Reporter Interview Game
Your child plays reporter with a notepad, interviewing family members with prepared questions and writing down answers — practicing questioning, listening, and note-taking.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper for press pass and questions
- 2String or lanyard for press pass
- 3Notepad and pencil
What You'll Need
Paper for a press pass and interview questions
String or lanyard
Notepad and pencil for taking notes
How to Play
Make a "Press Pass" with your child's name and "Reporter."
Write 8-10 questions: "Favorite childhood toy?" "Happiest memory?" "Dream superpower?"
Practice interview skills: eye contact, listening, follow-ups.
Set up two chairs as an interview studio.
Ask questions, listen, and write key word notes.
Encourage follow-ups: "Tell me more!"
Write a short "news report" summarizing the interview.
Read the report to the family.
Tips
The reporter costume element (press pass) transforms this from "talking to Dad" into an immersive game. That role play makes children more confident and more formal in their speaking — they channel their inner journalist.
Note-taking is one of the most important academic skills, and most children don't get practice until middle school. Learning to jot key words while listening is a game-changer for school success.
Open-ended questions produce richer interviews. Coach: "What was your favorite...?" gets better answers than "Did you like...?" Help rewrite any yes/no questions.
The summary writing step teaches information synthesis — taking raw interview data and organizing it into a coherent paragraph. That's advanced language work.
These interviews make wonderful family keepsakes. Staple them into a "Family News" booklet.
Age Adaptation Tips
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 30 min, with 10 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper for press pass and questions, string or lanyard for press pass, notepad and pencil.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This activity has a moderate difficulty level. It may require some preparation or guidance, but is manageable for most families.
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