Merriam Monthly

The publication of the Merriam Monthly is the service job of Christy Nealon’s 5Th grade and Maryann Ayers’ 6th grade classes. During the publication process the students learn and practice a myriad of skills including: decision-making (content); researching (interviewing, note-taking); writing (organizing, revising, editing); photography (composition); and formatting (technology). During a four to five week period, the students observe the news around them, choose stories, conduct interviews, research, and write stories. The student copy editors read all stories and offer constructive criticism. The stories go back to the reporters for revision and back to the copy editors one last time. In the meantime, student puzzle editors check coloring pages, comics, and puzzles for clarity. Student formatting editors begin the process of formatting all stories and pulling them together. The teachers act as guides, intervening when necessary. It is our goal for the students to take the leadership role in this publication. One of the most exciting parts of this project for us is watching the students' writing and researching skills develop over two years. With each new issue the children's writing voice is more sophisticated, their copy gets cleaner, and the whole process is smoother. Thank you for supporting our newspaper and our learning process!

Maryann and Christy

About Merriam Monthly.......