Family Resources
Parents' Guides Media Literacy
Common Sense Media's definition of media literacy is, "...the ability to identify different types of media and understand the messages they're sending,". Because online media is a fast, evolving network, I have compiled a list of resources to help you keep up.
A frequently updated blog that provides parents with information regarding online platforms and social media.
Common Sense Media's article on understanding A.I.'s role in social media and plagiarism.
How to talk to your teens on areas in media literacy related to fake news, ads, fair use, and scams.
Websites journalists use for political fact checking; great to have on hand in our 24 hour news cycle world, where information (and potential misinformation) circulates rapidly.
Literacy Guides
From finding information a book's content, to fostering a love of reading in your reluctant child. Browse resources and media on all thing adolescent literacy.
Common Sense offers professional reviews, as well as discussions of themes and topics, of books, TV shows, and movies, both new and old. You will also find 1-5 scale ratings on a book's subject matter, which addresses its educational value, as well as more adult themes, such as sex, drug use, and violence. Each material includes a "parents need to know" section, which provides more in-depth discussion on the book's subject matter and content.
I am curating an expanding collection of Youtube videos that provide parents with tips, tricks, and methods to motivate their children who are struggling with reading motivation. I am collecting videos which meet the needs of a diverse set of problems; be it motivating students who appear "lazy", helping students habituate reading daily, and providing methods to engage students in the text. I do hope there is something in here for you and your child.
Digital Citizenship Resources
What is digital citizenship? Our level of responsibility in using the internet and technology. Digital citizenship can be social media behavior and conflict, (including cyberbullying), our level of online privacy, what we choose to download, and how. The links below shed light on tips, tricks, and advice to monitor and discuss good digital citizenship habits with your child.
Social media causes our teens to come into contact with a massive amount of posts and profiles daily. Pew Research Center has compiled studies regarding teens' perceptions of social media, and its potential positive and negative effects on teen mental health and social wellbeing.
Give your teen tips and tricks on how to safely and responsible browse social media by protecting their privacy and reputation, as well as thinking critically about who to talk to and where they're browsing.