Yearbook Themes

For my Teaching High School Journalism class, I gave a presentation on developing yearbook themes with the immense help of a California journalism adviser, Casey Nichols. Casey told me that there are three reasons to have a yearbook theme: 1) to unify the yearbook; 2) to help create a better book more easily and 3) to make the book more comfortable for your readers.

Casey provided a set of test questions to work towards developing a yearbook theme:

• Does our theme fit our school, this year?
• Can we develop the theme without overdoing it?
• Does our theme invite new story ideas, or new angles on annual stories?
• Is the theme student friendly?

Casey also provided steps to develop a theme:

• Look at last three yearbooks and eliminate big ideas, colors, etc.
• Determine anything special about the next year or develop a concept ... the big idea of the story you are going to tell, as well as the general tone (i.e. pride, humorous, thoughtful, double edged).
• Look for specific word or phrase that will invite verbal connections.
• Look for graphics and photos (and colors) that match the tone or mood you are trying to set.
• Develop enough of a plan to “sell” to the class, then brainstorm ways to develop this theme/story (magazine search).

Another important thing to remember is to utilize the information given to you by your yearbook rep, and do not be afraid to communicate ideas with them... they usually have years of experience!