Reminder:
You will have to have a draft of your task 2 essay on Drunk Driving due when you return on Monday. You can email it to me over break or just turn it in. I prefer it to be typed.
You have a current events collection due on Fri. 5/2 - 5 articles with good analysis
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Change in the on-going current events assignments
The next one will be due the Friday we return from break. (5/2)
You will only have to do 5 instead of 10. Take your time and really analyze the articles. I don't want you rushing through the assignments and not really getting the purpose of the assignment.
You will only have to do 5 instead of 10. Take your time and really analyze the articles. I don't want you rushing through the assignments and not really getting the purpose of the assignment.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Current Events due tomorrow 4/11
Please come to class with your current events tomorrow... you should have 10 articles that focus on strong analysis using the text of the article to explain your information.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Reflection
Our school is very big on reflecting on work done... not just on what is done well, but what can be done differently and what has improved...
After you complete a major assignment, reflect on the job you've done in your writer's notebook. Think about how you've improved and what you will take away from the experience. What did you learn?
After you complete a major assignment, reflect on the job you've done in your writer's notebook. Think about how you've improved and what you will take away from the experience. What did you learn?
Monday, April 7, 2008
Homework for tonight - Yes I said, Homework for tonight due TOMORROW
http://www.lib.umich.edu/exploratory/pdfs/indesignCS2.pdf - this is a great tutorial for beginning... I suggest as you read through this, that each of you play with the program.
Read the above article and comment on this post about something you learned... how can we create a good looking newspaper? What techniques did you learn to create this page?
Looking forward to reading your posts... just click on comments... and write!
Read the above article and comment on this post about something you learned... how can we create a good looking newspaper? What techniques did you learn to create this page?
Looking forward to reading your posts... just click on comments... and write!
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Good layout tips and design
Ten keys to good newspaper design
Tips taken from Ellen Smith’s Scholastic Newspaper Fundamentals
Graphic presentation is key to a good newspaper. Although content should always determine design, a creative and well-balanced layout of headlines, white space, body type and artwork is essential to a good newspaper. When thinking about our newspaper’s graphic presentation, we should consider the following tips:
“Give prominence to the news in relation to its importance” – Important news should always dictate how the overall format of a page will be laid out. In remembering this key, we should also remember to “focus attention on a major story, major graphic or package.” We should wow our readers with a main focal point on each page. Simple is better… too much will take away from content.
“Keep unrelated elements distinct.” We can do this by varying column widths, changing headline fonts, using borders, etc. However in keeping unrelated items distinct, we should also consider putting together some kind of coherence that will bring each page together thoughtfully. In putting together your packages though of cohesive elements together, remember that the headline must call attention to its own story and draw its own attention.
Avoid “tombstoning” (placing two or more headlines in the same type face and point size directly next to each other) and “butting heads” (two or more headlines appear next to each other.)
All pages should contain artwork of some kind. Variation is key, but a page shouldn’t contain only print. Photojournalism is an important key to newspapers and it shows a variety on a theme. Artwork and pictures can tell a story the same way a well-written article can. Make use of the break in text with expressive art.
A newspaper should stimulate its readers. You can do this by creating consistency from issue to issue. Make it is easy for the reader to find information keeping sections in the same order.
Separate sections make this easy. Using teasers is a way to attract readers to continue reading.
Only use teasers when there is special coverage though. “Other signposts include: labels for news, opinion, arts, features and sports.” Use of noticeable logos like clefs for the arts section or footballs for the sports section can work to draw the eye to a page. If you are using a picture on the front page that relates to an article within the paper, make sure to use a “refer” which is a reference for the reader. Always label clearly.
Use scaled mock-ups to help layout text when striving for “orderliness adaptability in design.”
Keep at least one section the same in each issue. The editorial page the information will always change, but the layout can stay the same. This will again help with consistency. Don’t let this idea lock you in though. Make events with unusual impacts come across as such on the page.
Let the layout help make the same impact. Use white space modestly. Too much and not enough aren’t worthwhile. Make sure to keep internal margins consistent to present a neat appearance.
Page one layouts should create interest in the issue as a whole. The front page sets a tone and the staff should always be aware of the tone they are creating with their front page. It is rare that a front page should be devoted wholly to one item. It should be rich with information, but not overwhelming. News and pictures must be those which will be most meaningful to readers.
Some things to remember with front pages:
The most important items are placed here.
It’s a good place to experiment with indexes, teaser headlines and pictures with or without color.
Vary items
Try to communicate interest among readers – not all of your audience will be readers, so use a large, sharp picture too.
Display the articles and pictures most readers care about
Create a clear path for reading the whole paper – the readers should always know where to go after they complete the attention getter.
Always remain fresh and timely
Vary horizontal and vertical shapes
Make nameplates attractive and functional (neat yet unique)
Other pages should also be given equal consideration. We need to run folio lines and keep labels small. One option can be “to use column signatures and standing headlines to set off material that runs in each issue.” Other helpful hints for these pages are:
Section labels can help set off opinion from straight news and to add impact to special coverage. Do not make these too ornate because it will end up being counterproductive.
Make sure to be clear and get your stories to stand out without drawing too much attention away from the writing.
Design facing pages as visual units- they should balance and function well while reading horizontally according to Smith.
Include an editorial page in each issue with no advertising and with the masthead.
Photography and illustrations should emphasize the students in the news with natural looking photographs. Never used a posed photo – it only creates a stagnant look. Make sure pictures are natural and active. Make sure the picture is clear, focused and cropped effectively. Don’t forget to make subjects face related copy. Other kinds of art to consider are: maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, cartoons, comic strips and illustrations.
Body type should be easy to read. Long stories should look inviting, dressed up with bold face titles. Typography should always be functional above anything else. Some tips:
Use one or two harmonious headline type faces.
Vary headlines’ point sizes, weights
Make cutlines distinctive
Use simple borders when using borders
Remember quality and consistency- quality assurance is the whole staff’s responsibility. It is a team effort and when everyone works together, time is less of a factor. A few reminders:
Is color an option?
Follow a grid
Keep copy clear and crisp
Show good tonal definition in pictures
Keep pages consistent in width and depth
Proof carefully- more than one person should check everything. Errors look unprofessional.
Tips taken from Ellen Smith’s Scholastic Newspaper Fundamentals
Graphic presentation is key to a good newspaper. Although content should always determine design, a creative and well-balanced layout of headlines, white space, body type and artwork is essential to a good newspaper. When thinking about our newspaper’s graphic presentation, we should consider the following tips:
“Give prominence to the news in relation to its importance” – Important news should always dictate how the overall format of a page will be laid out. In remembering this key, we should also remember to “focus attention on a major story, major graphic or package.” We should wow our readers with a main focal point on each page. Simple is better… too much will take away from content.
“Keep unrelated elements distinct.” We can do this by varying column widths, changing headline fonts, using borders, etc. However in keeping unrelated items distinct, we should also consider putting together some kind of coherence that will bring each page together thoughtfully. In putting together your packages though of cohesive elements together, remember that the headline must call attention to its own story and draw its own attention.
Avoid “tombstoning” (placing two or more headlines in the same type face and point size directly next to each other) and “butting heads” (two or more headlines appear next to each other.)
All pages should contain artwork of some kind. Variation is key, but a page shouldn’t contain only print. Photojournalism is an important key to newspapers and it shows a variety on a theme. Artwork and pictures can tell a story the same way a well-written article can. Make use of the break in text with expressive art.
A newspaper should stimulate its readers. You can do this by creating consistency from issue to issue. Make it is easy for the reader to find information keeping sections in the same order.
Separate sections make this easy. Using teasers is a way to attract readers to continue reading.
Only use teasers when there is special coverage though. “Other signposts include: labels for news, opinion, arts, features and sports.” Use of noticeable logos like clefs for the arts section or footballs for the sports section can work to draw the eye to a page. If you are using a picture on the front page that relates to an article within the paper, make sure to use a “refer” which is a reference for the reader. Always label clearly.
Use scaled mock-ups to help layout text when striving for “orderliness adaptability in design.”
Keep at least one section the same in each issue. The editorial page the information will always change, but the layout can stay the same. This will again help with consistency. Don’t let this idea lock you in though. Make events with unusual impacts come across as such on the page.
Let the layout help make the same impact. Use white space modestly. Too much and not enough aren’t worthwhile. Make sure to keep internal margins consistent to present a neat appearance.
Page one layouts should create interest in the issue as a whole. The front page sets a tone and the staff should always be aware of the tone they are creating with their front page. It is rare that a front page should be devoted wholly to one item. It should be rich with information, but not overwhelming. News and pictures must be those which will be most meaningful to readers.
Some things to remember with front pages:
The most important items are placed here.
It’s a good place to experiment with indexes, teaser headlines and pictures with or without color.
Vary items
Try to communicate interest among readers – not all of your audience will be readers, so use a large, sharp picture too.
Display the articles and pictures most readers care about
Create a clear path for reading the whole paper – the readers should always know where to go after they complete the attention getter.
Always remain fresh and timely
Vary horizontal and vertical shapes
Make nameplates attractive and functional (neat yet unique)
Other pages should also be given equal consideration. We need to run folio lines and keep labels small. One option can be “to use column signatures and standing headlines to set off material that runs in each issue.” Other helpful hints for these pages are:
Section labels can help set off opinion from straight news and to add impact to special coverage. Do not make these too ornate because it will end up being counterproductive.
Make sure to be clear and get your stories to stand out without drawing too much attention away from the writing.
Design facing pages as visual units- they should balance and function well while reading horizontally according to Smith.
Include an editorial page in each issue with no advertising and with the masthead.
Photography and illustrations should emphasize the students in the news with natural looking photographs. Never used a posed photo – it only creates a stagnant look. Make sure pictures are natural and active. Make sure the picture is clear, focused and cropped effectively. Don’t forget to make subjects face related copy. Other kinds of art to consider are: maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, cartoons, comic strips and illustrations.
Body type should be easy to read. Long stories should look inviting, dressed up with bold face titles. Typography should always be functional above anything else. Some tips:
Use one or two harmonious headline type faces.
Vary headlines’ point sizes, weights
Make cutlines distinctive
Use simple borders when using borders
Remember quality and consistency- quality assurance is the whole staff’s responsibility. It is a team effort and when everyone works together, time is less of a factor. A few reminders:
Is color an option?
Follow a grid
Keep copy clear and crisp
Show good tonal definition in pictures
Keep pages consistent in width and depth
Proof carefully- more than one person should check everything. Errors look unprofessional.
Technology week
This week we will be working on designing a page... we should all become comfortable using InDesign on the Macs...
To start - open a new document and set the perameters of the page to the following:
67p6 and 89p3 - save this as the default called "newspaper" to every computer... then in the future, you can just set the new page to these dimensions.
http://www.lib.umich.edu/exploratory/pdfs/indesignCS2.pdf - this is a great tutorial for beginning... I suggest as you read through this, that each of you play with the program.
As a class, we will work on how to use the text boxes, how to wrap text around pictures, how to insert pictures and how to put gridlines on the page for each page layout. You will be given an article to read about page design and how to make appealing pages.
http://www.danrodney.com/indesign/index.html - troubleshooting.
To start - open a new document and set the perameters of the page to the following:
67p6 and 89p3 - save this as the default called "newspaper" to every computer... then in the future, you can just set the new page to these dimensions.
http://www.lib.umich.edu/exploratory/pdfs/indesignCS2.pdf - this is a great tutorial for beginning... I suggest as you read through this, that each of you play with the program.
As a class, we will work on how to use the text boxes, how to wrap text around pictures, how to insert pictures and how to put gridlines on the page for each page layout. You will be given an article to read about page design and how to make appealing pages.
http://www.danrodney.com/indesign/index.html - troubleshooting.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Next Current Events assignment due April 11th
You have another current events assignment due next Friday. You will need to have 10 articles that effectively analyze the lead, headline and general author's craft based on the section of the paper the article appears in...
Remember news writing is different than feature writing... know what what kind of writing you are looking at and then look at how well the author follows the conventions.
Use the article. Write on the article. Explain how the things you underline function in the article... If the author uses a quote well, how does it help give information rather than the author just giving you the facts... if the lead works, why does it work? Don't just focus on content because some content will interest you more than other content and that isn't what makes something effective.
Remember news writing is different than feature writing... know what what kind of writing you are looking at and then look at how well the author follows the conventions.
Use the article. Write on the article. Explain how the things you underline function in the article... If the author uses a quote well, how does it help give information rather than the author just giving you the facts... if the lead works, why does it work? Don't just focus on content because some content will interest you more than other content and that isn't what makes something effective.
Poetry Analysis Papers are due tomorrow - Friday, 4/4
Poetry analysis papers are due tomorrow with all drafts, bibliography and a copy of the poem.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Poetry analysis
We discussed in class about how to do your poetry analysis... here are some tips:
Writing the opening: Your opening paragraph should hook the reader's attention and identify the focus of your analysis ... it should not be a summary alone:
Writing the opening: Your opening paragraph should hook the reader's attention and identify the focus of your analysis ... it should not be a summary alone:
- Summarize your subject very briefly. Include the title, author and type of poem.
- Start with a quotation from the poem and then comment on its importance.
- Begin with an explanation of the author's purpose and how well you think he or she achieves this purpose.
- Open with a few general statements about life that relate to the focus of your analysis
- Begin with a general statement about the type of lit. you are analyzing. Then disucss your subject within this context.
Writing the Body: Develop or support your focus in the body
- State each main point so that it clearly relates to the focus of your analysis
- Support each main point with specific details or direct quotations from the text you are analyzing
- Explain how each of these specific details helps prove your point
Writing the Closing: In the final paragraph, tie all of the importatn points together and make a final statement about the main focus.
These tips brought to you by:
Sebranek, Patrick, Verne Meyer, and Dave Kemper. Writers Inc: A Student Handbook for Writing and Learning. United States: Write Source. 1996.
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