How to Teach Media Literacy to Children

Hidden messages and hyperreality take place in different forms throughout a media culture. Children are exposed to concepts that can influence behavior and attitude. It becomes important for developing minds to have tools to understand mass media.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Educate yourself in children's media. Watch programming aimed at children. What is the theme of the program? What commercials precede and follow the show?
2. Sit down and have a talk with the child. Find out why the child likes a particular program. Ask questions about the characters and see how closely they relate to them.
3. Teach the child to evaluate what they are watching. Encourage them to ask questions about their favorite shows.
4. Engage them in real world learning. Have a discussion about outdoor advertising, such as posters.