For our upcoming market day, the challenge was: solve a problem, make life easier. And what better way to share their solutions than by making their own infomercials?
To start off, the class explored classic infomercials, watching how they capture attention, outline a problem, and highlight how their product is the ultimate fix. Students loved watching and copying the over-the-top presenters and sayings. They quickly picked up on how persuasive language and visuals can make even the simplest product sound amazing.
I have learned you need persuasive words and language for ads because if you just had plain old boring ads, not many people would buy your product. The persuasive language creates a hook to bring the people in to watch the ad.
The students felt inspired by these and they jumped right into creating their own ads. First, they needed to write a script to support their product. We came up with 4 main success criteria:
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You needed a hook. What is going to hook your audience in? Is it going to be a rhetorical question? A great catchphrase?
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You need to have a problem. What is the problem this product relates to?
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You need a solution. This is your product's time to shine! How can your product help?
Lastly you need strong language that is going to catch an audience's attention for the length of the commercial. We decided persuasive language and onomatopoeia is the best way to do this.
After the script, they sketched storyboards to plan the scenes, thinking about how to showcase the products in just a few seconds. The planning process encouraged each student to consider why their product makes life easier—and how to show that in a fun way. Then, with iPads in hand, they brought their ideas to life using iMovie, diving into the digital side of storytelling.
I didn’t know how much work it would be to make an infomercial. The hardest part is making the story board because you need to imagine what it will look like.
Now, as we get ready for market day, students will have a chance to share their infomercials with others, explaining their product and getting feedback on their ideas. Keep an eye out for the final ads! These student-created infomercials are packed with personality, problem-solving, and clever ways to make everyday life just a little bit easier.
Having initially begun my career in education as a teacher aide in 2016, I have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside students to build their confidence and develop pride in their identity. I’m passionate about te reo Māori and kapa haka, as I firmly believe this is an important part of students finding their identity and sense of belonging as a student in Aotearoa.
With a particular focus on building students’ mana, I have developed a strength for building connections and relationships with my students. In my daily practice, I seek to achieve this by encouraging students to step out of their comfort zone, and show opportunity by giving everything a go.
Outside of the classroom, you can find me getting lost in my kindle or spending time with friends and whānau at the lake.
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