Media Literacy for Primary School Students

By WR!TERS@WORK

Media literacy means that students develop the skills needed to interpret, evaluate, and create content using mass communication tools. Students need to be able to analyse and think critically about the messages we consume and understand the motives behind them. When students analyse a piece of text or a graphic, what goes through their minds? Being able to identify the tone, message, and implications of a piece of content are valuable skills. WRITERS AT WORK students can develop these skills as early as primary school so that they can become critical thinkers especially by having a strong foundation in the English language through our enrichment classes.

Here are some ways you can encourage your children to be media literate:

1. Discussing What they Think the Messages in a Piece of Content Are

Primary school students should discuss what they think the messages presented in a piece of content. Children should consume age appropriate content, and usually, there is a purpose to children’s shows – they teach positive skills such as language acquisition and moral values. Parents could ask their children about what they think the moral values behind a piece of content are. If children do not know what to say, parents could point out what they observe from the piece of content and tell them to try and make the connection between what they see and how it makes them feel, and what the message of the piece of content might be.

2. Talking About Their Emotions When They Watch or Read Something

Parents should try to talk about what makes a child emotionally connected to their favourite shows. Children should talk about the things they like and dislike about a piece of content, and what makes it eye-catching. Usually, children readily express their likes and dislikes. It is part and parcel of experiencing the world that we have an affinity for certain things more than others. When children express their emotions when they watch or read something, this is the first step to making the connection between what they see and how it makes them feel. Knowing how they feel about something can be a springboard to further questions, such as whether they think the message portrayed is a good or bad message, and why.

3. Encouraging Them to Ask Questions and Express Their Opinions

It is important for adults to encourage children to ask questions and express their opinions. Many children feel the fear of expressing themselves because they are often shut down by adults. However, if children never get the opportunity to sharpen their ideas and think for themselves, it would be impossible to get them to exhibit higher order thinking skills such as critical thinking and deductive reasoning. Children should look at a piece of content and be allowed to question why it exists, or what the message behind it is, instead of being told to accept everything at face value. Parents should allow children to express their opinions.

Media literacy is not only something students should learn for the purposes of passing their English exams. By learning how to identify the intention behind a piece of content and what it is trying to convey, we can evaluate whether a piece of content is good for us or whether we should stay away from it. In a world where clicks, likes, and views are synonymous with dollar signs, it is crucial what we choose to give our attention to. Children are particularly susceptible to being influenced by messages that they see. They will emulate behaviour that they see in others. It is up to trusted adults to teach them how to filter such information.

At WRITERS AT WORK, our mission is to deliver results. Our dedicated team of teachers and relevant curriculum allows our secondary school students not only to develop skills which they will need in their PSLE exams, but also skills that will take them through further education, the job market, and real life. Proficiency in English is a highly transferable skill which students will no doubt use as they traverse the rest of their academic journey. No matter what you want to do in future, you will benefit from the ability to think critically about pieces of information, craft a logical written and spoken response, and write fluently.

Master the English Language with WRITERS AT WORK!

English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.

At WRITERS@WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. W@W reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how W@W makes a difference, feel free to explore our website and watch our YouTube videos!

If you are interested in our primary English tuition and secondary English tuition in Singapore, WRITERS@WORK has expanded to 9 convenient locations. To find the nearest location that suits your needs, please explore our options. If you have any inquiries regarding our range of programs or class schedules, please feel free to contact WRITERS@WORK!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

1. Is Creative Writing Good for Kids?

Creative writing is good for children as it teaches them how to use their imagination. Children have a vivid imagination and will enjoy coming up with different storylines and characters. Through the use of creative writing, children can express themselves using the English language, which is also good for their emotional development and maturity.

2. What Are Good Creative Writing Topics?

A good start is to write about what you know. Students can start by writing about things that are familiar to them, such as school or family. Then, students can move on to more complex topics, requiring them to use their imagination about events which would be unlikely to happen in real life, such as a fairytale or an adventure story. Older students can write descriptive essays about being in a situation or about more abstract concepts, such as regret.

3. How to Begin a Story?

A good story should have just the right amount of exposition to illuminate the setting and the characters for the reader without giving away the entire plot. The story should begin where it is relevant, and the general gist of the situation should be outlined. The writer should know how to move the plot along from where they start easily, and the story should flow logically.

4. What Are the Basic Steps in Creative Writing?

A good first step would be to plan out the story – it is important that the story follows a Plot Curve which has a logical sequence of events and a clear conclusion. The main and supporting characters should be clear – there should not be a whole village of characters – just enough to further the plot. Moreover, the central conflict of the story should be clear.