Teen journalists need to be shown the ropes of journalism, and they need to be taught every aspect, from the most minuscule item up to the largest and most important facets. What they need to be taught the most, is how to handle their composure. Many journalistic items deal with depravity and sadness. These factors cannot come into play in writing, and a teen journalist needs to learn that emotion or bias of any sort is unacceptable.

Teaching teen journalists may seem daunting, but in actuality it can be quite simple. Following the basic principles of writing, and keeping it simple sometimes get lost. Revisit the grass roots of writing, and journalism, and teach the how to part, because experience will develop their style. Teens will find their own niche in the crowd eventually, they just need to know which paths to take to get there.

* Allow the teen to choose a topic of interest, but teach them the proper format.

* Provide them with models of effective writing. Break down articles, and show them why each item was included.

* Give step-by-step instructions and directions.

* Lead by example. This step is crucial.

* Keep assignments short. This will prepare them for longer works in due time.

* Keep assignments useful.

* Give positive feedback as well as constructive criticism. Teens need to know what mistakes they are making, but also need a pat on the back. Avoiding the negative will make them narcissistic writers.

* Teach them how to properly observe. Use all senses when observing. Notice anything and everything.

* Research. This step needs to be exhaustive. All sources must be credible. Confirm all information.

* Teach them how to paraphrase. This will keep them from becoming plagiarists, and will allow them the chance to find their writing style.

* Edit. Teach teens how to properly edit. This step eliminates mistakes.

When trying to mentor a teen to become a journalist, experience is just the boon needed. Take your protege with you, and allow them to watch you at work. Not everybody learns the same way, so being sure to teach them with written work, oral work, and hands-on experience will keep them interested.

Journalism is not limited to certain age groups, its criterion is based on quality of writing. Timing, and effectiveness, also play crucial roles in determining the effectiveness of writing. In teaching a teen to become a journalist, the writing process should be the model to begin with.

The teen should learn to first come up with an

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