Conference Master Plan Guide
Conference Master Plan
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Level: Grade 6
Duration: 45 Minutes
MISSION OBJECTIVE
Students will present their collaborative digital magazine to an authentic audience (peers, parents, or faculty), demonstrating professional oral communication and mastery of their journalistic topics.
PREP CHECKLIST
- Tech check: Slides & Video
- Digital magazine link ready
- Student "Press Passes" printed
- Guest seating arranged
Event Timeline
00:05 Minutes
Pre-Show Briefing & Setup
The "newsroom" is abuzz. Use this time to position student speakers. Ensure the Live Event Deck is projected. Hand out student rubrics to the guest panel if using peer/guest feedback.
"Journalists, remember your posture. You aren't just students today; you are the experts the community has been waiting to hear from."
00:05 Minutes
Opening Statements
Lead the welcome. Introduce the purpose of the J-Hawk Press. Briefly explain the collaborative effort behind the magazine. Set the stage for professional conduct from the audience.
00:25 Minutes
The Live Feature Feed
Students present in segments. Each "Department" (Sports, Tech, Local News, etc.) takes 3-4 minutes to highlight their key stories.
- Editor-in-Chief: Intro of the theme.
- Staff Writers: One sentence "hook" for their article.
- Visual Team: Spotlight on the cover design and layout choice.
00:10 Minutes
The Hot Seat: Q&A
The audience asks questions. Moderate the floor.
Scaffold Prompts for Guests:
"What was the most surprising source you interviewed?"
"How did you decide which story made the front page?"
Pro-Facilitator Tips
Pacing Management
If presentations are running long, use a "30-second wrap" signal. Ensure every student has a moment to stand or be acknowledged, even if they aren't a lead speaker.
Handling Nerves
Encourage students to look at the 'Press Pass' of the person asking the question. This redirects focus from the "crowd" to a single "professional colleague."
Press Room Slides Presentation
LIVE EVENT
J-HAWK PRESS
CONFERENCE
Issue No. 01: The Launch Event
THE MISSION
Vol. 01 // Mission Statement
"To provide the authentic voice of the 6th grade community through investigative reporting, creative storytelling, and professional media design."
Collaborative Design
In-Depth Reporting
Digital Innovation
Magazine Cover Reveal
BEHIND THE BYLINES
SPORTS
Covering the heart of school spirit and athletic excellence.
Head Writer: Sarah J.
TECH & TRENDS
Analyzing the future and how it impacts our daily lives.
Head Writer: Marcus L.
ARTS & STYLE
Showcasing the creative pulse of the student body.
Head Writer: Elena R.
QUESTIONS?
The floor is now open for the press
READ THE ISSUE
Visit the link below to view the full digital magazine, including interactive features and full-length articles.
BIT.LY/J-HAWK-VOL1
Share with Friends
Subscribe for Vol. 02
Leave a Review
News Flash Rubric Assessment
News Flash Rubric
Live Presentation Assessment
Journalist:
Dept:
4 Lead Anchor
3 Senior Reporter
2 Staff Writer
1 Intern
| Criteria | Indicator of Success | Score |
|---|
| Voice & Delivery | Speaks clearly and with professional projection. Varies tone to engage the audience. Avoids filler words. | |
| 1 | | |
2
3
4
|
| Content Expertise | Demonstrates deep knowledge of their article topic. Explains key concepts without relying strictly on notes. |
1
2
3
4
|
| Q&A Response | Answers audience questions with confidence. Actively listens to the question before responding. |
1
2
3
4
|
| Professionalism | Maintains eye contact, uses appropriate posture, and supports teammates during their segments. |
1
2
3
4
|
EDITOR'S FEEDBACK
Total Points
Max Possible: 16
/ 16