Create a Mini Family Newspaper
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What you will learn
- 1Create a mini family newspaper with a newspaper name, headline, short article, and fun facts section
- 2Write a short, punchy headline (5 to 8 words) that makes the reader want to know more
- 3Write a 3 to 4 sentence news article in the third person (he / she / they) instead of first person
Mini Lesson
A newspaper is a publication that shares news, information, and interesting facts with readers. A family newspaper does the same thing — but it reports on YOUR family! It is a real-world writing project that combines many skills you have practiced this year.
The Four Sections of a Mini Newspaper
- Newspaper name — a short, catchy title for your paper. Example: The Maple Street Reporter
- Headline — a short, bold sentence that tells the reader what the main article is about. Example: Local Kids Complete Amazing Art Project!
- News article — 3 to 4 sentences reporting a real (or made-up) family event. Written in the third person (he / she / they — not I or we).
- Fun facts — 2 to 3 short interesting facts about a topic you have studied this year.
Writing a Good Headline
- Short and punchy — usually 5 to 8 words.
- Starts with a capital letter and uses exciting language.
- Does not give away every detail — it makes the reader want to read more!
- Yes: Local Kids Win Town Science Fair!
- No: Some children did a project and it went well and everyone was happy.
Writing in the Third Person
- Newspapers report facts — they do not say "I" or "we."
- Yes: "Kids at the library built a model volcano."
- No: "We built a model volcano."
Words to know
Newspaper name
The catchy title at the very top of the newspaper in large bold letters that identifies the publication
e.g. The Maple Street Reporter
Headline
A short, bold 5 to 8 word sentence that tells what the article is about and makes the reader want to read more
e.g. Local Kids Win Town Science Fair!
News article
A short 3 to 4 sentence report about a real or made-up family event, written in the third person
e.g. Kids at the library built a model volcano that erupted red lava.
Third person
A writing voice that uses he, she, they, and kids — not I or we — so the report sounds objective
e.g. She led the team to victory in the final round.
Fun facts
Two or three short, interesting facts about a topic you have studied, to teach the reader something extra
e.g. Real volcanoes can reach 1,000 degrees C.
Ask yourself: "Does my headline make someone want to read more? Is my article written in the third person? Do my fun facts teach the reader something interesting?"
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