Elementary Library

OBJECTIVE Display objective.

Say: Today we are learning to identify the purpose of the message in media. We need to figure out if the message is informing, persuading, or entertaining. When we can identify the purpose of a message, we can be critical thinkers about that message.

DIRECT INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE Step 1: Read Aloud - Facts vs Opinions vs Robots

Say: First, we are going to look at a book where the main purpose is to inform. This book gives us information without telling us what to think about that information. This book has facts. Your job is to listen for one new thing you learned!

Introduce Facts vs Opinions vs Robots and remind students of polite listening behavior and story time procedures. Use best practices while reading aloud.

Say: After listening to that story, explain to a partner the difference between a fact and an opinion. First we will think, then we will whisper to our partner our thinking. [Allow students think and answer time] . It’s important to understand the difference between a fact and an opinion because that can help us recognize whether media is trying to inform us, or persuade us. Let’s look at a book whose primary purpose is to persuade. When the purpose of a media message is to persuade, the creator will use facts and opinions to try and change how you think, feel, or act.

Movement break

Step 2: Read Aloud - Persuasive Example Introduce selected book and remind students of polite listening behavior and story time procedures. Use best practices while reading aloud. Ask students throughout the book whether information shared is a fact or opinion, how the author is trying to persuade them to think or feel, and how they know. Ask students after the story if they can think of other examples of persuasive media (commercials, advertisements, talk shows)

Step 3: Explain to Entertain Say: Thank you for listening and participating. We have one more purpose to talk

about–entertain. What does to entertain mean? Entertain means to share information just for fun. This includes stories that make us feel happy, sad, angry, or other emotions, but the creator’s aren’t trying to change the way we think or trying to make us learn something. I think you can find so many books like that in the library. Let’s check for understanding. Think to yourself - what does to inform mean? Someone brave share with the group. If you agree, thumbs up. Now, think to yourself—what does to persuade mean? A new brave learner share with the group. If you agree, touch your ear. Finally, think to yourself—what does to entertain mean? If you agree, give me the okay sign.

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