Fodey is a neat Web 2.0 tool that allows users to generate their own authentic newspaper clipping. Simply enter the name of a fictitious newspaper, date, headline, and story—and Fodey does the rest.

Besides being super easy to use, Fodey requires no log-in or registration.  It also creates a pretty neat bulletin board worthy product!

Check out the sample below from my Language Arts class.  After reading and writing a Chapter 6 summary of Hatchet—a novel we are reading—students used the newspaper clipping gadget to share their work with classmates.

Fodey does not have a text editor or a saving function; therefore, it is best to have students compose their stories in a word processing program, then copy and paste the info into web site once a final draft is complete.  When the user is ready to generate the clipping, they click on the “Generate” button followed by the “Download your Image” link to save the actual image.  Finished products can be printed and/or used in conjunction with other Web 2.0 tools or projects.

In addition to the newspaper article generator, Fodey also provides other fun templates that students can use to present information for a specific audience.  A few of these include a movie clapper board, talking tomatoes and wizard animated text.

Classroom Connection:

Fodey is a low-tech interactive resource that can be integrated into any classroom.  From historical events to book summaries to accounts of a class celebration or field trip, this tool is a great solution for engaging students in writing activities across the curriculum.