Let your kids become reporters with these free printable newspaper templates! Whether they’re reporting on a historical event, sharing news from school, or making up a story of their own, these simple pages give them a place to turn their ideas into a newspaper article. With space for a headline, a picture, and their report, they can create their own newspaper page without having to work out the layout first.
We’re using these at home while learning about the Titanic. My daughter is working on two journalistic articles: one about the launching of the Titanic and another about its sinking. It’s an interesting way to explore how the same ship can be the subject of two very different news reports, with different facts, perspectives, and emotions to consider.
I wanted blank templates that would work for those activities but could also be used for absolutely any topic. This printable pack includes two versions: an open writing template and a structured layout with separate spaces for the opening, recount, quote, and closing.
I’ve also made two sizes of the template,a portrait orientation one page version, and a larger two page version in horizontal landscape orientation, where you can glue the two pages together to create something more like a large fold out newspaper.
Free Printable Newspaper Templates
These free templates have a simple black-and-white newspaper design, with a bold “The Daily News” masthead and plenty of space for children’s own work. They have the feel of a classic newspaper without lots of decorative details taking up valuable writing room.
Each page includes space for the reporter’s name, the date, a headline, a picture, and a caption.
The ready-made design takes the layout part of the design process out of the activity, so children can concentrate on what they want to say. It gives their finished work a neat, professional look while keeping the page approachable for young writers.
Blank Newspaper Template with an Open Writing Space
The first free newspaper template has a large, unlined box for the article. This version gives children room to organize their writing independently, without separate boxes telling them where each part should go.
It’s a useful choice for children who have already planned their report, or who are ready to put everything they’ve learned about newspaper writing into practice. They can decide where to start new paragraphs and how much space to give each part of their story.
If you’re looking for a blank newspaper template with a clean style, this page keeps things simple. The headline and picture sit above the article area, creating a clear reading order that’s easy to follow.
Newspaper Template with Opening, Recount, Quote, and Closing Sections
The second version breaks the article into four labeled sections, with lines for writing. This is the structure we’re using alongside our Oak National Academy lessons, and having the sections separated makes it easier to focus on one part at a time.
The opening introduces the main news. Children can think about who was involved, what happened, and where and when it took place.
The recount explains the events in more detail. This section has extra writing room so children can develop their report and put the information into a sensible order.
The quote section provides a place to include someone’s words. Children can practice using quotation marks and identifying who is speaking.
The closing brings the article to an end. Depending on the topic, it might explain the current situation or what is expected to happen next.
This school newspaper template is helpful for children who find a completely blank writing space a little overwhelming. They can work through each section and see how the smaller pieces come together to make a complete article.
This ties into the Oak Academy unit on writing a journalistic report, so if you’re following that then you can use this template.
How to Use Your Newspaper Template
Print the page you’d like to use, then choose an event or topic to report on. Before writing on the template, it helps to gather a few key facts and talk through what readers need to know.
- Plan the report. Jot down the main facts and decide which information belongs at the beginning.
- Choose a headline. Think of a short, clear title that tells readers what the story is about and makes them want to read more.
- Write the article. Use the open space or work through the four labeled sections.
- Add a picture. Draw a scene, create an illustration, or stick a printed picture into the picture box.
- Write a caption. Add a short explanation of what the picture shows.
- Read it back. Check that the report makes sense, names and dates are correct, and sentences have their punctuation.
You can also read a suitable news article together beforehand. Look at how a professional newspaper uses headlines, pictures, captions, and quotations to help readers understand a story. There’s no need to copy a complicated layout; just notice the features children can try in their own work.
Using the Templates for Titanic Newspaper Articles
For our Titanic work, we’re using the same newspaper templates to report on two separate moments in the ship’s history.
The launching article gives us a chance to think about the excitement surrounding a new ship. What would readers want to know? Which details would make the launch newsworthy? What kind of headline would suit the occasion?
The sinking article needs a different approach. We can talk about reporting a serious event sensitively, choosing accurate information, and writing a headline that reflects what happened.
One particularly useful question is: What would a reporter know at the time this article was written? Children often know how a historical story ends, so writing from a particular moment encourages them to think carefully about which information belongs in their report.
For the quote section, use a verified quotation from your research or clearly identify an invented quotation as part of an imaginative historical writing exercise. It’s a good opportunity to discuss the difference between factual reporting and imagining what someone might have said.
(Below is an AI generated example)
More Ideas for Your Own Newspaper
These blank templates can be used for lots of topics beyond the Titanic. Try reporting on a school trip, a sports match, a local wildlife sighting, a science discovery, or special events in your family or community.
Children could cover a big day at school, interview a family member, or write about a book character’s latest adventure. A fairy-tale report could even turn a familiar love story or royal wedding into front-page news!
For a group activity, give everyone a page and bring the finished reports together as a class newspaper. Writing for classmates or family members gives children a real audience to think about. They can practice explaining things clearly so their article makes sense to a wide audience, including people who don’t already know the story.
The black-and-white masthead also works nicely for historical projects if you want the feel of a vintage newspaper template. Children can add period-appropriate illustrations while keeping the same simple page layout.
Topic Ideas for Journalistic Reports
Here are some newspaper report topics for kids, with a mix of historical events, modern news, and things they can report on in their own community.
Historical events
- The launch of the Titanic — a huge new ship draws crowds.
- The sinking of the Titanic — report on the disaster and rescue efforts.
- The first Moon landing — humans walk on the Moon for the first time.
- The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb — an incredible find in ancient Egypt.
- The Great Fire of London — a fire spreads through the city.
- The first successful powered flight by the Wright brothers.
- The opening of the first passenger railway in your area or country.
- The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
- The end of World War II — crowds gather to celebrate peace.
- The discovery of the wreck of the Titanic.
- The first person to reach space — Yuri Gagarin’s historic journey.
- The eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of Pompeii.
- The opening of the Eiffel Tower.
- The fall of the Berlin Wall.
- The arrival of the first printing press in England.
- The Great Exhibition of 1851 — inventions and discoveries go on display.
- The opening of a famous bridge, such as Tower Bridge.
- A major expedition sets sail — report on its plans before it leaves.
Modern news and discoveries
- A rocket launch or a new space mission.
- A recent solar or lunar eclipse.
- Scientists discover a new species.
- An endangered animal is born at a wildlife conservation center.
- A new invention could help reduce plastic waste.
- Archaeologists uncover an ancient building or treasure.
- A new dinosaur fossil is discovered.
- A sports team wins a major competition.
- An athlete breaks a world record.
- A new museum, library, or playground opens.
- A dramatic animal rescue has a happy ending.
- A storm or flood affects a town.
- A community comes together to protect a local habitat.
- A young person wins an award for an invention or achievement.
- A new train line or transport service opens.
Local and community news
- Report on a recent community event.
- A local fair, festival, or carnival brings people together.
- Volunteers organize a neighborhood litter pick.
- A charity fundraiser reaches its target.
- A local food bank receives a big donation.
- Residents plant trees or start a community garden.
- A new shop or café opens in town.
- A local person completes an impressive challenge.
- A library hosts an author visit or special activity.
- A local animal shelter finds homes for rescued pets.
- A community celebrates Eid, Diwali, Christmas, or another festival.
- A historic local building is restored.
- Residents campaign for a safer road crossing.
- A local club celebrates an important anniversary.
School and everyday news
- Sports day produces some exciting results.
- A class goes on an interesting school trip.
- Students put on a play or musical performance.
- A school or homeschool group holds a science fair.
- Children raise money for a good cause.
- A visiting author, artist, or firefighter answers children’s questions.
- A new school garden welcomes its first plants.
- A class takes part in a recycling challenge.
- A school team wins a match or tournament.
- Students organize a book swap.
- A talent show reveals some surprising skills.
- Children share their work at an art exhibition.
Imaginative newspaper reports
- A dragon is spotted flying over the town.
- The Big Bad Wolf gives his side of the story.
- A giant beanstalk appears overnight.
- Goldilocks is questioned about a mysterious cottage break-in.
- Scientists announce the discovery of a new planet.
- A dinosaur escapes from a museum.
- Aliens land in the school playground.
- A lost city is discovered beneath the sea.
- The first school opens on Mars.
- A local child invents a machine that changes the weather.
For any topic, ask children to include who, what, where, when, why, and how, along with a headline and a quote. For factual reports, they can use researched quotes or interview someone; any invented eyewitness quotes should be clearly labeled as imagined.
Download Your Free Newspaper Template PDF
Ready to get writing? Download the free printable newspaper templates below. The PDF includes both versions, the clean style blank newspaper template and the more structured one, so you can choose the page that suits your child or print one of each. The newspaper sizes are in two separate PDFs so pick the one you want.
- Page 1: Newspaper template with an open, unlined article space.
- Page 2: Newspaper template with lined Opening, Recount, Quote, and Closing sections.
Both pages are A4 and designed for black-and-white printing. If you’re printing on US Letter paper, select “Fit” in your printer settings and check the preview before printing.
One Page Version
Two Page Version
These are printable PDF worksheets rather than an editable Canva template, Google Docs file, or Microsoft Word document. You don’t need an online design tool to get started. Just print your chosen page and add your writing and picture by hand.
More Writing Activities for Kids
Looking for more ways to get children writing? Pair this activity with our writing prompts, storytelling printables, and reading comprehension activities. Switching between imaginative stories, personal responses, and factual reports gives kids opportunities to try different ways of communicating their ideas.
- Free Printable Comic Strip Templates For Kids
- Black History Month Inventor Comic Book Coloring Pages for Kids
- Roll a Story Writing Prompt Book For Kids (Free Printable Sample Pages)
- Fun Story Writing Worksheets for Kids – With a Pack of Picture Prompts!
- 5 Free Printable Earth Day Writing Prompt Worksheets
- Veterans Day Writing Prompts for Kids
Whether your child is reporting on the Titanic or sharing news from their own classroom, it’s lovely to see their ideas come together as a finished newspaper page. Keep the focus on choosing interesting information, explaining it clearly, and enjoying the chance to become a reporter.
If you found these free newspaper templates useful, please share this post with other parents, teachers, and homeschool families, or save it to Pinterest for your next writing activity!