Lesson 2

Key Question:

What creative techniques are used to attract my attention?

Vocabulary:

Literacy: The ability to read and understand messages, not just books.

Creative Language: Special techniques (like jokes, visuals, or music) used to grab attention.

Persuasive Devices:

Tricks used to convince or influence (catchy slogans, emotional appeal).

Literary Devices:

Tools like similes, metaphors, irony that give media flavor.

Elements: Parts of the message (words, images, sound, design).

Grammar/Syntax: The “rules” of how words or images are arranged.

Metaphors: When one thing represents another to make meaning (e.g., “time is money”).

Mood: The feeling the message creates (funny, sad, exciting, scary).

Media Messages are Constructed using Creative Language with it's own Rules

by the end of this lesson:

I can distinguish different types of media messages
I can identify the creative language and techniques used to shape those messages
- including grammar, syntax, metaphor, and emotional persuasion.

Icebreaker:

Pass the (Imaginary) Object

Lesson:

Analyze Media Techniques

Whole Class Activity:

Pick a piece of media. Analyze it together using the following:

Media Breakdown Template

Title: What is this piece called?

Medium: What form is it? (video, meme, audio, etc.)

Author/Source: Who made it or published it?

Persuasive Devices: What techniques are used to

influence you?

Goal: What do they want you to do, think, or feel?

Appeals Used: (What did this message appeal to?)

Media Literacy Questions:

Media Construction

What words or sounds stick in your head? Why?

What metaphors or emotions are being used?

What kind of mood does this create? How?

What rules or patterns does this medium follow?

Exit ticket:

Viral Sounds

Students form groups of 3–4.
Each student shares one meme or short video that uses a viral sound.
Together, the group chooses one sound they want to analyze.
Complete the Viral Sound Investigation Worksheet

Sound Name:
Origin of Sound: (Where did this sound come from? A show? A song? An edit?)
How are others using it?: (Are the uses similar, funny, dramatic, emotional, etc.?)

Your Group’s Example:

Beginning – How does it start?
Middle – What changes or develops?

End – What effect or message does it leave?