Activity Overview
Perfect for fictional summaries or school newspapers, a newspaper project lets students get creative while recounting events. They're easily adapted to fit any subject, from Science to Social Studies to ELA!
Using one of the newspaper templates, students will create the front page of a newspaper. This example uses events from the popular novel, Elijah of Buxton but this project could be used for any book or topic! Like this example, students could recount a particular event in a book for ELA, but they could also create a newspaper project about a current or historical event for Social Studies or a new discovery or innovation for Science class. Students could even create a front page news story from their own imagination!
To pre-plan, the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) are helpful to think about as a guide. Students can write the answers to those questions using a graphic organizer as they gather facts and information.
For additional templates to include in this assignment, check out our Newspaper Poster and Newspaper Worksheet templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create the front page of a newspaper to recount an event.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify an important event from the topic or make one up!
- Write a captivating headline.
- Add appropriate characters, items, and scenes to create at least one appealing picture on the front page that helps illustrate your event.
- Write a description of the story in the text boxes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
- Headline
- Picture(s)
- Minimum one paragraph to describe the event
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline and Descriptions | Students include a catchy headline for the front page as well as detailed descriptions for each event illustrated that explain what happened in a minimum of 3-5 sentences. | The headline and/or the descriptions for the events can be understood but it is somewhat unclear or too brief. | The front page is missing either the headline or descriptions of each of the events depicted. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the events using appropriate scenes, characters and items. It is clear the student took time and care in creating the illustrations. | The illustrations partially relate to the events but they are difficult to understand or appear rushed. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the key events of the story. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
Activity Overview
Perfect for fictional summaries or school newspapers, a newspaper project lets students get creative while recounting events. They're easily adapted to fit any subject, from Science to Social Studies to ELA!
Using one of the newspaper templates, students will create the front page of a newspaper. This example uses events from the popular novel, Elijah of Buxton but this project could be used for any book or topic! Like this example, students could recount a particular event in a book for ELA, but they could also create a newspaper project about a current or historical event for Social Studies or a new discovery or innovation for Science class. Students could even create a front page news story from their own imagination!
To pre-plan, the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why) are helpful to think about as a guide. Students can write the answers to those questions using a graphic organizer as they gather facts and information.
For additional templates to include in this assignment, check out our Newspaper Poster and Newspaper Worksheet templates!
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Create the front page of a newspaper to recount an event.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify an important event from the topic or make one up!
- Write a captivating headline.
- Add appropriate characters, items, and scenes to create at least one appealing picture on the front page that helps illustrate your event.
- Write a description of the story in the text boxes.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Requirements:
- Headline
- Picture(s)
- Minimum one paragraph to describe the event
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 7 Points | Emerging 4 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Headline and Descriptions | Students include a catchy headline for the front page as well as detailed descriptions for each event illustrated that explain what happened in a minimum of 3-5 sentences. | The headline and/or the descriptions for the events can be understood but it is somewhat unclear or too brief. | The front page is missing either the headline or descriptions of each of the events depicted. |
| Illustrations | The illustrations represent the events using appropriate scenes, characters and items. It is clear the student took time and care in creating the illustrations. | The illustrations partially relate to the events but they are difficult to understand or appear rushed. | The illustrations do not clearly relate to the key events of the story. |
| Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation | Final product is free of spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors. | Final product contains up to three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar that do not alter the meaning of the text. | Final product contains more than three errors in spelling, punctuation, or grammar. |
How Tos about Newspaper Project
How to Scaffold a Newspaper Project for Diverse Learners
Support every student by breaking the newspaper project into manageable tasks. Differentiate instructions for varied reading and writing abilities so all learners can participate confidently.
Introduce the Newspaper Format with Mentor Texts
Show real or student-made newspaper examples. Discuss features like headlines, bylines, images, and article structure so students know what to include in their own projects.
Model Brainstorming with the 5 Ws Organizer
Demonstrate how to use a graphic organizer to answer who, what, when, where, and why. Think aloud so students see how to gather and organize information before writing.
Provide Sentence Starters and Headline Prompts
Offer sentence frames and headline ideas to jumpstart writing. Encourage creativity while lowering the barrier for students who struggle to get started.
Use Peer Review to Build Editing Skills
Set up structured peer feedback sessions where students exchange drafts. Guide students to give specific, kind suggestions to help each other revise headlines and stories.
Frequently Asked Questions about Newspaper Project
What is a newspaper project for middle school students?
A newspaper project is a creative classroom assignment where students design the front page of a newspaper to recount or summarize events. It's adaptable for any subject, including ELA, Science, or Social Studies, and helps students practice writing, summarizing, and critical thinking skills.
How do I create a classroom newspaper front page with students?
To create a classroom newspaper front page, have students pick an event or topic, brainstorm using the 5 Ws (who, what, when, where, why), write a headline, add relevant images or drawings, and write a short descriptive article. Using templates can simplify formatting.
What subjects can a newspaper project be used for?
Newspaper projects can be used in ELA (book summaries), Social Studies (historical events), Science (discoveries), or any subject where students need to recount or present information creatively.
What are some tips for helping students brainstorm for a newspaper project?
Guide students to use a graphic organizer and answer the 5 Ws—Who, What, When, Where, Why—to gather facts. Encourage them to choose compelling events and create headlines that grab attention. Visual brainstorming can also help spark ideas.
Are there templates available for student newspaper projects?
Yes, there are newspaper templates and worksheets available to make setup easier. These templates help students format headlines, images, and articles, streamlining the creative process and ensuring all requirements are met.
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