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This week my 7th graders are going to learn how to read a print advertisement, create a print advertisement, and analyze visual effects in ads. I've decided to do this lesson this week for one main reason: our annual cookie dough sale fundraiser is going on and I could use the classroom funds. I decided to kill two birds with one stone.

We'll start off by reviewing the academic vocabulary used for this unit: persuasive techniques, bandwagon, loaded words, and testimonial. I say these are review because I know that they did a similar unit in the 6th grade in our school. I've already added the words to my ELA Academic Vocabulary on Quizlet. 

Here is a writing prompt that you can use as a journal warm-up to prepare students for this unit.

Here is another document that gets students thinking and discussing print advertisements.

In order to read print advertisements, students need to be able to form generalizations and identify persuasive techniques. Here is a link to a lesson to help students identify and understand fallacies used in advertising.

Here is a second link for a lesson on teaching persuasive techniques in advertising.

Since my plan is for students to work in small groups to create their own print ads for selling cookie dough, I'll first need to show them examples of ads that use persuasive techniques. I'm pretty fortunate that our English (Language Arts) textbook has a pre-made unit with examples of ads that I can share with my students; but, thumb through any magazine and you'll find plenty of examples to share with your students.

Here is just one example of a visual example of bandwagon.

And here is an example for teaching loaded words.

What about an example of testimonial?

The students will work in their "reading" groups to create their print ads. I've already decided that the product they're selling is cookie dough. 

As part of their collaboration students will need to do the following:

1. Identify their target market~the people who might use or buy their product or service.

2. Choose one of the three persuasive techniques~bandwagon, loaded words, or testimonial.

3. Create a slogan~a short, catchy phrase or motto that attracts attention. Slogans help advertising stick in the minds of the target market.

4. Create an image to go along with their slogan~the image will need to match their persuasive technique. The colors of the picture will need to be chosen carefully~warm colors stir strong emotions; light, cool colors create calm feelings. 

5. Plan the text~description, reasons to buy, and action. Students will need to use vivid language including precise adjectives and verbs.

6. Using copy paper (or their own writing paper), the groups will need to draft their print advertisement. At this point, I will do a quick assessment to make sure that the students are on the right track for meeting the objectives of this activity.

7. Students will now go through the process of revising and editing their draft~I have already taught the writing process in the first nine weeks.

8. Using butcher paper or cardboard paper, students will now create their final product~their print advertisement.

As the last part of this unit, students will present their print ads to the whole class.