I have a post coming soon about New Year’s resolutions, but first I wanted to write a little about one of our own. This year, I’ve resolved to watch more films. (Yes, more!) It might sound a little strange at a time when many of us are struggling to convince our own children to put down their devices and consume less screen time, but there it is.
Children may be particularly at risk online because they’re not always aware of the risks associated with what they’re doing. For that reason, children need close supervision when using digital devices and also need to be taught basic cyber security skills as early as possible.
This outcome chart contains media-related learning outcomes from the BC Grade 7 Physical and Health Education curriculum, with links to supporting resources on the MediaSmarts site.
CP10.1 Investigate inspiration and departure points for dramatic work.
a. Use personal narratives to explore concepts of memory, history and experiences relating to identity (e.g., cultural, gender expression, urban or rural perspectives, pop culture influences, sexual orientation, social status, youth or elder, immigrant).
b. Generate ideas for exploration through improvisation and devised scene-work.
“Students require an understanding of self as the basis for making healthy choices, having healthy interactions with others and using resources wisely, as well as for lifelong career development. They also require information, planning tools and processes to make decisions and develop action plans for effective life management.” Career and Life Management
In the Alberta Health and Life Skills K-9 Framework, media literacy is highlighted under the heading Program Rational and Philosophy in the section Responsible, Healthy Choices:
Many curricular expectations in B.C. Physical and Health Education courses relate to media and digital literacy. Media and digital literacy skills and concepts can be found in many of the Big Ideas, Curricular Competencies and specific course content.
Media components are included in the Northwest Territories Social Studies curriculum in the Managing Information and Ideas strand. The document Social Studies in the Northwest Territories – A Kindergarten to Grade 4 Overview includes the following among key social studies skills:
The Nova Scotia English language arts curriculum includes expectations that incorporate media education themes. The curriculum document Foundation for the Atlantic Canada English Language Arts Curriculum: English Language Arts (2012) includes a section that demonstrates the complementary relationship between media literacy and English language arts:
“The use of information technology will help enable all students to solve problems, improve their personal performance, and gain the critical and abstract thinking skills necessary to become lifelong learners and contributing members of their communities” (Manitoba Education and Training, Technology As a Foundation Skill Area).