Jim Jordan's 40 Things To Do After The Yearbook Is Done

Other spreads included in the book are mug spreads (which will help students learn how to build mug spreads five months before they need to!), spreads they design entirely on their own (be sure they build them from inspiration or continue to let them use spreads from other schools, or they will mostly be ugly and wrong) and an autobiographical spread where they create a spread that tells the story of their life. Have them choose a theme and several specific design elements to carry though all parts of the book. Before they begin, be sure to give them very detailed directions about your expectations and have weekly check points to guide their progress. The final booklets can then be presented to the entire staff during finals. 26. PUT ON A THEME COMPETITION Another way to get the returning staffers to begin thinking about next year and their book is to have a theme-development competition. They can do the project individually or in teams. Have them create a theme package that includes a cover, endsheet, title page, a theme section/opening spread and one spread all mocked up as a full-size yearbook. These can be presented to and voted on by the class. Create a rubric as a staff to ensure everyone understands what goes into a strong theme and its development. Remember, though, this is just an exercise to develop staff skills. DO NOT use this as a way to pick your theme for the next year. Your team will continue to learn and grow throughout the spring and summer, and the theme they pick and the designs they create will continue to improve. Wait as long as you can before school starts before you totally commit to a theme and a design look. Make sure you love it and believe it will help you tell the story of your year.

Photo by Jivan West

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