What I've Learned Through Journalism; An 8th Grader's Perspective
5/15/23
By: Macy Mullin
As an 8th-grade student at EJHS, I have been through many different classes. Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies and multiple electives. What makes a class on writing and reporting stand out? “I liked it, it is a great experience,” says 7th grader Maggie Cooper.
“It officially became a class in August of 2021. It started as a classroom project with the 6th-grade honors students in 2019, but we wanted to expand it,” says 6th-grade ELA teacher, Mr. Anspaugh. To sign up for the class, you would sign up like any other elective. In my 7th and 8th grade years, it has been an 8th-period elective. I participated with many of my friends and made new friends. I have written well over ten different articles in those two years, and have had articles I enjoyed writing and those I dreaded publishing.
The ability to write stories and sources of information you choose is a freedom you have in the class. As long as the proposal is school appropriate and can be related to Edgewood Junior High activities or news, the article is good to start writing and for publishing on our school newspaper website, Colt's Chronicles. “My favorite part of journalism was being able to pick what I wrote about and doing it with my friends,” says Lauren Martindale, a current 6th-grade student and journalism student.
Outside Edgewood Junior High School, where we are able to participate in multiple classes and electives, like journalism.
Our journalism agenda that is used at the beginning of class. We use the agenda to look at the day's assignments and what we hope to accomplish.
I have increased my writing and comprehension in Mr. Anspaugh’s class. In classes I have had to write an essay, paper, or any form of text, I have seen how using my knowledge from journalism can increase my understanding of both the topic and the assignment. “It helped me become a better writer for ELA and my other classes,” says Lauren. Having those resources was a way for me and other students to further our literary skills. “In other classes, when we have to write long essays, I usually get way more done than others and in less time,” stated Maggie. Efficiency is a skill that I have been able to use and expand on due to my practice with all of the articles I have written. When you have a deadline of around a week, getting quotes, pictures, and fully formed articles in a week is a big task. Putting it together and writing a legible piece is a lot with your other school work. That is why if you can type/write faster, work will be less strenuous.
That does not take away from how difficult it is to create your article. “What I've taken away from journalism is that you have to work hard to do and write the things that you want and that it can be fun to write and help other people,” says Ian Owen, another 7th grader in journalism. “I've learned that when you are looking for ideas, look close to you. Also learned the importance of good sources,” says Maggie.
Taking information away from a class based on a skill you will use in the future is a great way to spend time in school. I enjoyed this class and many of the other students did as well. “IF I was able to do journalism next year I most definitely would as it is one of my most fun classes and it can teach me a lot,” said Ian.
I have greatly enjoyed my time in Mr. Anspaugh’s journalism class. I have participated for the entirety of its existence, and I look forward to updates on how the class is going from friends who are continuing to take the class. “One thing I have taken away from journalism is to not procrastinate and the different forms of writing. And the stories you can use to get your point across,” says Ona Terrell, a 7th grader I have become close with during the class. I hope new students will also sign up to participate since it has been such an opportunity to further my growth in writing. I thank Mr. Anspaugh for letting me be part of the journey, and hope he and the rest of the students have luck with their future years!
Contributor Bio:
Macy Mullin is a 14 year old girl who likes to read, watch tv she likes, and spend time with people she cares about.