Card
T.A.C.O.S.
T.A.C.O.S. provides an organized strategy to analyze political cartoons in order to determine the meaning and message that the artist is conveying. By using T.A.C.O.S., students break down each part of a political cartoon, and by the end of the strategy, they will be able to construct meaning of the cartoon. This strategy can be used at the beginning of a lesson to engage learners or at the end to assess understanding of a topic.
T.A.C.O.S.
Summary
The T.A.C.O.S. strategy enables students to break down each part of a political cartoon systematically in order to construct meaning.
Procedure
Provide students with a relevant political cartoon. Explain to students that political cartoons are typically used to convey an opinion or provide commentary about a topic.
Write the T.A.C.O.S. acronym on the board or provide a handout that lists the meaning of each letter.
Students will write TACOS vertically on a piece of notebook paper and use each letter to analyze the cartoon.
T is for time and place. Have students narrow down the time period of the cartoon. They can estimate a range of years. Have students use the images to determine the region of the cartoon, if relevant.
A is for action. Have students explain what is happening in the cartoon.
C is for caption. Have students write the caption in the cartoon, if one is available.
O is for objects. Have students write down important objects/symbols/colors used in the cartoon.
S is for summary. After completing steps 4-7, have students write one sentence summarizing the meaning of the cartoon.
https://www.eduscapes.com/sessions/ssinquiry/2.htm
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Placement In Lesson
- Engage/Opening
- Extend/Additional Learning Activity
Intention/Purpose
- Analyze
- Critical Thinking
- Increase Teacher "Toolbox"
- Summarize
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