Student Literacies
Literacy Connections in the Social Sciences & Humanities
Literacy encompasses many integral parts, when this can be demonstrated, it enables students to develop critical thinking and competencies that transfer to educational practice and other life experiences. Literacy fundamentals within the social science curriculum are interconnected and essential components for educators in curriculum delivery and application of skills for student learners. Healthy eating is influenced by various socioeconomic factors that contribute to demonstrating the ability and capacity to incorporate all factors in understanding financial literacy, food literacy, and environmental literacy.
Food Literacy:
Making wise choices about healthy eating can influence overall health and well-being in a positive manner. Food literacy encompasses various factors to support growth and development. Family studies courses enable students to practice and apply nutritional literacy to their own personal health. The knowledge gained enables students to demonstrate practical use of food literacy in their every day lives.
Krause, 2018
Environmental Literacy:
Environmental literacy applies to all subjects and can be integrated using a cross-curricular approach. Educators have a role in modeling and incorporating environmental education into daily lessons to prepare students for the future as contributing members of society. Encouraging students to think critically and use problem solving skills to protect the environment and vital resources.
Ministry of Education, 2009
Financial Literacy:
Financial literacy is a vital component in supporting students success for the future. Students need to experience practical skills in family studies lessons and content to apply this knowledge in preparation for independent living after graduation. Educators can design lessons to target financial skills to show the importance of making wise decisions while interacting with the world around them. These skills will help students to create a strong financial foundation required to navigate societies dynamic environment.
Ministry of Education, 2010
Literacy:
At its simplest, literacy is the way that we interact with the world around us, how we shape it and are shaped by it. It is how we communicate with others via reading and writing, but also by speaking, listening, and creating. It is how we articulate our experience in the world and declare, “We Are Here!”
NCTE, 2020
INTEGRATING LITERACY
Food Literacy:
Promoting a positive relationship with food.
Demonstration and practice of safe food preparation techniques to support independent living.
Encouraging the use of critical thinking skills by applying the knowledge gained in class to make healthy food choices.
The use of educational tools and resources to promote food literacy.
Practicing researching skills to analyze information and apply it in the decision making process.
Understanding unhealthy behaviors and a lack of nutrition contributing to poor health.
Cullen, 2015
Environmental Literacy:
Create opportunities for students to understand the impact their choices have on the world around them.
Allow for real life connections such as planting their own vegetables and building grow towers to demonstrate critical thinking skills and the importance of being resourceful.
Modeling environmentally friendly practices by using appropriate recycling procedures.
Engaging in a less is more lifestyle to promote upcycling and transforming old items and materials.
Researching and practicing ways to reduce their carbon footprint.
Ministry of Education, 2009
Financial Literacy:
Presenting lesson that demonstrate the connection to solid financial skills in promoting positive health and well-being.
Practicing budgeting skills and techniques that guide student in developing sound financial decisions.
Developing resourcefulness by building regular habits to manage money and finances through practice.
Modeling strong financial decisions by engaging in activities that students can apply to their personal lives to promote independent living on their own.
Ministry of Education, 2010