Activity Overview
A big part of campaigning for candidates is getting their message to voters so that they can get their votes! Political campaigns use a multitude of different advertisements to convince the public to vote for their candidate. This can include catchy slogans, vivid imagery, or words that explain their stances on issues and highlight their campaign promises. In this activity, students will create a campaign poster for either an imaginary or real candidate.
Their campaign poster should have compelling visuals, slogans and descriptions that explain why their candidate should win. If students are doing an imaginary candidate, they should brainstorm issues and topics that are important to them and create a candidate that will fight for their values. If they are doing an actual candidate, students should research their candidate. The candidate could be on the national level, like the presidential election, or it could be on the local level with either a town mayor or even a school student president!
For more poster templates, check out our poster library. Additional templates can be added to the assignment to give students more choice and guidance.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Choose a political candidate and create a campaign poster that outlines their core values and campaign promises.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose appropriate scenes, characters and items that represent your candidate.
- Write 3-4 campaign promises or beliefs for your candidate.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content: | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 4-6 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 2-3 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 1 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. |
| Illustrations | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 4-6 core beliefs of the candidate. | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 2-3 core beliefs of the candidate. | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 1 of the core beliefs of the candidate. |
Activity Overview
A big part of campaigning for candidates is getting their message to voters so that they can get their votes! Political campaigns use a multitude of different advertisements to convince the public to vote for their candidate. This can include catchy slogans, vivid imagery, or words that explain their stances on issues and highlight their campaign promises. In this activity, students will create a campaign poster for either an imaginary or real candidate.
Their campaign poster should have compelling visuals, slogans and descriptions that explain why their candidate should win. If students are doing an imaginary candidate, they should brainstorm issues and topics that are important to them and create a candidate that will fight for their values. If they are doing an actual candidate, students should research their candidate. The candidate could be on the national level, like the presidential election, or it could be on the local level with either a town mayor or even a school student president!
For more poster templates, check out our poster library. Additional templates can be added to the assignment to give students more choice and guidance.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Choose a political candidate and create a campaign poster that outlines their core values and campaign promises.
Student Instructions:
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose appropriate scenes, characters and items that represent your candidate.
- Write 3-4 campaign promises or beliefs for your candidate.
Requirements:
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient 10 Points | Emerging 6 Points | Beginning 1 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content: | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 4-6 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 2-3 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. | Student includes the name of the candidate and a catchy slogan. Student describes 1 of the candidates core beliefs or campaign promises. |
| Illustrations | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 4-6 core beliefs of the candidate. | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 2-3 core beliefs of the candidate. | Student includes graphics and scenes that depict each of the 1 of the core beliefs of the candidate. |
How Tos about Create A Campaign Poster
Gather real-world examples of campaign posters
Show students actual campaign posters from various elections. Discuss what makes these posters effective, focusing on colors, slogans, images, and clear messaging. This helps students see how professionals communicate ideas visually.
Guide students to identify a target audience
Ask students to decide who their poster should appeal to—for example, classmates, parents, or the entire school. Tailoring the message to a specific audience makes the poster more impactful and focused.
Brainstorm persuasive slogans with your class
Lead a quick class brainstorm to create short, memorable slogans that capture a candidate's main message. Encourage creativity and discuss how slogans can inspire or persuade.
Teach students to use visual hierarchy
Show how to arrange text and images so the most important information stands out. Explain concepts like bold fonts, size, and placement to help students design eye-catching posters.
Facilitate peer feedback sessions
Organize a quick gallery walk where students review each other's posters and give constructive feedback on clarity, persuasiveness, and creativity. This helps everyone improve their work before final submission.
Frequently Asked Questions about Create A Campaign Poster
How do you make a simple campaign poster for a classroom activity?
To make a simple campaign poster, choose a candidate (real or imaginary), pick visuals and colors that stand out, add a catchy slogan, and list 3–4 campaign promises or core values. Use bold images and clear text to share why your candidate should win.
What are good campaign poster ideas for elementary students?
Good ideas include bright colors, fun slogans, creative drawings, and simple language. Students can feature issues they care about, like school improvements or kindness, and use symbols or mascots to represent their candidate.
What should a student include on a campaign poster?
Students should include the candidate’s name, a slogan, 3–4 campaign promises or beliefs, and eye-catching visuals that show what the candidate stands for. Adding pictures and clear reasons why to vote helps make the poster effective.
How can teachers guide students in creating campaign posters?
Teachers can provide templates, suggest brainstorming important issues, discuss what makes a strong message, and encourage the use of both words and images. Reviewing sample posters and offering feedback helps students refine their ideas.
Where can I find free campaign poster templates for classroom use?
You can find free campaign poster templates in online poster libraries, educational resource sites, or by checking the assignment’s linked template collection. Many sites offer designs tailored for K–12 classroom projects.
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