14 ideas for your back-to-school coverage

By David Arkin
Posted Mar 20, 2010 @ 12:41 PM
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While it may feel like summer really just started, the kids will go back to school in just a few weeks.

And planning for that big day should start pretty soon.

Whether you are producing a back-to-school special section or are planning special coverage in the daily pages of your paper, there are tons of possibilities that do more than quote the school superintendent or principal on how excited they are that the school year is starting.

The GateHouse News Service's back-to-school tab came out this week and is loaded with lots of nifty features, including pieces on:

  • First-day nerves and how to make the day a little less stressful for your kids and you 
  • How high-tech is your school getting in the classroom?
  • It's easy to help your little ones eat healthy
  • Are you as smart as fifth-grader; put yourself to the test

The special section can be downloaded here.

MORE IDEAS

Diane Cowen of the Houston Chronicle posted 12 ideas for back-to-school coverage as part of a best practices posting on the American Association of Sunday Features Editors Web site.

Backpacks: Geared to younger children, what’s new and hot on the market in backpacks and other school bags.

Tech: Kids love to take and be in photos and talk to their friends. What’s new, hot and easy to use in cameras and cell phones.

Uniforms: Some elementary and middle school students wear uniforms. How to take the standard uniform — khaki pants/skirt and a polo shirt — and accessorize in a way that still lets you express your individuality.

Runway: For fashion-minded students, how to get a designer look on a minimum-wage budget.

Locker Decor: Creative students and Container Store freaks alike love to decorate their lockers with personal details, friends’ photos and items to keep them organized and on time. A look at products that will make your locker (middle school and high school) reflect who you are.

Eco supplies: For students who lean “green” a look at eco-friendly supplies to get you through every class.

Coffee: More teens guzzle coffee than ever before. Many are consuming hundreds of calories in sugar and fat without realizing. A guide to getting the taste you want in a healthier, lower-calorie form.

Breakfast: Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast get better grades. So what’s a good breakfast? Consider a “Eat this, Not that” format.

Learning: Tips for parents on what to do if your child is having trouble learning. When is it time for tutoring or other intervention? What are your options?

Afterschool: Safety tips for kids who walk home/stay home alone after school.

While it may feel like summer really just started, the kids will go back to school in just a few weeks.

And planning for that big day should start pretty soon.

Whether you are producing a back-to-school special section or are planning special coverage in the daily pages of your paper, there are tons of possibilities that do more than quote the school superintendent or principal on how excited they are that the school year is starting.

The GateHouse News Service's back-to-school tab came out this week and is loaded with lots of nifty features, including pieces on:

  • First-day nerves and how to make the day a little less stressful for your kids and you 
  • How high-tech is your school getting in the classroom?
  • It's easy to help your little ones eat healthy
  • Are you as smart as fifth-grader; put yourself to the test

The special section can be downloaded here.

MORE IDEAS

Diane Cowen of the Houston Chronicle posted 12 ideas for back-to-school coverage as part of a best practices posting on the American Association of Sunday Features Editors Web site.

Backpacks: Geared to younger children, what’s new and hot on the market in backpacks and other school bags.

Tech: Kids love to take and be in photos and talk to their friends. What’s new, hot and easy to use in cameras and cell phones.

Uniforms: Some elementary and middle school students wear uniforms. How to take the standard uniform — khaki pants/skirt and a polo shirt — and accessorize in a way that still lets you express your individuality.

Runway: For fashion-minded students, how to get a designer look on a minimum-wage budget.

Locker Decor: Creative students and Container Store freaks alike love to decorate their lockers with personal details, friends’ photos and items to keep them organized and on time. A look at products that will make your locker (middle school and high school) reflect who you are.

Eco supplies: For students who lean “green” a look at eco-friendly supplies to get you through every class.

Coffee: More teens guzzle coffee than ever before. Many are consuming hundreds of calories in sugar and fat without realizing. A guide to getting the taste you want in a healthier, lower-calorie form.

Breakfast: Studies have shown that kids who eat breakfast get better grades. So what’s a good breakfast? Consider a “Eat this, Not that” format.

Learning: Tips for parents on what to do if your child is having trouble learning. When is it time for tutoring or other intervention? What are your options?

Afterschool: Safety tips for kids who walk home/stay home alone after school.

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