November RESOURCES:
news & media literacy
The digital age has made it easy for anyone to create content online. However, it is not always obvious who created something, why they made it, and whether it's credible. As our students increase use of their 1:1 TechForEd devices for research and exploration of topics, Media Literacy becomes a critical skill.
During the month of November, many of our fifth and ninth grade classrooms will engage in digital citizenship learning related to Media Literacy. Media Literacy addresses important concepts such as bias, opinion, author’s purpose, and critical thinking. It also includes asking specific questions and backing up your opinions with facts.
At home you can support your students in understanding Media Literacy in a variety of ways. With young kids, you can discuss things they are familiar with such as commercials, food wrappers, and toy packages. With older kids, you can talk about YouTube videos, ads, and news outlets. With each, ask questions like “who made this,” “what do they want you to believe or do,” and “why would they want that” to help them continue to process the concepts of bias, opinion, and author’s purpose.
Monthly Motto:
We are critical thinkers and creators.
Discussion question:
How can I be a critical consumer and creator of news and media?
Additional Family Engagement Resources:
Common Sense Media Resources
Jeffco’s Tech for Ed Website