EDS 346: Literacy in the Content Area

Elementary school teachers incorporate 21st-century literacies by weaving these skills into lessons, activities, and classroom interactions. Here’s how they address each literacy to build foundational skills in young students:

1. Digital Literacy: Teachers introduce students to basic digital tools, like educational software and tablets, guiding them in safe and responsible online behavior. They often use interactive whiteboards and digital storytelling tools, teaching children how to navigate technology in age-appropriate ways.

2. Information Literacy: Teachers help students learn to ask questions, seek answers, and evaluate simple sources. They might guide students in distinguishing reliable information from misinformation using kid-friendly examples and in asking questions like, “Who wrote this?” and “Why did they write it?”

3. Media Literacy: Teachers use media such as educational videos, cartoons, or news clips and prompt students to think critically about what they watch. They might discuss the difference between advertisements and informative content, helping students understand the purpose, audience, and message in media.

4. Visual Literacy: Through activities like picture analysis, art projects, and diagrams, teachers help students interpret visual information. Storytelling with illustrations, for example, builds skills to "read" images for meaning and recognize symbols or simple infographics.

5. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Teachers encourage students to solve puzzles, participate in group projects, and explore real-world problems in a structured way. They may ask open-ended questions to promote independent thinking or use “what if” scenarios to build problem-solving skills.

6. Global Awareness and Cultural Literacy: By introducing stories, songs, and activities from diverse cultures, teachers help students gain an early appreciation for different perspectives. Celebrating international holidays or discussing simple current events can help children become aware of their broader community and the world.

7. Collaboration and Communication: Teachers emphasize teamwork by organizing group activities, fostering respectful discussion, and practicing clear communication. Activities like “show and tell” or group storytelling help students express ideas and listen actively, building early skills in communication and collaboration.

Through these methods, elementary teachers nurture a foundation in 21st-century literacies, equipping students with adaptable skills they’ll build on throughout their education.

Sample Lesson Plans:

Suggestions for searching:

literacy type + age/grade + subject

an example:

Further suggestions:

1. search more than one database (you can search the 4 shown above simultaneously!)

2. type the word "or" after your search terms to automatically generate synonyms or related terms

3. limit results to "full-text" and the last 10 years

4. you can also just search "21st century literacies"