Detroit Lions Activity Book.qxp - Detroit Lions - NFL.com

Subject: Language ArtsLesson Title: Analyzing Media MessagesGoals/Objectives:• Students develop an understanding of how to analyze and critique visual images,messages and meanings.• Students effectively analyze media messages involving pro football.• Students interpret ideas, evaluate purposes and effects of varying media; evaluatinghow media forms influence and inform analyzing techniques used in mass media,comparing and contrasting film with print version of a story.• Students use spoken, written and visual language to accomplish their own purposes(e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion and exchange of information).National Standards met: Language Arts – 3I, 8I, 9I, 12J, 7I, 6F, 6G, 6I, 8JMethods/Procedures:• Students will first examine the term “mass media” and discuss how its definition “aform of communication that is widely available to many people” relates and plays amajor role not only in professional football, but also in all aspects of everyone’s life.• As a beginning activity, students will respond to a writing prompt that asks them todescribe their favorite football advertisement. Students will then share theirdescriptions and explain why they made their selections. Teachers will explain howverbal and visual messages are created to support a particular point of view. Theteacher will then show how facts and opinions are carefully blended to persuadereaders and viewers to agree with a particular point of view.• Teacher lists the key questions students ask with each sport’s advertisement andvisual:• What message is this visual (photo, cartoon, television program, oradvertisement) trying to send to viewers?• What do I know about this subject?• What techniques were used to present the information from a specific point ofview?• How can I use what I already know to judge whether this message is fair orunfair, reality or fantasy, and based on facts or opinions?• What other sources might I use to find other viewpoints that I trust on thissubject? i.e. parent, teacher, reliable source• After analyzing these questions, students make a decision about the visual message.Students either agree with the visual message because. . ., or disagree with the visualmessage because. . .• Teacher may also make use of any sports magazine or newspaper photo for studentsto apply the above questions so they come to a consensus on the message it impartsto the viewer.LANGUAGE ARTSDetroit Lions Edition 23 Pro Football Hall of Fame Educational Outreach Program