David Rivers

Rivers' "Junior Journalism" project encourages fourth- through sixth-graders to have fun writing, reading, and speaking by putting them in front of cameras as newscasters. Students have lessons taking notes, reporting journalism, expository writing, and public speaking. They then have opportunities to interview community leaders, write community news stories, write editorial, human interest or how-to articles for the school newspaper, and tape live stories. Thematic units include many hands-on activities and increase on-task time. Parents and community members with relevant skills and time also provide assistance to the program.