Landmark students producing their own news broadcast

The television news business is so easy that even a fifth-grader can do it.

Landmark Elementary School students are proving that every Friday, writing and filming a television news broadcast that’s shown to students and teachers on the following Monday.

The program is part of Landmark’s Learning in Collaboration (LinC) program, an enrichment program aimed at gifted students.

Every week, the 15 fifth-graders in the program do interviews and write scripts for the program, which is taped on Friday.

Beth Mustin, LinC teacher, said the program is useful because it teaches students about interviewing, writing, public speaking and technology. Mustin said students also gain social skills from the program, such as self-confidence and becoming comfortable with others.

Aleshia Williams, 10, said the program has brought her out of her shell.

“I’m shy most of the time, but it’s fun,” Williams said.

Brandon Brockett, 10, said he enjoys the writing aspect of the work.

“The fun thing about it is when we type up the script, a lot of times we put in stuff that’s real funny,” Brockett said.

Mustin said incorporating theatrical and performance arts into school work helps in keeping student interest in lessons.

Mustin said right now students are only involved in the interview and presentation of the news program, but she hopes to soon begin training them to edit video too.