The young minds of South Allegheny Elementary School are getting an early taste of broadcasting, thanks to a new production studio and program specifically designed for fourth- and fifth-graders. CBS News Pittsburgh reported that these students are not only learning the ropes of being directors, producers, editors, anchors, reporters, and weather forecasters but are also participating in a full immersion into the world of media and public speaking.
The program appears to be quenching a thirst for knowledge, with about 70 students signing up. Video production teacher Jennifer Rea expressed, according to CBS News, "They were just so thirsty to learn this," said Jennifer Rea, video production teacher at South Allegheny Elementary. "This is something I always wanted to do as a kid. So the fact that I could study this, practice this, bring this to life for them, this is exactly what they need. And they're so capable and have really been true rock stars throughout this whole event."
Amplifying this hands-on learning, the elementary students welcomed KDKA Morning News anchor Lindsay Ward into their studio, as seen in a post from South Allegheny Gladiators. Ward dove into the behind-the-scenes workings of the program and even sat on the other side of the interview table for the school's own SAE Morning News. This interaction provided students with an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with a professional in the field, further enriching their broadcast education experience.
