Links to the Ontario Language and Media Literacy Curriculum:

• Producing Media Texts
  3.3 identify conventions and techniques appropriate to the form chosen for a media text they plan to create, and explain how they will use the conventions and techniques to help communicate their message

Brief Overview of the Lesson:

After a discussion about how companies try to entice buyers through effective advertising, the students will be asked to create a radio ad or newspaper ad for a new product.

Estimated Time Required for Implementation:

1–2 class periods

Materials Needed:

A few newspaper ads (tape of a radio ad if possible)

Suggested Implementation Strategy:

• Bring in a few ads for the class to see and or (hear).
• Share the ads with the class by asking questions such as:
  • What they like about the ads, and what does not appeal to them?
  • What message does the ad attempt to make?
  • How does this ad try to lure you into wanting their product?
  • What techniques are used in the ads?
  • Are the claims in the ad believable?
• Tell the class to think about how companies advertise a new product. They are to create and develop an ad to promote a new product, for use on the radio or in a newspaper.

Evaluation:

• Assess the creativity and effectiveness of the ads.

Possible Links to the Home Program:

• Ages 11–13 — Activities: Home – Decisions and Advertising

Extended Learning Opportunities:

• Have the students share their ads with the class and get feedback about the effectiveness of their ads.
• Ask the class to make a poster advertising their product.
• Ask the students to write a jingle or short song, promoting their product.
• Explore the cost of putting an ad in various media forms.