Kids, Alcohol and Advertising - Lesson 3: Understanding Brands

Lesson Plan

Level(s): Grades 4 to 8

Author: MediaSmarts

Production of this lesson has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.

Understanding Brands is the third in this series and is intended as a stepping stone to Lesson 4, Interpreting Media Messages. In this lesson, students learn about the importance of branding for developing customer loyalty and recognition of products. Through class discussion, students explore different types of brands and the ubiquitous nature of branding in North American culture. Using the work sheet Brands All Around Us, students further explore brand culture and their own responses to the products advertised in this manner. By helping students understand that brand culture is indiscriminate and that brand recognition is not always for products that are age-appropriate, students will be better able to understand the significance of branding in the marketing and consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate

An awareness of:

• how symbols, characters and logos are used to promote products
• the ubiquitous nature of product branding in North American culture

A beginning understanding of:

• students' own responses to particular brands

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) is available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.

Lesson Kit:

Lesson_Kids_Alcohol_Advertising_Kids_Understanding_Brands.pdf