Lightbulbs

So yesterday I took over a grade 9 class for their new unit on advertising.

It was interesting. The first thing I wanted to do was to make sure they knew what advertising really was, and to be honest was blown away by the thoughts of the kids.

- They want to sell us things.
- They try to convince us of stuff.
- They out ideas in our heads.
- They use catchy songs that stay in our heads all day.

Good, right!? I was like.. yes! Well done. Now it's time to go deeper...

So I showed them an ad. You know that 'Dove' commercial about the girl who gets all made up and photoshopped then slapped on a billboard in a city? That one. I thought it has a pretty clear target audience and a pretty nice message to get them thinking.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, it took a while to get the boys away from thinking about the way the commercial was trying to sell 'Dove' products and more about HOW they were doing it. There was no mention of the products, but clearly the advertisement was still promoting their company. After a lot of question asking and discussion guiding, I decided to break it down for them in simple terms they could understand.

Then came the best part, which really, is the only reason I was so inspired to write this entry.

This kid, at the back of the class, who was hanging onto my every word the whole time with a vague look of confusion on his face, understood.

I knew he did, because I was there. I SAW it. The second it happened.

Did you know you can see understanding when it slaps into people? I certainly didn't. Not like that.

Then when his eyes grew wide, his mouth dropped open and his hand shot into the air to answer my latest question - I knew I was doing my job.

It was amazing. My heart is still smiling a little bit.

Anyway, the lesson went on and activities were play and discussions were had, but no other moment was as prefect as that one. Next class, I'm aiming for a few more.

GOD I love my grade 9's. They're actually so sweet and lovely.

Anyway, that's enough teacher talk for one day. Time I go plan Monday's lessons.

I hope you enjoyed my little tale. Now until next time grasshoppers! :)


Ingrid.