There are many obvious benefits for the students involved in producing the morning news program. Ask any student on an elementary school morning news program, and they would probably say they like the attention they receive. Ironton News @ Ninish anchors are considered celebrities at Ironton Elementary. The daily, school-wide exposure to their peers boosts their confidence.
Communication skills are gained behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Writing the script reinforces the writing process learned in the classroom, giving students real-life application of research skills, editing, and grammar. Just as important as applying the mechanics of writing, students learn the importance of an engaging introduction to ‘hook’ the audience and a clever ending to make their story memorable. The anchors learn expression and fluency, valuable oral communication and reading comprehension skills.
Students on the production staff gain first-hand media literacy and technology skills. The Ironton News staff go on to Middle and High School and very often become involved with the School News Broadcast, communications and media production. Other skills are learned. In order for the production of the morning news show to be successful, each student must take responsibility for their role. They must be present at rehearsals, meet deadlines, and follow through on designated tasks. As important as taking responsibility for individual roles, the production staff has to collaborate to produce a quality show. They must listen to their peers, learn to offer and receive feedback in a positive manner, and be a team player.
Participating in a school production is a beneficial experience for students at every academic achievement level. The Ironton Live News @ Ninish is a daily news show that is produced by fifth graders at Ironton Elementary School in Coplay, PA. The program is designed so that the News Advisor acts mainly as a facilitator and the students take a more active role, creating independence among its participants. There are many variables that impact the course of a production, so students learn to be creatively flexible while still producing a quality show.
