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Whether you're reading a textbook, newspaper article, or nutrition label, reading is something most people do every single day. This is problematic because an unacceptable number of high school students do not read proficiently (Macias, 2020).For most American middle school and high classes a core textbook remains the designated information source (Brozo, 2017). The inclusion of alternative sources have the potential to transform bland, text-book centered learning environments into exciting venues for authentic exploration of disciplinary topics.

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Writing for most adolescents is essential to them, though they may not always recognize it as writing (Brozo, 2017). Texting is something most teens and adults do every single day. Writing has overtaken reading as the primary daily literate experience (Brozo, 2017). In order to promote writing in the classroom, teachers can use activities and literacy strategies such as RAFTS, quick writes, synthesis journals (shown below), one minute papers and the 3-2-1 activity (Brozo, 2017; Echevarria, 2018; Macias, 2020).

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Literacy also includes the ability to communicate one's thoughts to others through speaking. In the classroom, this can be through peer discussions and oral presentations. Giving students time to share ideas and talk with one another is extremely important, especially for ELLs. The role that conversation plays in the process of second language teaching and learning is clear (Echevarria, 2018).

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Making informed decisions comes from hearing information and processing it. We listen to our friends, music, videos, class lectures, our peers and colleagues, and it all contributes to our learning and understanding of the world. Teachers can be better by listening more to their students. In a study with English learners, the teacher learned that by talking less and listening more, she was able to gain deeper insight into her student’s learning needs and strengths (Echevarria, 2018).

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Critical literacy is the process of examining the relationship between language and power in a text (Macias, 2020). Each time we read, write, or create, we draw from our past experiences and understanding about how the world works (NCTE, 2020). Students can practice analyzing texts through strategies such as patterned partner reading, connections stems, and problem posing (McLaughlin & DeVoogd, 2013). Critical thinking is a skill many adults lack, but it is needed to be an informed citizen in the world.