Where did you get that idea?
At Story Salon’s Newspaper Club, we start every semester the same way: by reading real news. Before our young reporters even pick up a pencil, they're browsing through The Rivertowns Dispatch, The Week Jr., and The New York Times for Kids, studying what other journalists and children have already published. When students see published work by their peers and by professionals, they start to understand what's possible. They notice how stories begin, how information gets organized, and most importantly, they discover that journalism can be about anything that matters to a community.
After spending some time reading these mentor texts, students brainstorm their own story ideas. We give them broad categories to spark their thinking: local events and places, school happenings, community helpers, issues that affect kids, arts and sports, local businesses, and reviews. The brainstorming happens individually first, with each student generating 5-10 potential topics as a starting place.
Then comes the magic of group sharing. Students present their most interesting ideas to the class, and something wonderful happens: one student's idea about a new skate park sparks another student's idea about reviewing a book about skateboarding. Often, kids share essential information (the length of time for lunch and recess isn’t the same in every school district, for example!). By the time we're done sharing, every student has added new possibilities to their list, inspired by their classmates' curiosity.
This approach transforms how students think about their own work. Instead of staring at a blank page wondering where to start, they've already absorbed dozens of examples from real newspapers and built a list of story ideas collaboratively with their peers. They're learning the language and structure of journalism the way all writers do: by reading widely first, sharing ideas with others, then beginning their journey into research and reporting.
Now Enrolling: Spring Newspaper Club
Story Salon’s Newspaper Club is where kids pitch stories, conduct real interviews, and see their work in print! Young reporters and editors dive into every step of creating a newspaper – from that first "what if" idea to holding the finished publication in their hands. They'll investigate stories that matter to them, interview local figures, and craft articles that inform and delight their community.
The best part? Through our partnership with the Rivertowns Dispatch, your child's stories will run in the Little Dispatch – the kids-only section of our local independent newspaper.
Open to grades 2-6, we meet weekly on Tuesdays at HudCo. Spots fill quickly for this one-of-a-kind program where young voices become real news. Check out all the details here and enroll today!
Register today!
Limited spots are available 🌈 🎡 🤖
Sundays are for Comics
We’re thrilled to be returning to the Maker Hive for four fun-filled Sundays this winter!
In January/February, young artists will explore Characters & Worlds by designing dynamic original characters and the settings that bring their stories to life. In March, we level up with Twists & Talk. Students will master the art of surprise endings and craft dialogue that pops off the page.
Each session culminates with a published piece (trading cards in winter, zines in spring), and every workshop stands on its own. New artists can jump in anytime, while returning students will build on skills they've already developed.
Space is limited — these workshops filled fast last time!
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