Curriculum ~ Writing Intro to Yearbook Copy Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook! Copy That!

Curriculum ~ Writing

Intro to Yearbook Copy

Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook!

Copy That!


Intro to Yearbook CopyCopy Types

HeadlinesPrimary | Secondary | Specialty

StoriesFeatures | Story packages | Verbal snapshots

CaptionsIdent | Summary | Expanded



< Headline

< Story

< Caption


Intro to Yearbook CopyGetting Stories

Try to interview every individual in schoolFind out what they think, feel, say, do

Uncover entertaining ways to tell stories

Interview substantial numbers of individuals for each story idea

Tell the complete story

Offer differing perspectives

Interview through polls and surveys, focus groups and one-on-one inquiries


Intro to Yearbook Copy Crafting Questions

5 Ws & HAsk who, what, when, where, why, how

Objective short answerProvide factual and numerical details

Multiple choiceOffer readers a collection of details and opinion

SubjectiveGain quotable, anecdotal reactions from readers


Intro to Yearbook Copy Headlines

PrimaryCaptures readers’ attention with key word/phrase

SecondaryDates year with details personalizing coverage

SpecialtyComplements headline package with insights





| Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Copy That: Kicker headline



| Maize South Middle School | Wichita, KS

Copy That: Hammer headline


Intro to Yearbook CopyStories

FeaturesWeave 5-7 paragraphs together in traditional journalistic format

Story packages (Quick Reads)Create at-a-glance fact/figure/feeling combos

Verbal snapshotsGive readers quick slices of life, personalities



Lead

Quote

Transition

Quote Conclusion

Anatomy of a Story



Glenbrook South High School | Glenview, IL

Copy That: Copy in Info-Graphics






















Intro to Yearbook CopyCaptions: Types

IdentBrief identification and description

Summary1-2 sentences that answer most of the 5Ws & H

ExpandedSummary caption + additional information, insight


Intro to Yearbook CopyCaptions: Components

Lead-inMakes a recognizable verbal/visual connection

First sentenceAnswers most important 5Ws & H

Written in present tense

Second sentenceAdds insight not obvious in photo content

Written in past tense

Quotable reaction to content of photo



Flag FootballSenior Mark Bellman, four-year letterman

Copy That Caption:Id/Ident



Flag FootballTo the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0.

Copy That Caption:Summary



Flag FootballTo the roar of the home fans, senior Mark Bellman leads the varsity players onto the field against rival University High School in the last game of the district season. For the first time in eight years, the team advanced to regional play-offs shutting out the Tigers, 21-0. “When I was injured in the third game of the season, I just knew my senior year would be the biggest bummer ever. However, when my teammates unanimously voted to let me lead them onto the field the rest of the games, I knew I was still a part of the team and became its biggest fan and cheerleader from the sidelines.” –Mark, four-year letterman

Copy That Caption:Expanded



| Rocklin HS, Rocklin, CA

How many caption types can you find?



| Rocklin HS, Rocklin, CA

Copy That Caption:Group Caption



Copy That:Editing

Avoid boring nouns and weak verbsStudents, members, players

Is, are, was, were, be, being, been, appears

Keep paragraphs short

Avoid word overuse and labels, namesFocus on first 5-7 words; avoid a, an and the. Don’t use “this year” or overuse school name, initials, mascot

Eliminate editorializingDelete opinionated words like busy, successful,

diligent, winning, hard-working, difficult

Be objective avoiding first and second person

Curriculum ~ Writing Intro to Yearbook Copy Ways to use copy throughout your yearbook! Copy That!

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