Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age

by Kristin Ziemke, Katie Muhtaris (Contributor)

Our society is flooded with technology. It enables people to connect, it amplifies voices, and it has the power to enrich lives. Yet our society can be so distracted by the possibilities of technology that we can forget it is our humanity-and the stories we share-that make it meaningful. As educators, it is up to us to ensure that students know how to use all the resources available to them to think critically and compassionately about the world. In Read the World , Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris draw from their own rich pedagogical background and classroom experience to provide teaching strategies and flexible lessons that support students in acquiring the skills they need to thrive-academically, socially, and emotionally-in today's digital world. Kristin and Katie layer research-based instructional strategies, a student-centered approach, and strategic use of technology to outline a path Each chapter offers lessons with target outcomes to help you assess students' growth and invites you to reflect on the work as it unfolds in your classroom. Our students have been raised in a digital culture; now we need to guide them to use technology to tell their stories, hear the stories of others, and take action. With modeling, explicit instruction, and time for practice, we can-and must-teach students to build bridges, eliminate barriers, and thrive in this world. Start where it makes sense for your school and community and provide students the tools, teaching, and opportunity to rethink literacy and read the world.

Genres: Education

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 28, 2019

Reviews

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really close to a 5 star book especially given the time we are currently living in. I really liked the sentence starters and talking points to use with students about reading digital texts and being critical readers. I believe the focus on building empathy is crucial for our learners and the support for building student agency is and will be paramount as we make our way through 2020.

Oh and teacher friends - I own the book and would be happy to stick in on your front porch if you'd like to check it out. Kristin also has a Google Site where she is posting ideas and support for our virtual learning endeavors!

[Nawal Qarooni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this alongside my own personal novels so it took awhile but I will say this: there is no text more relevant for the pandemic-era teaching we’ve been forced into, and no teaching guide that models so seamlessly what we hope to accomplish with kids, learning and best practices in literacy teaching. It is rife with ideas for how to explicitly teach kids how to learn from and digest various tech platforms while also building conversation, community, and authentic, action-oriented learning experiences. I also know Kristin Ziemke personally and adore her. Her work is as real, practical and thoughtful as it gets.

[Kris Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hoping for more media literacy-specific lesson ideas, but this worked too.

[Dave Fouman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first three chapters very helpful in this digital age and during the Corona Crisis with so many kids staying at home. Great ideas on how to lesson plan using digital technology to help students in the classroom. Wish the last chapter on students "Taking Action" regarding social issues had been shorter with more pages devoted to the other three chapters. Overall, a very practical book for teachers.

[Heather Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is by far one of the most relevant and useful books that I have read. It gives practical ideas for teachers to use to help students make sense of online content. The "Try It" sections provide mini-lessons and tips for teaching students specific skills when they interact with digital texts. I highly recommend this resource!

[Carolyn]

Let's face it--I'm just not actually reading this book right now.
I'll start it again... sometime... Later.