'Zines are little magazines with a small print-run and are usually made with a photocopier.  If you are unfamiliar with 'zines, I suggest you check out this very informative presentation by Alexa Wheeler.  (I would not suggest using the presentation with elementary students due to some of the content, but it is the perfect introduction for teachers.)

 

'Zines offer a visual way to work on persuasive writing skills and to feel like publishers.

 

Print off this PDF (I suggest copying it double-sided.)

Zine template

Use pages 3 and 4 to get students to do some warm up writing about their topic.  Then, have them copy the text from each question onto the corresponding page.  (Prompt #1 should be copied onto page 1 and so forth.)  Students can collage pictures and letters onto each rectangle to make their pages more visually appealing.

 

Take the student work and make double sided copies of it, fold into quarters and staple using a saddle stapler.  (Or you could have them use a pamphlet stitch it like in this tutorial.)  Trim the pages along the folds at the top of the 'zine to release the inner pages.

 

Once students get the hang of making the 'zine, they can try making one with out the writing prompt on pages 3 and 4.