Advertising Module (2-3 classroom hours, intermediate – advanced)
This is a great lesson that never fails to get students’ creative juices flowing. The activity usually takes at least 2 (40-50 minute) periods to complete. You may need to stretch it into 3 periods.
You will need to prepare a few things for these classes.
1. Magazine and/or newspaper clippings of advertisements to use as samples
2. A ppt with famous company logos or slogans (can be replaced with pictures to hold up)
3. Colored paper, markers, colored pencils, glue, scissors, etc.
To begin the first class you will teach the word “advertisement” and take students through some new terms. Here are some vocabulary words you can use for the unit.
Advertisement
Advertise
Logo
Slogan
Brand
Competition
Free Market
To teach logo, slogan, and brand I suggest using a ppt if a projector is available. Put up famous company logos and ask students to guess the company’s slogan (e.g. McDonalds – “I’m lovin’ it” and Nike – “Just do it”). This is fun and it will really help them understand the terms.
After that, explain to the students that they will be making their own advertisements. They must choose a product or service that interests them and will create their own brand for the said product or service. At this point you should put students in groups of 2-4. Hand out a few sample advertisements for each group to look at and discuss. Tell them that these will give them an idea of what they need to create.
Give them about 10 minutes to look at the advertisements and talk over ideas. You will need to create a sample advertisement of your own as well. This is to show students that their advertisement will be for a new brand that they create themselves and not an advertisement for an existing brand. For example, you could hold up a nice, colorful advertisement for “Jacob’s luxury T-shirt line.” On the advertisement you should have a slogan, logo, company name, and lots of great English telling people why your T-shirts are better than others.
Use the rest of the class to let them start their creations. Put out the markers and paper and encourage them to use lots of color and creativity. Also tell them that next class the groups will need to present their advertisement. Watch them closely as they work. Give direction and guidance where needed.
Next class, give them 10-15 minutes to finish their advertisements if needed. Then give an example of a good presentation before letting the bravest group go first.