Links to the Newfoundland and Labrador Language Arts Curriculum Expectations:

• 1.1 recognize that contributions from others are needed to generate and sustain discussions
• 1.2 ask questions of others about their ideas
• 1.3 respond to questions to provide clarification and elaboration
• 1.4 express a point of view and support it with personal examples, explanations, or reasoning
• 3.3 recognize that values and attitudes such as bias, beliefs, and prejudice can be reflected in oral language

Brief Overview of the Lesson:   

The class will talk about what they like to do in their spare time. In pairs, they will create a radio ad for an inexpensive entertainment activity, trying to convince their peers that this activity would be inexpensive and lots of fun.

Estimated Time Required for Implementation:

• One to two periods

Materials Needed:

• Paper and pencils, (microphone optional)

Suggested Implementation Strategy:

• Ask the class what they like to do in their spare time for entertainment.
• Ask if they have heard an ad on the radio or TV about an entertainment activity.
• Ask them what it usually costs for an entertainment activity.
• Ask if they could have a good time without spending a lot of money.
• Divide the class in pairs and assign the task of making a radio ad for an inexpensive entertainment activity.  They are to try to sell their activity to others and make them want to participate in the entertainment activity. Suggest that they be creative, for example, the ad could be a conversation between the pair, or one person could be the speaker and the other could add sounds effects or music.
• After allowing time to create and practise the ads, ask each group to perform.

Evaluation:

• Ask the class which entertainment activity appealed to them and why.
• Ask what the performers did to create interest in participating in their activity.
• Ask again if they could have a good time without spending a lot of money.

Possible Link to the Home Program:

• What kind of spender are you? – Games – Ages 11-13

Extended Learning Opportunities:

• Compile a list of these inexpensive entertainment activities and share the ideas with the whole school or the community by publishing them in a school newspaper or by other means of communication.

Articles:

• Teen Activities – Dollar Stretchers – http://www.stretcher.com/stories/99/991220b.cfm
• 30 Fun, Free Things to Do if You’re a Teen – http://teenadvice.about.com/od/entertainment/a/free_things_to_do_for_teens.htm