How do you write a Newspaper? Plus examples of newspapers based on Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo

Most children,I have taught,rarely readnewspapers. I bring free newspapers and place them in the book corner. Understandably a lot of children pick a book to read, maybe because the front cover looks interesting.

However we do use newspaper reports to teach. So children need to learn about the inns and outs of a report before they can write one themselves. We also need to model and model and model so they know how they need to write it themselves.

So on this hub I will make sure you know what children need to put into their writing as well as a couple of level 4 models which have been wrote to go alongside Friend and Foe.

Why do we write newspaper reports? What is the purpose of them?

Purpose – To report the news.

If you follow this you should be able to write a good newpaper report with the correct structure.

• Masthead, date and headline
• Flash - Briefly describe your article
• Introduction - Interest the reader. Summarize the whole story.
• Main body. - Use columns, sub headings, detail and illustrations.
• Conclusion - What is your point of view about this story?

Have you included all these features in your newspaper?

An eye-catching headline

Quotes from witnesses

Words showing the passing of time

Third person

Past tense

Start with Essential information

The main points of the article are identified. Most of the who, what, where, when, why and how questions are answered. But remember to keep it brief and to the point!

Next add Background information

Now write information that builds on the main points you have already presented. This will provide the background information that is key to understanding the newspaper report. Any quotes can be found in here.

Non-essential information

Other non-essential information can be added.

World War 2 newspaper article. Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo. Luftwaff Pilot captured by milkman teaching resource

Below is an example of a newspaper report that you could use if you are teaching using the text Friend or Foe.

It has been written to the push my highers in the class to the next level. A level 4 piece of writing that show the class what they need to do to reach a level 4 themselves.

Luftwaffe pilot captured by milkman

26 May 1941

he could. Without another word from the German he was finally handed over to a Mr Reynolds, a local farmer who was on duty that night. He was just about to leave but recalls, “’Tis was a terrifying site, that be true.”

The army was soon called in and the pilot taken away for questioning. Another victory for our proud nation. It just goes to show that we can all do our bit for the war effort. Mr Harry Reddaway should be considered a local hero by us all for protecting us as he did.

I for one want to thank this brave man for protecting my children from this mass murderer.

One morning, while out during performing his daily duties, a hardworking and honest milkman had the fright of his life. “I was terrified, but I knew I had to do my duty for King and Country,” Harry Reddaway recalls.

It was a day like no other although it started very much like any morning he knew. After nearly finishing half his round he saw a man walking up to him with his arms in the air. Dressed in the uniform of the enemy he was initially scared for his life. Then without further consideration for himself he captured the pilot of hundreds of bombing raids on Plymouth. “He explained to me that

his plane had been shot down and that he managed to get out alive before it was sucked down by the bog,” Harry told our reporter Mr Jones.

Even with the man looking as pale as a ghost he knew he had to take this man alive. Once he had established the facts of what had happened he drove the pilot all the way to the home

guard station. “I feel bad that I didn’t finish my rounds that day,” an apologetic Harry smiled.

This was the least of his worries at the time however. With a mass murder in his float he wanted nothing more than to get him there as quick as

World War 2 newspaper article. Friend or Foe by Michael Morpurgo.Army's hunt 4 luftwaff pilot David Tucky, Mr Reynolds.

Below is a second example of a newspaper report you can use within your teaching if you are using the text Friend or Foe.

It has been written to the push my highers in the class to the next level. A level 4 piece of writing that show the class what they need to do to reach a level 4 themselves.

18 May 1941

After a warning from two young evacuees the army was called out yesterday to search the moors. What a big task I hear you say. Yes it was, the search took all day even with the heavy rain and blustering wind.

They searched high and low for a German bomber that the boys claim had crashed with site of their bedroom window.

If they wanted a day off school they should think of another way to do it and not waste the armies time,” Corporal Taylor told our reporter. However, it was Mr Reynolds opinion that it was a good training exercise for them all.

Mr Reynolds told the newspaper that the boys were not to be interviewed in relation to this story, claiming they are both upset.

I for one think this prank from the boys has got way out of control. They need to think next time of the consequences.

“They are good boys and don’t lie, but it was dark and maybe it flew back up without them noticing,” Mr Reynolds commented, a member of the home guard and esteemed farmer. The young boys are stopping at his farm while London is feeling the brunt of the Luftwaff bombing campaign.

“We searched everywhere; there is no way that bomber crashed, and I am sceptical to think it even exsisted.