Scholastic News Kids Press Corps Blog: Want to be a Kid Reporter?

Want to be a Kid Reporter?

Research and detail are keys to good reporting. Use those tips in your application!

I have been a Kid Reporter for Scholastic News for almost two years. It has been a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

I have learned many things as a Kid Reporter. I have learned that when writing an article it is important to make the reader feel like they are with you experiencing the moment. Don’t just state facts—use a lot of descriptive words to make your article interesting.

I have also learned that you should use different writing styles depending on the type of article you are writing. For example, writing a book or movie review is different than reporting about a special event.

However, the most important thing I learned while being a Kid Reporter is that you should do your research before you go out on an assignment. To do a good job, you have to know who you are going to interview and find out some background information about them. This will help you to ask good questions.

Always bring a little digital recorder with you so you can record their replies. Then you can use actual quotes in your article, which makes it more interesting.

One of my favorite assignments was to cover the red carpet for the premiere of the movie, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. Before I set out on this adventure, I did some research on each of the actors in the movie as well as the director and the author of the books on which the movie was based.

I prepared questions for each one in advance. This was a tremendous help since I only had a few minutes with each person as they walked down the red carpet and spoke to all the reporters.

I love being a Kid Reporter! If you want to be a journalist, you should apply to be a Kid Reporter, too. Deadline is October 5!

When completing the application process, be sure that your biography includes interesting details about your life and your interests . Include some fun facts about yourself, things that make you special. It doesn't huyrt to explain why you want to be a reporter, too!

When writing your article about your community, think about what makes your community unique and different from every other neighborhood in America. Use details and do some research! You may even learn something new! Good Luck!!

—Jacqueline Minogue

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Jacqueline Minogue gets the scoop on The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants from America Ferrera at the world premiere of the movie, August 2008. (Photo courtesy Jacqueline Minogue)