Students will learn how to observe and write down details; how to ask questions that elicit information and by the end of the course be able to report on an event that answers the basic 5-6 tenets of a good story. They will understand why accuracy is ultra-important and learn some basic tools of the trade. They will hopefully get a sense of whether they have writing skills and if so, where to develop them. 

I have substitute taught since 2016 for 3 school districts at elementary level, gathering more expertise on how to reach the inquisitive upper-elementary-grade mind. I have a bachelor's degree in English and a recent master's degree in journalism (2014) from the University of Memphis. I spent 25 years in full-time journalism as an editor and reporter for five newspapers and another 15 years doing freelance work. I continue to write for publications such as the Seattle Times and Washington Post. I also taught college-level journalism courses for several years for private and state universities plus I've advised one college student newspaper.