English Language Arts 7-9 Overview

Each Atlantic Province follows closely the Atlantic Provinces Education Foundation Framework for English Language Arts. In this Framework, media literacy is integrated throughout the English Language Arts curriculum under the general learning outcomes of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Viewing and Writing and Other Ways of Representing.

The following excerpt from Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum, Grades 7-9, details how media education has been integrated into the Atlantic curriculum.

For kids, social media isn’t always social

Here’s a weird thing: my kids don’t use social media to be, you know, social.

The other day, I was scrolling through my own Instagram feed, while my youngest daughter was looking over my shoulder. She was asking why I follow every account I follow. I explained time and again that each account was a friend of mine – some closer than others, but, for the most part, people I’ve met at some point in life and who I wanted to keep in touch with.

Girls and Boys on Television

In this lesson, students discuss television programming aimed at children and how girls and boys are portrayed in it. Students illustrate what they dislike about portrayals of girls or boys and then create their own TV character who will counter the illustrated negative portrayals.

Visual Media - Introduction

Visual media, such as art, photos, and movies, use special techniques called "rules of notice" to guide what viewers pay attention to and how they feel about what they see. Understanding these rules helps both creators and those trying to understand the messages in visuals.

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Health and Life Skills Grade 9

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Alberta Grade 9 Health and Life Skills curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Outcome Chart - Ontario - Communications Technology Broadcast and Print Production 11

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Ontario Curriculum for Communications Technology Broadcast and Print Production, Grade 11, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.

Secondary Cycle Two

In the secondary English Language Arts curriculum for Cycle Two (years 10, 11), media is most represented under Competency 2: Represents her/his literacy in different media. 

Outcome Chart - Alberta - Social Studies Grade 4

This outcome chart contains Media literacy learning expectations from the Alberta social studies curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts website.

Outcome Chart - Atlantic Provinces - Technology Education Grade 4-6

This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the Foundation for the Atlantic Canada Technology Education Curriculum, Technology Education curriculum, Grade 4-6, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.