Mini-Lesson

Objective: Students will design an advertisement for the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

1. Explain that the annual Cherry Blossom Festival is currently taking place in Washington D.C. Have students imagine that it is their job to design an advertisement to encourage people to visit the nation's capital during the two-week festival. Ask: In order to design this advertisement, what information will you need to find out?

2. Print and pass out copies of the timeforkids.com news story, Spring in the Capital. As students read, remind them to underline facts and details they may want to include in their advertisement. Then, have students create a one-page advertisement for the Cherry Blossom Festival, either independently or with a partner. Encourage students to consider their audience as they work.

3. Have volunteers share their finished product with the rest of the class. Discuss their persuasive techniques. Ask: To whom do you think this ad would appeal? What makes this ad effective? Do you have any suggestions for changes?