How do you combine literacy and 21st century skills?

1 Define literacy and 21st century skills

Before you can combine literacy and 21st century skills, you need to have a clear understanding of what they are and why they are important. Literacy is the ability to use language to communicate, comprehend, and express ideas in various contexts and modes. 21st century skills are the competencies and dispositions that enable learners to thrive in a complex and changing world, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, innovation, collaboration, communication, digital literacy, and global citizenship.

2 Align literacy and 21st century skills with standards and goals

To ensure that your students are learning both literacy and 21st century skills, you need to align them with the standards and goals of your curriculum and instruction. For example, you can use the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA) as a framework to integrate literacy and 21st century skills across the content areas. The CCSS emphasize the development of higher-order thinking, communication, and collaboration skills through reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language. You can also use the Partnership for 21st Century Learning (P21) Framework for 21st Century Learning as a guide to incorporate the four Cs (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity) and other essential skills into your literacy instruction.

3 Design literacy and 21st century skills-based activities and assessments

To combine literacy and 21st century skills, you need to design activities and assessments that engage your students in authentic and meaningful tasks that require them to use both sets of skills. For example, you can ask your students to research a topic of their interest, synthesize information from multiple sources, and present their findings in a digital format, such as a podcast, a video, or a website. You can also ask your students to work in groups to solve a real-world problem, create a product or a solution, and share their work with an audience, such as their peers, their parents, or their community. You can use rubrics, checklists, portfolios, or self-assessments to evaluate your students' literacy and 21st century skills.

4 Model literacy and 21st century skills for your students

To combine literacy and 21st century skills, you need to model them for your students and show them how you use them in your own learning and teaching. For example, you can demonstrate how you read critically, write effectively, speak confidently, and listen actively. You can also show how you use technology tools, such as online platforms, apps, or software, to enhance your literacy and 21st century skills. You can also share your own experiences, challenges, and successes as a learner and a teacher in a digital world.

5 Foster a literacy and 21st century skills-rich environment

To combine literacy and 21st century skills, you need to foster a learning environment that supports and encourages your students to use both sets of skills. For example, you can provide your students with access to diverse and relevant texts, media, and resources that reflect their interests, needs, and backgrounds. You can also create opportunities for your students to interact with each other and with other learners and experts outside the classroom, such as through online forums, blogs, or social media. You can also promote a culture of inquiry, creativity, and innovation in your classroom, where your students are free to explore, experiment, and express their ideas.

6 Reflect on your literacy and 21st century skills practice

To combine literacy and 21st century skills, you need to reflect on your own practice and seek feedback from your students, colleagues, and other stakeholders. For example, you can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather input from your students on how they perceive their literacy and 21st century skills development. You can also collaborate with other teachers or professionals to share best practices, resources, and challenges related to integrating literacy and 21st century skills. You can also use professional development opportunities, such as workshops, webinars, or courses, to update your knowledge and skills on literacy and 21st century skills.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?