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Share some news

Share some news
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Make a one-page mini newspaper or short video news report about your neighborhood or class; write headlines, interview someone with permission, and share it.

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Step-by-step guide to make a mini newspaper or short video news report about your neighborhood or class

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What you need
Adult supervision required, colouring materials, paper, pencils, pens, ruler, scissors, sticky notes, tape or glue

Step 1

Choose whether you will make a one-page mini newspaper or a short video news report.

Step 2

Pick one news topic from your neighborhood or class to cover today.

Step 3

Create a catchy name for your newspaper or a short title and main headline for your video.

Step 4

Choose one person to interview who is connected to your story.

Step 5

Ask that person politely for permission to interview them.

Step 6

Tell an adult and arrange a time when the adult can be present for the interview.

Step 7

Write three simple interview questions on sticky notes.

Step 8

Write a short article paragraph if you chose a newspaper or write a short script/intro if you chose a video.

Step 9

Sketch a simple page layout for the newspaper or make a shot list for the video on paper.

Step 10

Make or find one photo or draw one picture to illustrate your story.

Step 11

If you chose a newspaper: neatly write or type your headline and main article on the page; if you chose a video: record your introduction and the interview with the adult present.

Step 12

If you chose a newspaper: add your picture glue or tape it in place and colour the page; if you chose a video: review and trim your clips using an editing app and add your title.

Step 13

Share your finished newspaper page or short video news report on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have sticky notes, glue, or an editing app?

If you don't have sticky notes, fold small squares of plain paper for your three interview questions, use clear tape or a glue stick to attach and color the picture on your newspaper page, and edit or trim video using your phone's built‑in gallery editor if you can't access a separate editing app.

What should we do if the person refuses the interview or the adult can't be present?

If the person won't be interviewed or an adult can't attend, choose another person connected to your story or reschedule for when an adult can be present, and meanwhile write your short article paragraph or video intro and practice the three sticky‑note questions so you're ready.

How can we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger kids, have an adult help ask the interview questions, write the article, and help sketch and color the newspaper page, while older kids can research extra facts, create a detailed shot list, record multiple interviews, and use an editing app to add titles and trim clips.

How can we make the newspaper or video more interesting or personal?

Extend your project by designing a catchy newspaper masthead and reporter bio, adding extra photos or a fact box to the page, or for video include a title card, captions and background music before sharing the finished piece on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a mini newspaper or short video news report about your neighborhood or class

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Behind the News: Kids News | News for Children / Students

4 Videos

Facts about journalism and media literacy for kids

👦 Many schools publish student newspapers where kids learn writing, editing, and how to interview classmates.

🎬 Short TV news reports (called packages) are often 30–90 seconds long — great for a mini story.

📰 The first regularly published newspaper is often credited to Relation (1605) from Strasbourg.

🎤 The word "interview" comes from the French entrevue — it literally means "a meeting"!

🗞️ Thousands of local and community newspapers still publish around the world, keeping neighborhoods informed.

How do I make a one-page mini newspaper or short video news report about my neighborhood or class?

Plan a topic and assign roles: reporter, photographer/videographer, editor, and headline writer. For a paper page, sketch layout, write a short headline and 2–3 paragraphs, add a photo or drawing. For video, write a 1–2 minute script, film short interviews (only with permission from adults or interviewees), record B-roll, and edit clips into a coherent piece. Share a printed copy or export the video to show to family or class.

What materials do I need to make a mini newspaper or short video news report?

For a newspaper: paper or cardstock, pencils, markers, ruler, scissors, glue, photos or drawings, and optional printer. For a video: smartphone/tablet or camera, tripod or steady surface, simple microphone if available, basic editing app, and headphones. Also have consent forms or written permission for interviews, a notepad for questions, and adult supervision for recording and sharing online.

What ages is this mini newspaper or video news activity suitable for?

This activity works for many ages: preschoolers (3–5) can draw pictures and dictate captions with adult help; elementary children (6–10) can write simple headlines, conduct supervised interviews, and assemble the page; tweens and teens (11–15+) can draft scripts, handle filming and editing, and manage publishing. Always match tasks to a child’s reading and motor skills, and provide adult support for interviews and online sharing.

What are the benefits, safety tips, and fun variations for making a mini newspaper or news report?

Benefits include boosting literacy, communication, teamwork, and media awareness. Safety tips: get permission for interviews, avoid sharing home addresses or private details, and review content before posting online. Variations: themed editions (pets, school events), a podcast-style audio report, collaborative class newspaper, or a neighborhood ‘newsstand’ display. Encourage respectful questions and fact-checking to teach responsible journalism.
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