Reading and Writing Workshop
Layout and Design for Print and Digital Media
Objective: Understand the basics of designing a publication—both print and digital—by analyzing examples and creating your own layouts using key principles of publication design.
Session 1: Elements of Good Publication Design
Focus: Balance, white space, and typography in print and digital formats
Topics Covered:
https://archive.org/details/centuryillustrat120newyuoft
Writing & Design Activity:
Session 2: Creating Layout for School Newspapers or Digital PublicationsFocus: Understanding layout structure, grids, margins, and section design
Topics Covered:
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/
Writing & Design Activity:
Session 3: Introduction to Desktop Publishing ToolsFocus: Learning the basics of InDesign or Canva
Topics Covered:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62084
Writing & Design Activity:
Session 4: Creating a Visually Appealing and Readable PublicationFocus: Final project and peer review
Topics Covered:
https://archive.org/details/delineator89unse
Writing & Design Activity:
Final Reflection Prompt:Reflect on the choices you made in your layout. How did you use balance, white space, and typography to guide the reader’s eye? What changed from your first draft to the final version?
Objective: Understand the basics of designing a publication—both print and digital—by analyzing examples and creating your own layouts using key principles of publication design.
Session 1: Elements of Good Publication Design
Focus: Balance, white space, and typography in print and digital formats
Topics Covered:
- Principles of balance and composition
- Effective use of white space
- Introduction to typography (font choices, hierarchy, readability)
https://archive.org/details/centuryillustrat120newyuoft
Writing & Design Activity:
- Write a short article or announcement (e.g., school event or club news)
- Apply one design principle (e.g., create a mock-up layout using grid and type hierarchy)
Session 2: Creating Layout for School Newspapers or Digital PublicationsFocus: Understanding layout structure, grids, margins, and section design
Topics Covered:
- Basic newspaper and newsletter layout
- Headlines, columns, captions, and images
- Page hierarchy and section organization
https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83030214/
Writing & Design Activity:
- Sketch or digitally create a one-page school newspaper layout
- Organize mock stories, headlines, and images into clear sections
Session 3: Introduction to Desktop Publishing ToolsFocus: Learning the basics of InDesign or Canva
Topics Covered:
- Overview of desktop publishing tools (basic features and templates)
- How to import images, wrap text, and align elements
- Exporting print-ready or web-ready files
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62084
Writing & Design Activity:
- Using Canva or a trial version of InDesign, create a flyer or mini-zine
- Focus on visual clarity, image placement, and consistent typography
Session 4: Creating a Visually Appealing and Readable PublicationFocus: Final project and peer review
Topics Covered:
- Color schemes and contrast
- Consistency across pages (master pages/templates)
- Peer review and revision process for design
https://archive.org/details/delineator89unse
Writing & Design Activity:
- Create a 2–4 page mini publication (e.g., club newsletter, creative zine, or event booklet)
- Exchange drafts for peer feedback on layout and readability
- Revise and present the final design
Final Reflection Prompt:Reflect on the choices you made in your layout. How did you use balance, white space, and typography to guide the reader’s eye? What changed from your first draft to the final version?