When students get an assignment or a task, BEFORE they start doing anything, they should think:

• What am I supposed to do?

• What will it look like if I do a really good job?

• What do I need to find out to do the job?

Big6 Steps:

• Task Definition

• Information Seeking Strategies

2. DO (MIDDLE)

In the Middle the students DO the activity. This is where they read, view, tell, make a picture, etc.

Big6 Steps:

• Location and Access

• Use of Information

• Synthesis

3. REVIEW (END)

Before finishing the product and turning it in, students should stop and think— Is this done?

• Did I do what I was supposed to do?

• Do I feel ok about this?

• Should I do something else before I turn it in?

Big6 Step:

• Evaluation

https://thebig6.org/thebig6andsuper3-2

I prioritize teaching my students several key competencies that bolster their ability to navigate this information landscape. Critical thinking skills are paramount, empowering children to question and evaluate the content they encounter. By avoiding blind acceptance and assessing credibility before believing or sharing information, they become discerning individuals.

Critical thinking skills are indispensable, allowing children to scrutinize different pieces of information and pose questions about what they are reading or watching. It's vital to teach them how to avoid taking everything they see at face value and to discern credibility before believing or sharing it.

Teaching my second graders effective communication skills is paramount, enabling them to express their emotions and thoughts clearly when speaking or writing. It's crucial to teach them how to organize their thoughts so they can present information effectively and become good listeners.

In today's digital age, digital literacy is non-negotiable. Educating my students on how to use computers, tablets, and the internet safely and responsibly is at the forefront of my priorities. The internet serves as a treasure trove of both beneficial and misleading information, offering a wealth of knowledge alongside potential pitfalls. With so much information at their fingertips, it's necessary for children to learn how to search for information effectively while assessing the credibility of online sources.

Media literacy is also indispensable for students to grasp, given the plethora of media available today. It's essential to teach them how to recognize the impact of different types of media and media messages on their thoughts and emotions. I aim to empower my students to make informed choices in the media they engage with.

By imparting these competencies, I strive to equip my students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of the modern information age confidently and responsibly.