Think Like a Journalist

Journalists gather information, verify it, ask questions, and communicate accurately for an audience.

The Challenge

A rumor spreads that the school carnival has been canceled. One student says they heard it from a friend. A parent posts that it is canceled. The school website still lists the event. What would you report?

How a Journalist Thinks

• Ask: What do people need to know?
• Verify: What can be confirmed directly?
• Source: Who actually knows the information?
• Separate: What is fact, claim, opinion, or rumor?
• Context: What would help the audience understand the story fairly?
• Correct: If something changes, update the record.

Your Turn

List the people or sources you would contact before publishing. Then write a one-sentence update that states only what you can verify right now.

What Did You Notice?

What is the difference between being first and being accurate? When might a journalist say, “We do not know yet”?

💡 Funky Tip

Confidence is not verification. A claim repeated many times is still a claim until evidence supports it.

Where Else Could You Use This Thinking?

School news, podcasts, social media, research, community events, student government, and any time you are about to repeat information to other people.

🎒 Take It With You

Ask → verify → compare sources → provide context → communicate accurately.