What makes something news? How does a reporter collect the necessary information? And how does a reporter write a news story that encourages readers to pay attention and read?
As part of their writing curriculum, fourth-grade students learned about conducting an interview and writing a news story. Teacher LaDonna Whitney said each student received a list of questions they posed to an Upper School student. Then, they completed a news story about that student.
Initially, the lesson plan focused primarily on writing. “A few years ago, we added the interview process with Bryan Eubank,” said Whitney. Eubank is the Voice of the Raiders, the sportscaster who announces athletic contests for JA. He was named “Best TV/Radio Personality” in the Clarion Ledger Best of Mississippi readers’ choice awards this year. Whitney said that the session with Eubank “makes it more fun, and they learn good spoken communication skills.”
During Eubank’s presentation to students, he provided tips for interviewing. He told stories of interviewing famous people and overcoming the fear of doing so, mainly when he was with the Mississippi Braves early in his career. Fourth graders Aeneas Bridges, Emmy Cannady, Brooks Brien, and Kate Samuels said they learned a lot from their session with Eubank and the total project.
One lesson from Eubank involved being active listeners, including looking someone in the eye when interviewing them. The students said a listener maintains eye contact because “it is polite,” “it makes the other person more comfortable,” and it “signals to the other person that you are listening.” They learned about using an ice breaker to get the discussion started.
This portion of the fourth-grade writing curriculum has many benefits:
- Enhancing writing skills
- Developing listening skills
- Learning to edit one’s work
- Practicing speaking skills
- Gaining confidence by interacting with different age groups
- Considering careers
Becoming a journalist seemed a little more realistic for some students after interacting with Eubank and practicing what they had learned.
