Editorial Cartoons

Teaching Theme of the Week

from Education World®

Students work in small groups to create editorial cartoons about topics in the news.

Subjects: Language Arts, Education Technology

Grade Levels: 9-12

Objectives
Students will:

• study and develop editorial cartoons, and
• work together in cooperative groups.

Keywords
newspaper, editorial, cartoon

Materials Needed

• examples of editorial cartoons from various newspapers or from PoliticalCartoons.com
• current news topics written on 3-in. by 5-in. index cards
• a paper bag
• drawing paper
• crayons, colored pencils, or markers
• a computer drawing program, such as HyperStudio (optional)

Procedure

1. Show students examples of political cartoons from different sources. Discuss the cartoons. Ask students what they think the cartoonist's intent or main point was in each one.
    
2. Divide the class into small groups. Have each group choose a card from the bag..
    
3. Tell students that each group must work together to create an editorial cartoon on the topic noted on the card..
    
4. When the cartoons are complete, have each group present and explain its cartoon to the class.

Variation
Have each group create a cartoon using HyperStudio or another computer-drawing program.

Assessment
Evaluate students' cartoons and presentations.

Copyright © 2008, EducationWorld.com, used by permission