In a world that is driven more and more by technology, it is important to develop critical literacy skills in our students. Not only so that they may examine and create their own views of the present, but it is also important to examine and reflect on the past. Critical literacy is “A central thinking skill which involves questioning and examining ideas and texts. It explores the relationship between language and power within a text” (Casey, 2023). The most effective way to teach this is by using classroom read-alouds as a starting point. Read-alouds should not only be used to entertain but also to inform our readers.
Read-aloud books allow students to gain comprehension of the text guided by the teacher. Individual reading skills such as “to synthesize, analyze, interpret, evaluate and respond to what they have read or listened to, applying it to socioeconomic context or their own prior knowledge.”(Casey, 2023) An important component of critical learning is the ability to evaluate the book using connections to another text, to your own experience, and to the world around you. This is developed through continuous discussion with our students and encouraging them to think critically for themselves so that they can form opinions that are based on many different perspectives. Critical literacy can be applied to all areas of the curriculum, not solely language-based activities. Allowing students to discuss the world around them will foster their understanding of being an informed person who is capable of taking action based on their beliefs. This might take the form of community projects, volunteering, fundraising, or activism during their lifetime.
According to Justine Bruyère, “The first step is selecting a strong mentor text, one with multiple narratives, in which alternate stories are told between the lines and within the illustrations. A worthwhile text should serve to launch counternarratives or conversations about identity and social issues, or about differences in power and privilege. Children should be able to see themselves and learn about the lives of others through the text. Examples include: A Chair for My Mother by Vera Williams, Islandborn by Junot Díaz, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, The Remember Balloons by Jessie Oliveros, and Another by Christian Robinson.” (Bruyère, 2019).
Following the selection of a text, it is important to take the time to examine the title page so that students can make predictions and connections and share those with a partner or the group. This is an important step to validate and encourage students to share their beliefs and to normalize the acceptance of many different views. With modelled practice, even those who are timid will hopefully begin to share as well. Either during or following the read-aloud, it will be important for the teacher to ask questions that will encourage students to explore areas of the text, such as voice, character perspectives, power and oppression, motives, hidden messages, and connections that perhaps they had not initially thought about. The ability to hear others' views and adapt our initial interpretations is important to develop one's critical literacy abilities. Other types of activities may include performing a skit based on the book, interviewing characters, or authoring a piece of writing. Perhaps students feel compelled to write a letter to inspire change or are moved to create poetry or music to reflect what they have learned.
As students mature, it will be important to realize that “Texts are never neutral, but rather socially constructed from particular viewpoints. They have the intention of promoting individual messages or ideas. Texts work to guide the reader into seeing things in a specific way and readers need to question the perspective of the writer. As learners develop the skill of questioning and analysing the writer’s perspective, they become more empowered.”(Casey, 2023). Throughout life, we will need to analyze media for truthfulness and transparency and not accept information presented to us blindly as fact.
References
Bruyère, J. (2019, June 7). Critical literacy in early elementary grades. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/critical-literacy-early-elementary-grades/
Casey, M. (2023, January 18). How to Foster Critical Literacy Skills. How to foster critical literacy skills | Bedrock Learning. https://bedrocklearning.org/literacy-blogs/how-to-foster-critical-literacy-skills-in-your-learners/
