Literacy Coach

LITERACY MATTERS

ALL THINGS LITERACY, BECAUSE LITERACY MATTERS IN ALL THINGS

IN AN AGE WHERE INFORMATION FLOWS CONSTANTLY, BEING GLOBALLY AWARE IS CRUCIAL.

As students navigate through their secondary years, we inevitably focus on their academic achievements and progress. However, just as  important is the subject of global awareness and staying informed about current events.

AND, staying globally aware builds crucial literacy skills!

Critical Thinking: The news, particularly online and via social media, is a mix of facts, opinions, and sometimes misinformation. By engaging with current events, students learn to critically evaluate and scrutinise sources, identify bias, and distinguish between reliable information and fake news - a fundamental literacy skill for the digital age. This empowers them to be informed citizens, not just passive consumers of information.

Empathy and Understanding: Learning about different cultures, global challenges (like climate change, humanitarian crises, or economic shifts), and diverse perspectives helps teenagers develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for humanity and encourages them to consider the impact of global events on real people.

Curiosity and Passion: Current events often touch upon every subject taught in school. A news story about a scientific breakthrough, an international agreement, or a historical anniversary can ignite a passion that might lead to a future career or a lifelong interest.

Vocabulary and Background Knowledge: Every new crisis or scientific discovery builds vocabulary, terminology and concepts, improving ability to comprehend increasingly complex texts and understand future information.

Engaged Citizens: Being informed is the first step towards becoming an active and responsible citizen. Globally aware teens are more likely to participate in their communities, advocate for causes they believe in, and contribute to positive change, both locally and internationally.

Writing & Communication: The discussion of global issues requires an ability to articulate clear thoughts with supportive evidence and consideration of counterarguments. This directly translates to stronger essay writing and persuasive communication.

I encourage the open display of curiosity where we watch and read the news from a diverse range of sources and engage in rich discussions. Let’s explore multiple perspectives and promote ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ responses. Let's build powerful, informed and curious minds as we nurture literate individuals equipped to navigate the complexities of information, and express themselves powerfully.