Candy Ads
Developing Media Literacy and Persuasive Writing Skills
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 2: Consolidation / FluencyStage 3: Literacy for Growth
Ages:
5-12
Grade Range:
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6thFood Groups:
Primary:
Text Structures & Genres, Writing Processes & Strategies Secondary:
Knowledge Building
Activity Description
Preparation:
-
Prepare chart
- Write the title “Examining Types of Candy” on the top of a piece of chart paper
-
Below the title write the following headings in 3 separate columns
- Product: What type of candy is it?
- Design: What does the package look like?
- Target Audience: Who is the candy for?
-
Gather different types of candy
- Select different packaging for variation
-
Prepare task outline
- Write the heading “Create Your Own Candy Produce” at the top of a piece of chart paper
-
Below the heading record the task steps and expectations
- For example: Choose a target audience, Design a package that grabs people’s attention
Implementation:
Session 1:
- Introduce the activity by discussing print advertisements
-
Present 4-6 different types of candy
- Have students discuss each type of candy
- Record ideas under each heading in the chart
-
Invite students to work in small groups to discuss each product and complete the same chart
- Each group should receive 3-4 different types of candy to compare, chart paper and markers
Session 2:
-
Introduce the task of creating a new candy product
- Refer to the task outline
- Review the steps and expectations
- Display the task outline while the students work on creating their new candy product
-
Invite students to create a new candy product by designing a package for their product
- Each student should illustrate their product on a blank piece of paper
- Have students choose a target audience for their product
-
Encourage students to include persuasive information
- For example: Bold lettering, bright colors, attractive name
Session 3:
-
Invite students to present their new candy product
- Encourage students to discuss their target audience and design
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Display pictures or symbols beside each heading
- Prior to the activity pre-teach or review new terms including media and advertisements
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Use different colors for each heading and step in the task outlineInclude many visual representations of the displayed information
- Repeat instructions to each group as they begin to complete the chart
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Present familiar candy
- Allow students to make personal connections during discussion
Differentiated Instruction:
- Encourage varied responses during the discussion
- Use heterogeneous and mixed ability groupings
Related References
Evidence:
Wolk, S. (2003). Teaching for critical literacy in social studies. Social Studies, 94, 101-106.
Activity Objective
The goal of Candy Ads: Developing Media Literacy and Persuasive Writing Skills is to help students develop an understanding of various types of media and foster critical thinking skills in media literacy by writing a persuasive advertisement.
What You Need
Prep Time:
20 minutes
- Prepare chart
- Gather different types of candy
- Prepare task outline
Task Time:
3, 30 minute sessions
Session 1:
- Teacher introduces activity
- Teacher presents 4-6 different types of candy
- Students discuss each type of candy, packaging, design and target audience
- Teacher records ideas in chart
- Students work in groups and complete chart
Session 2:
- Teacher discusses task of creating a new candy product
- Students create new products
Session 3:
- Students share new products
Materials Required:
Teacher:
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Candy
Students:
- Chart paper
- Blank paper
- Pencils (1 per student)
- Markers
Optional:
- Smartboard
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while introducing activity and discussing task
Facilitator:
- while students discuss candy and share new products
Consultant:
- while students create new products
Student Grouping:
Whole class:
- during introduction of task, discussion of candy, discussion of task and sharing of new products
Small group:
- when students complete chart
Individual:
- when students create new products
Assessment Ideas:
- Use a checklist to track participation during the discussion and group work
a. Check for students' understanding of print ads and target audiences
- Record anecdotal comments as students work in groups
- As a formative assessment provide students with written feedback on their illustrations
a. Include strengths and next steps
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Have students create their new product as a 3-dimensional work of art
- Display illustrations on a bulletin board in the classroom or hallway
- Examine and compare other forms of advertisement and their target audiences
- Have students design a new package of the same product that is marketed towards a different audience
- Choose 2 types of candy where the target audiences differ and examine features on the packages that might attract a certain audience
- Invite students to promote their new product by writing and presenting a commercial
Additional Comments:
- Reading the novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl with your class is a fun and motivating way for students to become engaged in reading and media literacy. Present this activity mid-way through the book.
- Modeling how to use media literacy terminology, including marketing and target audience will help students build their vocabulary. Using the terms throughout the activity will encourage the students to use these new terms as well.
- Encouraging students to discuss the product, package design and target audience fosters critical thinking and promotes the idea of being an informed consumer.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- Strategically seat students who might require cues to refocus
- Provide a quiet working space for students disturbed by sound
Other Recipes by this Teacher
Complete a Comic!: Promoting the Correct Use of Quotation Marks
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Fix the Morning Message: Providing Meaningful Practice with Editing and Revising
1st - 3rd
Media Literacy: Responding to a Captivating Photo
2nd - 4th
