Media Literacy 101

X.  Media in the Classroom and Family Room - We Can Make a Difference

Children are immersed in media, yet they seldom stop to think critically about it. Examining media can be fun and engaging and adults can learn as much from kids as the kids learn from us. Parents and teachers each have a role. Together, we can make a real difference in the way children use media.

In schools…
… media literacy can be taught alone or across the curriculum. The critical thinking skills at the heart of media literacy complement all subjects and it is as important to learn about media in a science class as it is in English or history. Excellent curricular materials abound online.

At home…
…parents can play a big role in helping children become media literate. It doesn't require a degree or special classes, just a little time and attention. Talk to your kids. Ask them about what they see, what they understand, and how they are affected. Many helpful ideas for parents can be found online.

To learn more, take a look at:

Navigating the Children’s Media Landscape: A Parent's and Caregiver's Guide (PDF)

This recent report on children and media contains strategies for managing media in the home. It is published by Cable in the Classroom and National PTA. The report offers:

• A guide to help families develop a comprehensive media plan that allows them to take greater control of their TV viewing, Internet, and other media activities
• A media “how-to” chart to support age appropriate development
• Ideas and strategies to help parents and caregivers select and use media in ways appropriate for their children.

Thinking Critically About Media: Schools and Families in Partnership (PDF)

This report on media literacy, published by Cable in the Classroom, has chapters contributed by experts in the field. This report covers these and other critical topics:

• Making the case for media literacy, focusing on why it is important and raising the reader's awareness of the need for media education at home and in school
• Tips for parents and teachers, focusing on practical strategies and questions adults can use in the living room or in the classroom
• Looking at a new media and the new skills needed in this "brave new world."

Taking Charge of Your TV- A Guide to Critical Viewing for Parents and Children (PDF)

A workbook on media literacy from Cable in the Classroom, National PTA and the National Cable and Telecommunications Association. You will learn how to plan for a better TV viewing by:

• Becoming more aware of what is behind the way that TV programs are produced
• Establishing limits on how much TV your family watches each week
• Developing family guidelines for program selection
• Encouraging you, when appropriate, to “Talk back to your TV,” by expressing your opinion of what you are seeing and hearing.

Links to the best media literacy sites and organizations