Last Weekend to Apply!

The deadline to apply to be a Kid Reporter is Monday, October 5.

My editor asked me to write a short piece about some things I learned as a Kid Reporter and to give some advice on how to write a winning application.

One of the most important things I have learned as a Kid Reporter is to manage my priorities and stay focused on my goals. Even when I have other plans, I have to make sure I get to my Scholastic work, too.

Being a Kid Reporter taught me how to multitask and juggle responsibilities. There are times when I have to manage multiple projects to meet my deadlines. One evening, I had to work on my environmental elementary project, study for an exam, perform at a violin concert, AND write a story for Scholastic that was due that evening!

I scheduled my time carefully and was able to get a good score on my test, play well at my concert, and finish my Scholastic assignment just in time. I got through that without stumbling by concentrating on one task at a time and keeping focused.

I also learned how to be flexible and work quickly. I received an email from my editor one morning asking if I wanted to interview Maggie Rodriguez, a leading reporter with CBS. The interview was set for the very next day!

Honestly, I did not have enough information to come-up with 16 questions for the interview. I had to do a little research first, and then write my interview questions. I had to do all this in a matter of a few hours. The next day, after the interview, it was the report preparation time. I had to turn the story in the next day. By the time I got back from New York City to my home in New Jersey, the afternoon was almost over. Despite that, I was able to complete all parts of the report and send it in before the deadline.

Anyone with an interest and love of news and writing can apply to be a Scholastic Kid Reporter. The details are on the SKPC Web site, and they are fairly easy.

First, you have to send in some basic information about yourself including your name, address, phone number, and your parents’ names and email addresses. Next, you must write a short autobiography explaining why you are interested in being a Kid Reporter. It must also include details about yourself and your favorite subjects, music, books, and hobbies.

Finally, you must write a 400-word article about what makes your community special. The story should include a few quotes from an interview you conduct. It should also be detailed and specific.

My advice is to pick one thing about your community that distinguishes it from other communities. Be very specific. Don’t just list tourist attractions and say the people are friendly. Tell your readers something they don’t already know about where you live.

Make sure you attach a picture of yourself so that Scholastic can identify you.

And as a final piece of advice, be sure your writing is not dull and boring. Make your writing fun to read so everyone can enjoy it.

Working in Scholastic can be challenging, sometimes, but I think it is really worth while. What about you? Want to be a Kid Reporter? You have until October 5 to send in an application.

—Gopa Praturi

PHOTO: Actress/singer Miranda Cosgrove with Scholastic Kid Reporter Gopa Praturi at Bridgewater Commons Mall in New Jersey on Saturday, September 12. (Photo Courtesy Brian Killan/Wire Image.com/Getty Images)

Comments

[wanjiku]

That is so cool i hoped you like being an reporter. I applayed wish me luck!!1

[Annie]

i really wish i didnt miss the deadline to apply i really wanted to be a kid reporter.it would give me an interesting thing to do after school!

[jordan]

I read Junior Scholastic magazine with my class every other week.
I love Junior Scholastic because it teaches me a lot about the world. I've learned a lot about the economic downturn. But my teacher orders them three weeks after they are released. So i missed the deadline by a long shot. Wished I hadn't missed the deadline because I am very interested in the projects and stories
that the Junior Scholastic kid reporters write about. Keep writing forever Junior Scholastic kid reporters! -jordan

[Christopher]

I think that was an excellent blog. I even have that special issue magazine!

[maria]

This article was really helpful when I was applying to be a kid reporter. Now I'm super mega excited because I am one!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanx 1 million! :0 ): :) =) :D <3