Coca Cola ad writing lesson for homeschool writing

Coca Cola ad writing lesson

Sometimes our geography lessons take a strange twist, like when we studied our Georgia Unit and learned about Coke. I think we can all remember our favorite Coke ad. That became the source of a fun mini-lesson on advertising and how to create an ad.

Coca Cola ad writing lesson

The fun Coke ads I can remember

Some of these I don’t necessarily remember, but I’ve heard the stories of them and how they were talked about.

But, I definitely do remember the polar bears.

Years later when learning about effective advertising, I forget why. Mean Joe Green was brought up as an example.

Then there is when Coke can create cultural ideas. They have been so effective with their advertising it is a common myth that Coke created the modern concept of Santa (spoiler, they didn’t).

But, look at the Coke Polar Bears

It is so iconic that we would look forward to the new Coke polar bear commercial for years.

Wait, I found a playlist of all of them (maybe?)

Coke advertising lesson

First I introduced the idea of how there are so many iconic Coke images, and they are one of the best companies at advertising.  Each kid had a Coke commercial picture at their place and got a chance to share it. They explained why the ad worked and what they thought about the ad.

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Sigh, past Ticia, why did you save every picture so small? I can’t even find that original now, so all I have is this adorable tiny picture of my daughter.

After we talked for a while and looked at various examples I turned them loose with an index card, lots of stickers, and coke bottle pictures that I printed out.

Then they designed their own ads:

Sigh, backlit video, and really having a six year old explain his ad, is rather hilarious, but at least his explanation is better than his brother’s:

Future Ticia 2023, wishes she could find their old geography books so I could take a picture of this original project.

But, sadly I do not have that picture.

And I’d show you Princess’ but she was so quiet the video didn’t really turn out, but she did smile most adorably……..

Writing a Coca Cola ad lesson

Hi Future Ticia 2023 is back, while that’s a cute little post on what my kids did. It explains exactly nothing, and really does not help much for you to create your own ad-writing lesson.

Here are the three levels I would break it down into, and what you require will be dependent on how much time you want to put into it. We were only putting about 15-20 minutes into the project.

Coca Cola ad writing lesson for hoemschool writing and geography

Early elementary coca cola ad writing

Here is what I would require for this age:

  • image of a coke bottle
  • if writing, a short slogan
  • color illustrations

Upper elementary coca cola ad writing requirements

At this point, I’m expecting they have some amount of starting higher-level thinking. All of the requirements above and:

  • short catchy slogan
  • an explanation for their color choices
  • an explanation why their slogan works

Middle school coca cola ad writing requirements

I’m adding in a few more requirements, that go with their growing maturity and brains that are thinking more abstract:

  • the slogan should rhyme or have a catchy jingle
  • possible celebrities or characters who could be drinking the soda
  • caveats or warnings that are so frequently on ads now

This is a fun lesson and it’s a great way to think about how ads change our society and our perceptions.

More learning fun

While this was part of a geography lesson, and had a bit of cultural history, I think you could also put it down for a writing lesson. It’s a nice cross-curricular lesson, so I’m going to pick from a few different subject areas.

Coca Cola ad writing lesson for homeschool writing

Images used with attribution from:


Comments

6 responses to “Coca Cola ad writing lesson”

  1. Christy Avatar
    Christy

    Cute. Maybe they will become advertising executives.

    I love the Polar Bears.

  2. Phyllis Avatar
    Phyllis

    They seemed like they enjoyed the activity!

  3. MaryAnne Avatar
    MaryAnne

    I never would have thought of something like this as a homeschool activity for kids, but it's fantastic! I don't like Coke, but I agree they have fantastic ads.

  4. I sure looks like the kids had a lot of fun with this. I am not a coke drinker but must admit a lot of their advertising has been great.

  5. DannieA Avatar
    DannieA

    ok so this comment is random and has nothing to do with your post…but since you commented…I'll ask…uh you'll need to teach this very new blogger how to “link my comments to e-mail” or whatever you said on my blog LOL…..teach me oh wise one…..

    I like all your lessons…so cute 🙂

  6. This is very clever! Coke is my favorite soft drink, but Anna is yet to taste it 🙂

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