Author(s): Sandra Campbell
Publisher: MediaWatch
Type of Resource: Handbook of classroom activities
Target Grades: K-6
Canadian Resource? Yes
Resource formally evaluated? No
What is the source, internet link, or article title for viewing the formal evaluation of this resource? (none supplied)
Communicate ideas and information for specific purposes and to specific audiences (e.g., write a notice for a community newspaper advertising an upcoming school event)
Write materials that show a growing ability to express their points of view and to reflect on their own experiences (e.g., journal notes)
Use materials from other media to enhance their writing
Choose words that are most appropriate for their purpose (e.g., express a feeling)
Express clear responses to written materials, relating the ideas in them to their own knowledge and experience and to ideas in other material they have read
Begin to develop their own opinions by considering some ideas from various written materials
Apply the rules for working with others
View, read, and listen to media works that convey messages or information and talk about what they have learned
Analyse media works
Rephrase to clarify their ideas (e.g., what I meant was, when I think about)
Speak on a variety of topics in classroom discussions using some specialized language (e.g., metres in measurement), and select words carefully to convey their intended meaning
Use appropriate volume, tone of voice, gestures, and stance when speaking, making a presentation, or reading aloud
Contribute ideas appropriate to the topic in group discussion and listen to the ideas of others
Identify examples of real and fictional violence (e.g., schoolyard fights, cartoons, movies)
Health and Physical Education: Active Participation
Demonstrate respect for the abilities and feelings of others (e.g., accepting everyone into the group)
Follow the rules of fair play in games and activities (e.g., giving everyone a chance to play)
Communicate positively to help and encourage others
Family Life:
Communicate ideas and information for a variety of purposes and to specific audiences (e.g., write a brief research report on a class investigation for classmates)
Begin to write for more complex purposes (e.g., to present and discuss their opinions and viewpoints, to pose questions, to record information)
State their own interpretation of a written work, using evidence from the work and from their own knowledge and experience
Make judgments about what they read on the basis of evidence
Develop their opinions by reading a variety of materials
Ask questions on a variety of topics and respond appropriately to the questions of others
Express and respond to ideas and opinions concisely and clearly
Contribute and work constructively in groups
Identify several types of media works and some techniques used in them
Analyse media works
Use appropriate tone of voice and gestures in social and classroom activities
Present information to their peers in a focused and organized form on a topic of mutual interest
Listen to others and stay on topic in group discussion
Use appropriate strategies to organize and carry out group projects
Demonstrate a variety of interpersonal skills (e.g., playing fairly, co-operating, behaving respectfully)
Demonstrate respectful behaviour towards others in the group (e.g., speaking kindly, refraining from hurtful comments, acknowledging others’ ideas and opinions)
Communicate ideas and information for specific purposes (e.g., to present and support a viewpoint) and to specific audiences (e.g., write a letter to a newspaper stating and justifying their position on an issue in the news)
Use writing for various purposes and in a range of contexts, including school work (e.g., to summarize information from materials they have read, to reflect on their thoughts, feelings, and imaginings)
Produce media texts using writing and materials from other media (e.g., an advertisement for radio or television)
Explain their interpretation of a written work, supporting it with evidence from the work and from their own knowledge and experience
Ask and answer questions on a variety of topics to acquire and clarify information
Express and respond to ideas and opinions concisely, clearly, and appropriately
Contribute and work constructively in groups
Analyse media works
Use tone of voice, gestures, and other non-verbal cues to help clarify meaning when describing events, telling stories, reading aloud, making presentations, stating opinions, etc.
Contribute ideas to help solve problems, and listen and respond constructively to the ideas of others when working in a group
Discuss with peers and the teacher strategies for communicating effectively with others in a variety of situations
Identify the influences (e.g., the media, peers, family) affecting alcohol use, as well as the effects and legalities of, and healthy alternatives to, alcohol use
Describe the influence of the media on body image (e.g., shape and size)
Identify strategies to deal positively with stress and pressures that result from relationships with family and friends
Identify factors (e.g., trust, honesty, caring) that enhance healthy relationships with friends, family, and peers
Explain how people’s actions (e.g., bullying, excluding others) can affect the feelings and reactions of others
Religion:
Family Life:
Communicate ideas and information for a variety of purposes (to inform, to persuade, to explain) and to specific audiences.
Use writing for various purposes and in a range of contexts, including school work (e.g., to develop and clarify ideas, to express thoughts and opinions)
Produce pieces of writing using a variety of forms (e.g., newspaper articles, lyrics, summaries of information), techniques and resources (e.g., library resources) appropriate to the form and purpose, and materials from other media (e.g., film clips)
Select words and expressions to create specific effects
Integrate media materials into their writing to enhance their message
Explain their interpretation of a written work, supporting it with evidence from the work and from their own knowledge and experience
Make judgments and draw conclusions about ideas in written materials on the basis of evidence
Make reports, describe and explain a course of action, and follow detailed instructions
Ask and answer questions to obtain and clarify information
Express and respond to a range of ideas and opinions concisely, clearly, and appropriately
Contribute and work constructively in groups
Analyse media works
Use tone of voice and gestures to enhance the message and help convince or persuade listeners in conversations, discussions, or presentations
Use constructive strategies in small-group discussions (e.g., invite other group members to contribute; ask questions to clarify a point; negotiate to find a basis for agreement)
Follow up on others’ ideas, and recognize the validity of different points of view in group discussions or problem-solving activities
Analyse and assess a media work and express a considered viewpoint about it (e.g., write a movie review)
Determine the influence of various factors (e.g., media, family traditions, allergies) on personal food choices, body image, and self-esteem
Apply a problem-solving/decision-making process to address issues related to friends, peers, and family relationships
Describe and respond appropriately to potentially violent situations relevant to themselves (e.g., threats, harassment, violence in the media)
Determine influences (e.g., interpersonal, personal, legal, economic) on the use and abuse of tobacco and other drugs (e.g., alcohol, cannabis, LSD) and consider them as part of a decision-making process to make healthy choices
Identify people and community agencies that support making healthy choices regarding substance use and abuse
Family Life:
Content
(where noted: Consistently (C) Often (O))
This resource provides opportunities for students to acquire skills by allowing students to:
This resource shares knowledge with students about:
This resource provides opportunities for students to acquire skills by allowing students to:
This resource provides opportunities for students to acquire skills by allowing students to:
Direct Instruction: whole class and small group
Interactive Learning
Indirect Instruction
Activities/Lessons Include:
Pencil and Paper:
Demonstration/Performance:
Personal Communication:
This resource is a teacher handbook containing several activities on the subject of violence in the media. Activities are divided into those appropriate for K-3 and grades 4-6, with one activity tailored to integrating the younger and older grades. Activities tailored to K-3 provide opportunities for students to explore their feelings about the TV shows/programs they watch and to share these feelings with others. Activities for grades 4-6 teach children that the media can affect attitudes, feelings and behaviour, as well and begins to build in students an awareness about gender and racial stereotypes in the media.