Workshops

Frank delivers the following workshops or he can customize one to meet your specific needs.

Media Literacy 101
Audience:  Teachers, ELA Supervisors
Most teacher/educators have never been trained in media literacy. This workshop introduces the core concepts/key questions and positions media literacy within that state’s teaching standards and frameworks. Extremely interactive and hands-on.

The Role of Media In Politics
Audience:  Teachers, ELA Supervisors, students
This workshop introduces participants to the 30-second campaign commercial, so widely used in US campaigns. Emphasis is given to the language and the economics of political ads.

TV Toy Commercials: How They Influence Kids
Audience:  Elementary educators, students
Toy advertising abounds on cable and commercial television. This workshop pulls back the curtain on production techniques, and aims to get the audience involved and comfortable using these spots in a classroom setting.

Frank Baker presenting "TV Toy Commercials: How They Influence Kids"
March 1998 International Reading Association Annual Conference,
Orlando FL

Understanding the Language of Film & Scriptwriting
Audience:  All educators
Most teachers have never been taught how to watch a film actively.  Using recent, popular film and those based on novels, I introduce the language of film and how each production element has meaning. I have developed a comprehensive film study guide to “To Kill A Mockingbird” which can be shared with the appropriate audiences.

Media Education in a Digital Information Age
Audience:  All educators
Similar to Media Literacy 101, except new media and technology are emphasized here.

The Role of Writing in Media
Audience:  All educators
Writing is the key to all media messages, whether they be advertising, commercials, TV, or film.  Participants will explore all media with many hands-on activities.

Using Media Literacy Skills to Deconstruct Tobacco Ads
Audience: Upper elementary, middle, and high school
Using a hands-on approach, educators learn how to identify target audience and product placement in tobacco marketing.  Counter advertising is introduced and participants create an original counter ad.