New Cigarette Package Warning Labels

This week in Media Literacy we read and discussed an article about the new cigarette warning labels that have been developed by the Federal Government. We learned that 37,000 Canadians die each year of tobacco related illnesses. The new warning labels will take up 75% of the packaging and feature very graphic images and messages. One of these images is of a former model, Barb Tarbox on her deathbed. The caption beside the image says: "This is what dying of cancer looks like". Students have gone to the computer lab to view samples of the new warning labels and give their personal evaluation of whether or not they are effective. They have also been asked to suggest their own strategies to help people stop smoking.

Analysing Editorial Cartoons

As part of our study of Media Literacy we worked in groups last week to read and analyse editorial cartoons. Only a couple of students in each class had ever read an editorial cartoon before. Editorial cartoons were posted around the classroom and students rotated through stations where they discussed the cartoons in small groups under four different headings: background knowledge, pictures , text and theme or message. Students have one cartoon to analyse for homework which is on the long gun registry. We have read an article and discussed this issue in class, so hopefully, it won't be too difficult. Here is another editorial cartoon on the same topic -any comments?

Chilean Miners Rescued Safely

Today, as part of our study of Media Literacy, we discussed yesterday's successful rescue of the miners in Chile who were trapped in a deep mine below ground for 69 days. Many students had followed the story in the news and already knew a great deal about the issue. We are reading an article on the trapped miners to follow up this discussion. As part of our discussion please comment in the blog on the following question: What do you think would be the biggest challenge of being trapped underground for 69 days?