Description
This is a lesson about the reasons for editorial cartoons, their parts and how to read and create them. Students will spend one day learning about the parts of an editorial cartoon and labeling and discussing cartoons. The next day students will design their own editorial cartoons.
Objectives
- Students will learn how editorial cartoons use symbolism to make a point.
- Students will identify the parts of an editorial cartoon.
- Students will create cartoons of their own.
Common Core State Standards
| CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.11-12.7 | Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem. |
Length
50 minutes
Resources
Slideshow: Elements of editorial cartoons
Editorial page
Samples of editorial cartoons
Lesson step-by-step
1. Building background — 15 minutes
Display a sample editorial page on the screen. Ask students where their eyes go first when they look at the page. Chances are, most students will say the editorial cartoon.
Use the slideshow to present characteristics and examples of editorial cartoons.
2. Group work — 15 minutes
Divide students into groups of 3-4. Distribute copies of a different editorial cartoon to each group (they will be included at the end of the presentation, too, so students can refer to them visually). Have each group label the parts of the cartoon, then prepare to explain it to the class.
3. Present — 20 minutes
Assign each group to present its findings and discuss whether they thought their cartoon was effective.
4. Closing
Tell students that next time they will be creating their own editorial cartoons so they have time to think about topics they want to comment on in cartoon form.
Day 2
1. Building background — 15 minutes
Briefly review the parts of the political cartoon. Walk through some guidelines in creating political cartoons.
2. Draw cartoons — 20 minutes
Give students time to draw cartoons. Remind them that for this assignment, they are not being graded on their artwork, but how well they know the parts of the editorial cartoons.
3. Share cartoons — 15 minutes
Have students get into small groups to share their cartoons, then choose the best ones to share with the class. When students are done sharing in the large group, have them turn in their cartoons.