Reading and Writing Workshop
Finalizing and Producing a Student Publication
Session 1: Writing, Editing, and Revising the Final DraftObjectives:
Title: A Manual of Journalism: Relating Particularly to the Department of the Editor by John Henry Higgins (1910)
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/71449
Focus: Chapter V – “Writing and Editing the News” for principles on editing and revision.
Activity:
Session 2: Proofreading and Fact-Checking
Objectives:
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37134
Focus: Section II – “Elementary Principles of Composition” for grammar and clarity.
Activity:
Session 3: Assembling a Complete Newspaper, Blog, or Magazine Issue
Objectives:
Title: Printing and the Mind of Man (Excerpts on historical layout principles)
Link: https://archive.org/details/printingmindofma00brit
Focus: Use examples to discuss visual hierarchy, column design, and typography.
Activity:
Session 4: Organizing and Leading a Production Meeting
Objectives:
Title: How to Write Special Feature Articles by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer (1919)
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15141
Focus: Chapter XIV – “Editorial Conferences and Assignments” for understanding newsroom collaboration.
Activity:
Optional Culminating Event: Publication Launch Party or Exhibition
Session 1: Writing, Editing, and Revising the Final DraftObjectives:
- Review and revise content for clarity, accuracy, and style.
- Strengthen leads, transitions, and conclusions.
- Peer edit with constructive feedback.
Title: A Manual of Journalism: Relating Particularly to the Department of the Editor by John Henry Higgins (1910)
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/71449
Focus: Chapter V – “Writing and Editing the News” for principles on editing and revision.
Activity:
- Students exchange final drafts and complete an editing checklist.
- Use the Higgins manual to identify and revise ineffective headlines, passive voice, or weak ledes.
Session 2: Proofreading and Fact-Checking
Objectives:
- Ensure accuracy and consistency in grammar, spelling, and formatting.
- Learn fact-checking strategies and ethical standards for publication.
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/37134
Focus: Section II – “Elementary Principles of Composition” for grammar and clarity.
Activity:
- Use style checklists and create a “fact-checking log” for all articles.
- Assign “fact-checkers” for each section of the publication.
Session 3: Assembling a Complete Newspaper, Blog, or Magazine Issue
Objectives:
- Collaborate on layout and design for print or digital formats.
- Finalize headlines, captions, images, and credits.
- Learn the basics of desktop publishing or web publishing.
Title: Printing and the Mind of Man (Excerpts on historical layout principles)
Link: https://archive.org/details/printingmindofma00brit
Focus: Use examples to discuss visual hierarchy, column design, and typography.
Activity:
- Use a publishing platform (e.g., Canva, Google Sites, or Scribus) to design the final issue.
- Assign layout editors, section editors, and a chief editor for final review.
Session 4: Organizing and Leading a Production Meeting
Objectives:
- Conduct a professional production meeting.
- Assign roles and responsibilities.
- Develop a shared timeline and checklist.
Title: How to Write Special Feature Articles by Willard Grosvenor Bleyer (1919)
Link: https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15141
Focus: Chapter XIV – “Editorial Conferences and Assignments” for understanding newsroom collaboration.
Activity:
- Conduct a simulated editorial production meeting.
- Each student presents their role and progress.
- Use a shared calendar or board to track progress toward the publication deadline.
Optional Culminating Event: Publication Launch Party or Exhibition
- Host an event to showcase the final product.
- Invite students to present their favorite piece and describe their process.