The resources, tips, and professional development opportunities shared throughout this digital notebook are rooted in skills supporting critical media literacy, which we at PBS have been working to weave though all our work. The National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE) defines media literacy as “the ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication.” Media literacy education emphasizes skills of inquiry and expression and empowers students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage as active citizens. We hope these media-rich resources, lesson plans, worksheets, and question stem cards inspire you to engage your students with media analysis and media making in new ways. A full printable PDF of the digital notebook is available under support materials.

This digital notebook includes: 

• Grab and go resources: Curated resources for 6-12 educators. These “grab and go” resources can be used immediately in your classroom.
• Lesson plan templates and samples: Each resource highlighted in the “grab and go” section has accompanying lesson plans and worksheets. We have included a bonus lesson plan, annotated by an educator, and student facing worksheet that focuses on analyzing media and thinking critically.
• Tools for using documentaries in your classroom: As you are asked to return to the classroom we thought we’d switch things up this month and bring you a “Back to School” mash-up of highlights to help lighten you and your students’ load. Use these resources to bring documentary films into your classroom to catalyze honest, authentic and critical conversations.
• Professional learning and supplements: We have curated a list of professional development, PBS TeachersLounge Blogs and Special Lessons created by PBS All-Stars, to accompany the grab and go content! Some of these resources provide opportunities to earn credit hours.