This lesson requires students to gather information about Literacy, summarize their findings, and make personal connections. This information will later be used for the culminating task for this unit.

Lesson Overview
Learning Goals/Big Ideas/Key Questions
  • How does Reading and Writing (Literacy) give us power?
  • Throughout history, those in power have withheld access to education, especially reading and writing, as a form of oppression. How would that impact people? 
  • How is not knowing how to read a barrier?
Readiness

Students should have familiarity with basic research skills and summarizing information.

Terminology
  • Literacy
  • Social Impact
  • Economic Impact
  • Health Impact
Materials
  • Individual copies of PDF #7 Literacy in Action
  • Individual computers/computer lab

Minds On

Whole Class or Small Groups > Literacy in Action

As per the Right to Read Report, many students are not able to make meaning or connections from what they read. The final part of this unit is a group choral performance about the importance of literacy and the power of words. 

Educators are encouraged to preface this lesson with an introduction to/discussion of the systemic barriers that make it challenging for some individuals to be literate. The idea that all students learn at their own pace may need to be reinforced. Educators may wish to provide support for any students who may experience triggers from this lesson.

The following research may be distressing, especially for struggling readers and those who face systemic barriers in their lives. It is important that teachers work alongside students as they complete the research component of this activity so reading does not continue to be a barrier, thus further disengaging students.

Action

Small Groups or Individual > Literacy in Action

In preparation for the culminating task for this unit, students will complete research about youth literacy in Canada. Hand out copies of PDF #7 Literacy in Action. As a class or individually, visit the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation - Literacy Facts webpage.

Consolidation

Small Groups or Individual > Literacy in Action

Advise students before beginning the work that you will be making copies of the work and redacting student names; these anonymous copies will be used for the Culminating Task, allowing students distance from their personal connections. Alternatively, students can use their own Literacy in Action worksheets, but attention must be paid to ensure students are safe in the work.

Students will review the facts, summarize and record details and facts into their notes, turn the facts into student-friendly language, and then make personal connections to the information. Collect the completed PDF #7: Literacy in Action, review and prepare them for the Culminating Task.