Media Literacy Lessons for the Primary Grades
Poster Search
Poster Search
Curriculum Expectations
Grade 2
UNDERSTANDING MEDIA TEXTS
1.1
identify the purpose and intended audience of some simple media texts
1.2
identify overt and implied messages, initially with support and direction, in simple
media texts
1.6
identify, initially with support and direction, who makes some of the simple media
texts with which they are familiar, and why those texts are produced
UNDERSTANDING MEDIA FORMS, CONVENTIONS, and TECHNIQUES
2.1
identify some of the elements and characteristics of selected media forms
2.2
identify the conventions and techniques used in some familiar media forms
CREATING MEDIA TEXTS
3.4
produce some short media texts for specific purposes and audiences, using a few
simple media forms and appropriate conventions and techniques
Lesson Focus:
Students will begin to examine the conventions and techniques used in a familiar media
form (i.e. posters) and examine how colour, print, and images are used to convey
different messages.
Materials and Resources You Will Need





poster samples (see www.activityvillage.co.uk/posters_to_print.htm)
chart paper
clipboards
pencil crayons
poster search activity template
1. Begin a group discussion with the question, “What is a poster?” After several
students have shared their definitions, continue with the prompt, “What is the
purpose of a poster?” On chart paper, record some of the purposes posters serve
such as to help others, to provide health and safety messages, to inspire, to teach or
inform, and to announce or promote.
2. Display two or three poster samples. Let the students know that even though
posters serve different purposes, they use similar conventions and techniques to
convey their messages. Ask the students to identify the conventions and techniques
used in the design of each poster. Include these elements on the chart: print/words,
Media Literacy Lessons for the Primary Grades
Poster Search
colour, images (pictures, photographs, and illustrations). Continue to examine
specific aspects of the poster features such as the use of large font for the main
message and smaller font for details, colourful graphic design, and interesting
pictures or photographs.
3. In partners, have students choose a poster from the samples. Provide a few
minutes for them to discuss their answers to the following questions:
“What colours are important in the poster’s design?”
“How are the colours related to the poster’s message?”
“Who is the intended audience for this poster? What makes you think so?”
Allow time for the sharing of responses in the large group.
4. Inform the students that they will be participating in a poster search around the
school. Provide each group of partners with a clip board, pencil crayons, and the
Poster Search template. Review the activity instructions.
5. Look for posters displayed in the hallways. Stop and discuss the features and
message of various posters with the students. After returning to class, have the
students share what they noticed about the posters they saw. Have the students
examine the colours used and ask them to consider how the colours were related to
the message of the each poster.
Media Literacy Lessons for the Primary Grades
Poster Search
Extension
When the students are involved in a special event at school it is an opportune time for them
to participate in the design of a poster to promote the event. Having previously completed
the Poster Search lesson, students are familiar with the elements and characteristics of a
poster. Reviewing these with the students will remind them of the considerations they need
to make when designing their own poster.
Home Connection
Encourage students to look for interesting posters displayed around their neighbourhood.
They can also collect samples of different font styles and colour designs found in print
advertisements.
Assessment
Collaboratively create a student friendly list of success criteria for an effective poster design.
Provide opportunities for the students to reflect on the effectiveness their own poster using
the established criteria. The list could include:




Large print and a clear font are chosen for the main message
Smaller print and a clear font are used for additional details
Colour connects to the message of the poster
Interesting images enhance the message of the poster
Media Literacy Lessons for the Primary Grades
Poster Search
POSTER SEARCH
Sketch of poster #1
This poster uses:





colour
print
photographs
illustrations
different font sizes
Who do you think this poster is for?
What makes you think so?
Media Literacy Lessons for the Primary Grades
Sketch of poster #2
Poster Search
This poster uses:





colour
print
photographs
illustrations
different font sizes
Who do you think this poster is for?
What makes you think so?