Skip navigation

Kids News 4 u

Do you want to be a reporter?

TIME FOR... 

Teamwork team. Geralt. Pixabay. CC0

What do reporters do?

As you already know, there are different types of reporters, depending if they work on the radio, TV, newspapers...

We learnt that television can broadcast live or pre-recorded videos.

The newsreaders are usually in studios but reporters need to visit different places in person. Some of them are near the TV studios but others are too far. 

Before starting, take a few minutes to discuss what you think their job consists of and the differences between them. Write your ideas on a piece of paper to compare later. 

Now, we are going to watch Keith's job, a BBC travel journalist.

TIME FOR...


Girls read . Kidaha. Pixabay. CC0

While listening try to answer the following questions in your notebook.

  • What does he like about his job?
  • Can he relax?
  • Is there anything bad about the job?
  • Has he got a dream job?

An interview with Keith Wallace. BBC Learning English (Accessed on 30/04/2018).

Compare your answers with the transcription and do the quiz to check a bit more your understanding (Accessed on 30/04/2018).

Is it what you expected about a travel journalist?

Now compare it to Daniel's job, from BBC radio live Breakfast. Go to 4- Video: Finding News masterclass (Accessed on 30/04/2018)

TIME FOR...

Feedback confirming. Geralt. Pixabay. CC0

  • How different are Keith's and Daniel's jobs? Which one seems easier for you? Why?
  • Which one do you prefer? Why? 
  • Were your predictions right? Why not? On your prediction paper, tick the ideas that are true. How many did you guess?
  • Do you want to be a journalist now? What type of journalist? Why?
  • Do you think you can be a good journalist? We are going to discover it now!

READY? You can practise being a reporter playing the BBC game iReporter (Accessed on 30/04/2018).

Broadcasting your own programme

TIME FOR ...

Poject group. Geralt. Pixabay. CC0

The final task is the presentation and recording of your own TV programme: Kids News 4 u. 

Remember we will record the programme and send it to the BBC contest The Pitch  (Accessed on 28/04/2018), a chance for young people to suggest an idea for an story or report. The winners will end up on the BBC!!!

STEP 1. In your groups look for ideas or stories to write some news, at least one piece of news for each member of the group. 

You can ask your family, friends, neighbours, people in your area, read newspapers to find local news of any typ: sport, economic, politic, cultural, ICTs...

Remember to check the information with at least two sources, as Huw Edwards recommends (if you need to refresh your mind watch again Huw Edwards on finding new stories, accessed on 30/04/2018).

STEP 2. For each news analyse the most relevant information about it. Remember the five Ws that we learnt!

  • WHAT happened?
  • WHO was involved?
  • WHERE did it take place?
  • WHEN did it happen?
  • WHY did it happen?
  • And the last one, although it doesn’t start with a ‘W’ : HOW?

(if you need to refresh your mind watch again Huw Edwards on how to gather news stories, accessed on 30/04/2018).

STEP 3. Write the news text taking into account the three Cs, being clear, concise and correct.

  • Clear: Write as if you were telling the story to one person. Use simple language and short words when possible.
  • Concise: Write short news, focus on the key information.
  • Correct: Be sure to get your facts, grammar and punctuation right and tell where the information came from.

(if you need to refresh your mind watch again Huw Edwards on writing news stories, accessed on 30/04/2018). 

STEP 4. You’re writing for television, your words are going to be read out loud and you need to write a script  including audio or video clips. 

  • Put your news stories in an order that focuses the audience attention. You can start with a top story and finish with a lighter or funny story.
  • Write attractive headlines. Keep them short so the audience want to find out more.
  • Decide who are going to be newsreaders and who the reporters.
  • Choose music and pictures to match the stories. Record videos if necessary.
  • Do a presentation to join your news. You can elaborate a Google Slides that helps you in the final intervention. Do you need help? Have a look at the video with the instructions on Breaking News page.
  • Choose an opening for your News programme. You can use this Breaking News Intro (Accessed on 30/04/2018) or use your own ideas.

(if you need to refresh your mind watch again Huw Edwards on broadcasting news stories, accessed on 30/04/2018).

STEP 5. Present your TV News in front of the class and record it. Don't forget to listen carefully to your classmates programmes! They are going to tell you Breaking News!

Board up-to-date. Geralt. Pixabay. CC0

Your learning progress

Listen to all your group recordings inOBS STUDIO to review your progress in this topic. Well done!!!

One hundred. Geralt. Pixabay. CC0