Digital Promise Signature Workspace

Critical Literacy for Adolescents

Critical thinking and criticality are essential skills for our learners. Learn more about how you can foster those skills.

In today's world, all students must be able to think critically about what they are reading and writing. They must be able to discern the world around them through a critical lens that considers the impact and bias of power and privilege. Culturally Responsive Teaching practices that include examining multiple points of view and diverse texts are vital to students' ability to do both and respond to what they read and see through the written word.

You can learn more about Critical Literacy in our webinar featuring Dr. Gholdy Muhammad on Cultivating Genius: An Equity Model for Culturally and Historically Responsive literacy. Also in this webinar, Sarah Ballard, a National Board Certified Teacher in Mississippi, describes how she teaches her students the power of language through narrating their own story. Explore the resources she used to foster critical literacy in her padlet.  

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This workspace was created by the Learner Variability Project team. You can design your own workspaces using our free tools, like the Learner Centered Design Tool.

relevant Learner skills and Factors

Literacy 7-12

Composition is the expression of ideas through writing.

Literacy 7-12

Children develop the skills to present arguments and persuade others early, with skills increasing with Verbal Reasoning skills.

Literacy 7-12

Critical Literacy is the ability to identify purposes, motives, and potential biases of a particular text to enhance overall comprehension and critical thinking.

Literacy 7-12

Thinking about how we think and learn allows us to pay attention to and control our cognitive processes.

Literacy 7-12

The trauma that comes from experiencing adversity in childhood releases stress hormones that can lead to changes in the body and brain.

Literacy 7-12

In our society, there are many stereotypes that exist about the academic abilities of learners based on characteristics such as their race, gender, disability, and socioeconomic status.

strategies for Critical thinking, diverse & complex reading and writing models

Mentor Texts

Literacy 7-12

By observing, rereading, and closely analyzing published writing, students see examples and learn the strategies of good writing that they can integrate into their own Composition.

strategies for Authenticity

Debate

Literacy 7-12

When preparing for and debating with peers, students analyze, form, and express verbal arguments, fostering their critical thinking and literacy skills.

strategies for Feedback, reflection & Metacognition

Foster Growth Mindset

Literacy 7-12

+When students are aware that learning involves effort, mistakes, reflection, and refinement of strategies, they are more resilient when they struggle.

Reflect on Learning

Literacy 7-12

Student reflection on learning, particularly when done collaboratively, is critical for moving knowledge of content and strategies into Long-term Memory.