This is an excellant idea for an end of year newsletter to which a whole class can contribute.
It is also excellant for a children's sports club get together at the end of the season.
The best thing about this idea is that all of the participants can contribute according to their talents. Perhaps there is a child who is good at drawing, a child who is good with the written word, a child who is a bit of a daydreamer and is good at simply coming up with ideas.
Make sure you have
- Lots of plain white paper (A4 size is best)
- lots of black pens and pensils
- access to a photocopier. Perhaps there is one at home, or the clubrooms, or you could ask a neighbour or friend.
Begin by deciding on how big the newspaper will be. Two sheets of A4 sized paper is a good starting point.
Then the children can set about filling in the pages. Try some of the following:
- start with the main story. A true tale that has happened to someone in the group or a family member, if it's a sports group, perhaps something that happened to the coach e.g. a DIY accident, a disaster at the supermarket, getting lost in a different city. Try to make it sound like a news story e.g. "I could see the ladder wobbling just before he fell" said a spokesman for the injured man
- also include two or three other smaller stories
- include some amusing ads for things the contributors think other people may need e.g. Uncle Joe's Pick Me Up Pills aimed at a teenager who seems permanently sleepy
- perhaps include horoscopes but rather than write them for people try writing them for pets.
- try a simple quiz, a list of ten questions the readers of the paper should know e.g. if it's a sports club, the questions could centre around the game the club is involved with
- a sudoko puzzle
- weather forecast
- some jokes and riddles.
Children may prefer to work in pairs or small groups to tackle the larger items.
Participants who are good at drawing could sketch an impression from something mentioned in the main story. They could also sketch the illustrations to go in the ad.
Once children have been given their assignments, draw up a basic layout on blank sheets of paper so that the children are aware how big their contribution will be.
It is very tempting to use a computer for the whole process and it may be what children are used to but they are bound to enjoy doing a newspaper "by hand".
Once all the particpants have finished their contribution e.g. basic sketches, and neatly written stories and puzzles, start essembling the paper putting each item in its assigned place.
Once the newspaper is complete, photocopy as many copies as are needed.
After more ideas for activities that aren't competitive? Try Party Fun for Kids Who Like Art or Great Birthday Party Games.
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