Yearbook Playbook

Opening: Pages in the yearbook that verbally explain the theme and the theme graphics

Divider: Pages in a yearbook that separate one section from another and provide information about the section’s content; also known as division pages or section divider pages

Closing: Page or pages at the end of the yearbook that verbally wraps up the book; contains theme elements

PRO TIP: Make a Scavenger Hunt and have your students identify the terminology from elements of the yearbook.

PRO TIP: Once you and your students feel comfortable with the elements of your yearbook, take time to review what was liked/ disliked with last year’s book and make a list of any changes you wish to make. Have an open discussion so everyone feels heard and valued. This will also show gaps in what you and your students know and where to focus your energy right now.

COB: Cut-out background, a term for when the background is deleted from the main subject of the photo

Dominant: A photo or an element that commands the reader’s attention on a spread by size or importance. This photo should display action/ emotion and should not be an official team or club/group photo Candid: An unposed photo showing action Eyeline: Horizontal line, actual or implied, running across a spread above or below the exact center to create unity

White space: Absence of elements in an area on a spread

Folio: Page number on a yearbook spread; accompanying words or phrases identifying the content and/or artwork related to the theme can all be included here Byline/Photo Credit: A line giving credit to the writer, photographer or designer for their story, photo or layout

Caption: About three to four sentences that describe a photo. Captions are generally 7 or 8 pts