We are subjected to thousands of media images and sounds each day. Most of the time, they flash by us so fast that we barely have time to think about them. In fact, most of these messages are designed to avoid critical thinking on our part. The main purpose of this book is to create awareness in young people about those messages around them. These messages often appeal to our emotions and feelings: Are we fearful? Insecure? Judgmental? Once students have acquired the skills to look at media messages critically, they will be better equipped to make decisions about their true value.

Students will understand media texts, understand media forms and techniques and create media texts. Includes 5 messages in media activities, 59 understanding and creating media text activities and a teacher guide.

This book begins with a brief Introduction followed by Background Information which gives concise definitions of relevant media literacy terms. The list under Types of Media will provide some examples to use with young learners. The Teacher Assessment Rubric (p. 5) gives teachers a tool to use to assess student performance and to consider future literacy topics. The Self-Assessment Rubric (p. 6 ) gives students the opportunity to evaluate their own performance.

Introduction and Teacher Guide Includes:

• Meeting the Common Core State Standards

• At A GlanceTM  List of Skills

• Introduction

• Background Information

  • What is media, media form, media text, and media literacy?

  • Types of Common Media

• Teacher Assessment Rubric

• Self-Assessment Rubric

• How to Use This Book

• Student Title Page

• Letters to Parents

• Media Survey: Media in My Week

• Media Forms

• Answer Key

As a means of storage of student materials, it is recommended that students use a file folder, DuoTang or similar folder to hold the following:

• title page: designed by students to show some aspect of media

• letters to parents: introduction to the unit and a final letter when the unit is complete

• Media Survey: Media in My Week

• Media Forms

Messages in Media Worksheets

• Media Tricks 

• Jingles and Slogans

• Clear and Hidden Messages

• Stereotypes

• Positive and Negative Messages

• Propaganda

Understanding and Creating Media Texts Worksheets

This portion of the resource is organized into five categories of media. Each category will provide a brief history of the media, worksheets, and hands-on activities that can be completed alone or in small groups. Many assignments require research using books, reference materials, and the internet.

These categories are:

I. Print Media

II. Art & Picture Media

III. Sound Media

IV. Combination Media (print, pictures, sound)

V. Digital Media

Social Media Safety: The final topic is a discussion of Social Media Safety with information and the opportunity for young learners to use social media wisely.

Share Your Thoughts is an opportunity for students to express their views and opinions about aspects of media.

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