More Inferring Activities: Print Ads

I've mentioned before about using visuals like comics and TV commercials to help my students who work on inferring information, figurative language, and visual humor.  Let me share with you another resource I've been using: I created a Pinterest board using print ads.

As with anything Pinterest related, it is a work in progress.  I usually take about 4-5 to work on in a session, throw them on powerpoint slides, and then crop out or cover what is being advertised using a filled in text box (always have a 2nd picture to show them whether their guesses were right!  My students love to guess what the ad might be about, and I usually get a lot of language while they are hypothesizing.  It also tells me a lot about their areas of knowledge, as some kids really lack a point of reference for some of the ads.

Next year, I am looking for more carryover activities for home to start with my students.  I am thinking a few small books of advertisements for some of my students that are working on inferring might be a great place to start.  I'll let you know when I get on the ball with that!  ;)

Superbowl Ads

Working on inferring with your students? How about figurative language?  We all know that ads are chock full of clever ways to get us to buy things.  And what better time of year than now to talk about ads with your students?  The Superbowl is the ultimate commercial experience, right? I mean, as long as you screen out all the inappropriate ads.  Here's some of my favorites that I've been working on with my students (some of these were leaked last week, so my middle schoolers got an ad preview!)



Oreo Whisper Fight: 

Mercedes "Soul"

My students loved figuring out who the "evil" character was, and were eager to share the clues they used to figure it out (yikes, those nails!).  They also felt really proud when they could state why the main character turned down the deal with devil.

Tide "Miracle Stain"
The great twist at the end makes it a funny commercial that my students really like.  Also a great commercial to talk about superstitions/signs.

Milk Mustache Campaign:
My students that knew "The Rock" did better with this than those that didn't, but it was a good chance to talk about how your previous knowledge can influence an inference (say that 10 times fast!). 

Toyota "Wishes"
 Understanding the idiom "spare tire" is essential in this commercial, and it was a great chance to see if my students could pick up the context clues to gather the meaning. 

Hyundai Team
As you can imagine, this really resonated with my middle schoolers.  Great ad to talk about exaggeration, and what they are really implying about the space in the vehicle. 

Sketchers Cheetah
Another good one for exaggeration, and determining what the advertisers are trying to say about the shoes.















Obviously, there are more ads out there, but these were just some of the highlights from last night.  If your try it with your older students, I'd love to hear how it goes!

Materials Freebie: Snowy Speech Packet

Does anyone else have progress reports due the week you get back?  Between that and 8 IEP meetings on the 14th, I needed a little something to help transition the kids back and make my planning a little easier.

I was inspired by Sublime Speech's Halloween packet.  Since using them back in October, my students have been asking for another packet.  Well, ask, and they shall receive!

Enter the Snowy Speech Packet, which is a new freebie I whipped up for articulation kiddos.  Word lists are included for /s/, /r/, /l/, "th", "sh"/"ch"/"j"



I love packets like this because I can use them in stations while I work with 1 student one on one with my older students.  The students love them because it lets them get creative, and they love being able to share their pictures.  Plus, taking them home and sharing them with family is great practice!

The first activity is using the word lists to develop a story.
 
The students then come up with their own spell to chant for a snow day (boy, my students want a snow day so badly! They started asking in November!)

Next, the students use 3 words from their lists to draw a winter scene.

After that, they use 6 words and put them in sentences.


Last, but not least, they try to come up with 3 more winter words with their target sound.



You can grab it at my TpT store.  Because the idea was so heavily influenced by Danielle at Sublime Speech, this product will remain free.  I just ask that you please leave feedback if you download it.