For a homework exercise, get students to design a political cartoon to illustrate one key aspect of the topic from either a negative or a positive perspective. No words allowed.

In a subsequent lesson, the pictures are swapped around and each student answers the question “What is the message of this cartoon?” using the framework “I think a message of this cartoon is…the cartoonist gets this message across by showing….which I think from my background knowledge represents…”.

Taking it further: Prior to students starting work on their cartoons –

• Show them a range of famous cartoons by artists like David Low, ideally from topics they have studied already (this is a good revision exercise in itself).
• Brainstorm the meaning of different symbols and idioms. Encourage the students to incorporate some of these into their cartoons.

Download:

Cartoon Skills Template: Idioms, Personifications, Colours