University of Illinois Extension
4-H School Enrichment Programs
Kane County

Journalism

We live in the age of information, 24-hour cable television news stations, news-talk radio, Internet news, news magazines and the old reliable daily newspaper. This project will explore the gathering and processing of news – both print and broadcast – for public consumption. It is a great opportunity for youth to explore "behind the scenes" to see what journalism is all about. More likely, this project will attract, and hold, youth who are bitten by the news bug. Those who work with this project will develop writing skills and take the first step toward a career in journalism.

Instructional Materials:

The curriculum includes one youth activity guide, which also serves as a Helper's guide. The curriculum is divided into three parts – in part 1, Exploring Journalism, youth will be introduced to different types of news, learn how news is packaged for print and broadcast, learn how newspapers and news programs pay the bills, and explore careers in journalism. In part 2, Writing the News, youth will apply what they have learned while developing and practicing skills needed to gather news and write news stories. Part 3, Advanced Journalism Topics, lets youth apply their journalism skills further as they study opinion pieces, photojournalism, and writing broadcast news. There are 69 learning activities to choose from.

Illinois State Goals & Learning Standards:

1A: Apply word analysis and vocabulary skills to comprehend selections

1B: Apply reading strategies to improve understanding and fluency

1C: Comprehend a broad range of reading materials

3A: Use correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization and structure

3B: Compose well-organized and coherent writing for specific purposes and audiences

3C: Communicate ideas in writing to accomplish a variety of purposes

4A: Listen effectively in formal and informal situations

4B: Speak effectively using language appropriate to the situation and audience

5A: Locate, organize, and use information from various sources to answer questions, solve problems and communicate ideas

5B: Analyze and evaluate information acquired from various sources

5C: Apply acquired information, concepts and ideas to communicate in a variety of formats

15D: Understand trade as an exchange of goods or services

18B: Understand the roles and interactions of individuals and groups in society

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign College of Agricultural Consumer & Environmental Sciences University of Illinois Extension