MSU works with fifth graders to produce a newspaper

"The fifth grade students loved every second of the newspaper project. The cooperation of the college students created an exciting opportunity for students to write in a real way. Nicole Thom-Arens, the organizer of this opportunity, introduced my students to jobs and opportunities in the world of communications. I can guarantee that there will be several students that step into the world of journalism because of this experience."
Kyrie Beckman, Bel Air fifth grade writing teacher

MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University assistant professor of Communication Arts Nicole Thom-Arens has been working with Bel Air Elementary fifth graders to produce the Bel Air Times and teach them media literacy.

Thom-Arens will deliver 300 copies of the Bel Air Times to Bel Air Elementary Thursday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m.

"Fifth grade is an important time for students to understand how media is produced, how it should be consumed, and how to be critical of what they see and read because they are becoming more involved with social media and content on the Internet at this age," Thom-Arens said.

At Minot State, Thom-Arens advises the Red & Green student newspaper and teaches the course attached to the paper, Communication 281. Early in the spring semester, Minot State students visited Bel Air and worked with the fifth graders to review and edit their pieces.

In January, the students began conducting interviews and writing the pieces for the newspaper, which included news stories, features on students, staff, and sports teams, reviews, an advice column, and comics.

Then, in April, Bel Air students came to Minot State to tour the Red & Green, university print services, and KMSU, Minot State's campus television and radio station.

Bel Air fifth grade writing teacher, Kyrie Beckman, assigned students the topics and worked with them to produce the content.

"The fifth grade students loved every second of the newspaper project," Beckman said. "The cooperation of the college students created an exciting opportunity for students to write in a real way. Nicole Thom-Arens, the organizer of this opportunity, introduced my students to jobs and opportunities in the world of communications. I can guarantee that there will be several students that step into the world of journalism because of this experience." 

About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.

Published: 05/14/18   

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