Keeping it Real: Authentic Learning through Classroom Publishing

Authentic audiences. Real-world application of literacy skills. Cross-curricular experiences. These meaningful learning opportunities are just a few of the benefits of classroom publishing.

Classroom publishing projects allow students to write for authentic audiences and experience real-world application of skills. In addition to writing for the readers of the books, students can write business letters to booksellers, television and radio personalities, members of the media, and government officials. (Mine have received many replies including a letter from Queen Elizabeth II, a phone call from First Lady Laura Bush, and an inquiry from Good Morning America!)

Students grow as writers through inclusion of all major types of writing and through extensive editing and revision. They also participate in research that they then apply to the projects (both in the content and in the production and marketing).

Publishing gives students the chance to use technology and visual literacy as they design the covers, typeset the books, create logos, produce advertisements, and design and develop promotional websites.

These cross-curricular projects allow students the opportunity for authentic learning about copyright, plagiarism, publishing (both the process and the physical printing), and marketing.  

Here are two group publishing projects my students have completed. 

This is an individual student publishing project.

My students have taken an interest in their community, voting to contribute book proceeds to various charities. Students get genuinely excited about these projects, but more importantly (or perhaps as a result) they learn more about writing than they ever could learn by writing essays on topics they don't care about for a one-teacher audience. 

Best of all, instead of dealing with isolated curriculum objectives, students pull together everything they are learning about writing into one meaningful product.  When the students hold the first copies of their finished books and see their own names and efforts there on the pages, they beam with pride. Some students have even hugged the first copies that they bound! Many commented that they look at writing in a whole new light, and some have been inspired to pursue their writing interests further, both in and out of school. 

Teach your students something they’ll never forget. Motivate and inspire them this year with a classroom publishing project!

     Classroom Publishing 101: A Step-by-Step Guide provides relevant research as well as helpful, user-friendly checklists, worksheets, samples, and tips on every step of the process including selecting a topic, financing, planning, editing and revising, formatting, binding, copyrighting, marketing, and celebrating. Use it in your classroom this year or for your own publishing project. (Regular price: $16.95. This week’s blog special: $5 per copy when you order online by August 8, 2013, at https://ssl.perfora.net/dgppublishing.com/store/store.php?c=24).