In a previous blog article, I had shared how communication and collaboration are critical 21st century skills. Communication, one of the 4 Cs to 21st century skills, is defined as the ability to share thoughts, questions, ideas, and solutions. Collaboration,  another of the 4 Cs to 21st century skills, is defined as the ability to work together to reach a goal while putting one's talent, expertise, and knowledge in action. Based on these two definitions, you can see how communication and collaboration have a mutualistic symbiotic relationship--they truly rely on each other and are mutually beneficial to all.

But have you ever stopped to think about what communication really means? What collaboration really means? What exactly do they look like? In our library and media classroom, students think critically and creatively about the many ways in which people communicate. In order to foster this thinking, I introduce students to American sign language (ASL).

Each lesson begins with a visual message of what they'll be learning. As I read the message, students learn one or two signs relevant to that lesson's learning objectives. Right away, students learn the signs for read, reader, teach, teacher, library, and librarian. Then, throughout the year, students build their ASL vocabulary (e.g. book, community, character, technology, safety, digital, research, resources, coding, etc.).

Because people communicate in various ways, based on their talent, expertise, and knowledge, students must understand and be inclusive of the many different modes of communication used by people. If we are to prepare students to fully participate in today’s global community, we must enrich their lives by opening doors to a beautifully diverse world--and teach them how to communicate and collaborate with that world.

To learn more about the 4 Cs to 21st century skills, check out this document provided by You for Youth in participation with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education: The 4Cs to 21st Century Skills