HOW TO BECOME A KID REPORTER

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a journalist? Kid Reporters in the Scholastic News
Kids Press Corps, between ages 10–14, cover breaking news and trending topics that kids
care most about. They’ve written about entertainment, sports, and local news and have
interviewed newsmakers, including conservationist Jane Goodall, author and illustrator
Dav Pilkey, country music star Tim McGraw, filmaker Ava DuVernay, and NBA basketball
player Jeremy Lin.

Check out our Kid Reporters’ top tips for getting the inside scoop:

1.
1.
“
Follow trends and current events in your
community by reading books, magazines,
and newspapers. This will help you find new I have found the more I know,
and interesting ideas. the more I care, and the more I

„
want to use my writing to make

2.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask people for interviews.
By including quotes in your story, you will
—Maxwell Surprenant

help readers learn more about the topic.

3.
3.
“
Before you interview someone, do extensive
research. The better prepared you are, the
easier it will be to ask follow-up questions. Don’t get discouraged. I’ve
been surprised and excited by
some of the people who have

4.
4.
„
agreed to speak with me [for
Don’t forget to take pictures while you’re
interviews]!
interviewing people and doing research. —Amelia Poor
They can be included with your story to
illustrate the main idea.

5.
5. It’s always important to know your audience.
This will help you write an article that is
relevant and age-appropriate.
 HOW TO BECOME A KID REPORTER
6. Before writing, make sure to answer the
questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why,
and How. This will help organize your
thoughts and identify facts to back up your
claims.
7.
7. Be accurate and unbiased. If you’re not sure
about something, double check the facts
with the source and whenever possible, do
your best to share all sides of the story.
8. Describe things as if you were making a
movie—try to use all five senses to describe
the story. This way, you can use your words
to make pictures in the minds of your
readers.
9.
9. If you get stuck while you’re writing, try
telling the story in your own words out loud.
When you practice making it conversational,
your article will be easier to write.
10.
Always have other people read your article to
figure out what works and what needs to be
adjusted.
“
The most important information
should be at the top of the story.
If people stop reading halfway
„
through, they will still know the
most important details.
—Ryan Stoltz
“
Be sure to look whoever you are
interviewing in the eye, and it
always helps to smile. Not only
does it make your interviewer
feel more comfortable during
a potentially nerve-wracking
„
experience, but it also conveys
confidence and competence.
—Adedayo Perkovich
“
Any writing practice you can get
„
will help you become a more
professional writer.
—Esther Appelstein