When students learn about health, words are not always enough. At Healthy NewsWorks, art has become an important reporting tool—helping young journalists explain health concepts, reinforce learning, and communicate accurate information to their peers.
Health education research has shown that arts-integrated learning can improve comprehension and retention, particularly for topics tied to behavior and daily decision-making. At Healthy NewsWorks, this approach shows up in practice, as students regularly use drawings, reflections, and visual public service announcements to explore and explain health topics they are reporting on—often returning to key ideas through both writing and illustration.
Healthy NewsWorks incorporates student-created drawings, reflections, and visual public service announcements (PSAs) alongside written reporting in school newspapers. These visuals are designed to clarify health messages and make them accessible to a wider student audience. Moriah Hall, a Healthy NewsWorks board member who oversees program evaluation, said student reporters often highlight the joy and pride they feel in contributing illustrations to their school newspaper.
“The thing in Healthy NewsWorks that meant the most to me was the artwork/reflection/PSA,” said a fourth-grade student. “This gives you a chance to express yourself. And your creativity. Also the true stories that you can share with others.”
One common subject that students illustrate is physical activity. Public health guidelines recommend regular movement for children to support cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and learning, according to the World Health Organization, which emphasizes daily physical activity as essential to healthy development.
“An experience I had this year on the newspaper that meant the most to me is the artwork that we did for aerobic exercise,” said a sixth-grade student.
Art has also played a role in reinforcing sleep education. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says many school-aged children do not get enough sleep, which can affect concentration, mood, and learning.
“When two of my drawings made it to the newspaper that really made me happy and proud of myself,” said another sixth-grade student. “And when I followed the sleeping advice, I was proud I could do it.”
Educators say that creating artwork allows students to revisit health information in a hands-on way, strengthening both understanding and personal relevance, a finding supported by research summarized by the National Endowment for the Arts.
“An experience I had this year on the newspaper that meant the most to me is having my art in the newspaper,” said a fourth-grade student. “It is an amazing feeling.”
To see more student work, visit the Student Gallery.
Illustration by Zion, fourth grade, Phila. Hebrew, 2025-2026 & Ayden, fourth grade, Russell Byers, 2025-2026
