes the focus of major media attention just as his co-editors at The Slash are launching a contest to oust bullies at their school.
The Cruisers by Myers, Walter Dean, 1937- - Scholastic, p2011, c2010--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 4.9. Friends Zander, Kambui, LaShonda, and Bobbi, caught in the middle of a mock Civil War at DaVinci Academy, learn the true cost of freedom of speech when they use their alternative newspaper, The Cruiser, to try to make peace. eBook.
Screaming at the ump by Vernick, Audrey — Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 4.9. Twelve-year-old Casey lives with his father and grandfather at their family-run umpire school, and as he deals with middle school and his mother's unwelcome return, he stumbles on a sensational story that has him questioning his dream of becoming a journalist.
Breakout by Messner, Kate — Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2018. -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.4. From multiple perspectives, tells of a time capsule project and the middle schoolers who contribute, including future journalist Nora Tucker and newcomer Elidee Jones, whose brother is in the local prison.
The last newspaper boy in America by Corbett, Sue - Puffin Books, p2010, c2009--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.4. Wil's paper route is canceled when a large newspaper stops delivery to Wil's small town, but with the help of his clueless brother, a neighborhood friend, and the basic principles of physics, Wil finds a way to save his route and help his customers.
Rush for the gold : mystery at the Olympics by Feinstein, John — Yearling, 2014 -Fic-; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 5.5. Two teenaged aspiring journalists who are dating solve a mystery at the 2012 Olympic Games, while one simultaneously competes for a gold medal in swimming.
Adam Canfield of the Slash by Winerip, Michael (Michael C.), 1951- -Candlewick Press, p2007, c2005--Fic--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 5.7. While serving as co-editors of their school newspaper, middle-schoolers Adam and Jennifer uncover fraud and corruption in their school and in the city's government.
The Muckrakers : American journalism during the age of reform by Gallagher, Aileen - Rosen, p2006, c2006--302.23--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.8. A short study of American journalism during the early twentieth century and the efforts by the "muckrakers" to expose living and working conditions of the poor.
The rivalry : mystery at the Army-Navy game by Feinstein, John -Yearling, p2011, c2010--Fic--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 5.8 Teen sportswriters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are assigned to cover the football game between long ime rivalries Army and Navy, and, after noticing the actions of secret service agents, they begin to suspect that the president, who is going to attend the event, is in danger.
Around the world : three remarkable journeys by Phelan, Matt -Candlewick, p2011, c2011--741.5--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 6.0. The journey of Thomas Steves, wheelman, 1884 -- The journey of Nellie Bly, girl reporter, 1889 -- The journey of Joshua Slocum, mariner, 1895. Fictionalized accounts of the true stories of three people who made separate attempts to travel around the world in the late nineteenth century, including Thomas Stevens, who made the journey on a bicycle, reporter Nellie Bly, who used conventional methods of travel, and sea captain Joshua Slocum, the first person to sail around the world alone.
The underground reporters by Kacer, Kathy, 1954- - Second Story Press, p2005, c2004--940.53--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 6.0. Presents an account of two young Jews during World War II, John Freund and Ruda Stadler, and provides information on how they resisted Nazi
oppression by forming their own secret community center and a newsletter called "Klepy."
Amelia to Zora : twenty-six women who changed the world by Chin-Lee, Cynthia - Charlesbridge, p2008, c2005--920.72--Int Lvl: 3-6--Rd Lvl: 7.0. Presents brief, illustrated biographies of twenty-six women, one for each letter of the alphabet, who have made history in their various fields, including naturalist Jane Goodall, missionary Mother Teresa, and democratic leader and political prisoner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Exposing hidden worlds : how Jacob Riis' photos became tools for social reform (Captured History) by Burgan, Michael — Compass Point Books, a Capstone imprint, 2018. 361.2; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.0. Looks at the career of reporter, photographer, and social reformer, Jacob Riis.
Fearless female journalists by Crysdale, Joy, 1952- - Second Story Press, p2010, c2010--070--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 7.1. Profiles ten female journalists who have taken risks to report news and succeed in the field, including Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Nellie Bly, Doris Anderson, Farida Nekzad, Thembi Ngubane, and Katie Couric.
Nellie Bly and investigative journalism for kids : mighty muckrakers from the golden age to today, with 21 activities (For Kids) by Mahoney, Ellen Voelckers — Chicago Review Press, 2015. 070.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.2. Provides an introduction to investigative journalism for kids, discussing famous journalists, or "muckrackers," from the history including Nellie Bly. NSSTB
Missing Millie Benson : the secret case of the Nancy Drew ghostwriter and journalist (Biographies For Young Readers) by Rubini, Julie — Ohio University Press, 2015. 813; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.3. A biography of Mildred "Millie" Benson, the journalist and author who was one of the first ghostwriters to use the pen name Carolyn Keene and write the original Nancy Drew Mystery Stories.
Ten days a madwoman : the daring life and turbulent times of the original "girl" reporter, Nellie Bly by Noyes, Deborah — Viking, 2016. 070.92; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.4. A biography of Nellie Bly, the pioneering journalist whose showy but substantive stunts skyrocketed her to fame. Titlewave
Media madness : an insider's guide to media by Ali, Dominic - Kids Can Press, p2005, c2005--302.23--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 7.5. Presents an illustrated guide to popular media for kids, and includes information on television, radio, magazines, comic books, newspapers,
and the music industry.
Muckrakers : how Ida Tarbell, Upton Sinclair, and Lincoln Steffens helped expose scandal, inspire reform, and invent investigative journalism by Bausum, Ann - National Geographic, p2007, c2007--070.4--Int Lvl: 5-8--Rd Lvl: 7.6. Contains over fifty archival photographs profiling the men and women who played an instrumental role in exposing the political corruption and corporate greed that existed during the early part of the twentieth century.
Sportswriting and sports photography (Careers Off The Field) by Walters, John — Mason Crest, 2016 070.4; Int Lvl: 5-8; Rd Lvl: 7.8. Getting started -- Hard at work -- Realities of the workplace -- The nitty-gritty. Discusses journalism and photography careers associated with sports, describing how to get started, the realities of the workplace, and more.
Teacher Resources:
Sue Macy introduces and shares some of the backstory for creating
Bylines: A Photobiography of Nellie Bly.
Personal Website for Sue Macy http://www.suemacy.com/
Around the World in 1896 Lesson Plan
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