Learn

Media literacy in three questions

← Back to Civic life today topics← Back to Learn
Civic life todayJan 16, 2025
View as

A civics adventure written for readers of all ages.

Start with a question

How do you decide if a source is trustworthy?

In brief

Ask who made it, what evidence is offered, and whether other reliable sources agree.

Why this matters

Media literacy is a civic skill. Students should check authorship, date, supporting evidence, and possible bias. Cross-referencing with reputable outlets and primary sources helps separate fact from opinion. Teaching these steps builds resilience against misinformation.

A simple example

Show two headlines about the same event. Compare language, sources, and whether they cite verifiable facts.

Questions to think about

  • What makes a source credible?
  • How can emotion in a headline affect our judgment?
  • Why is it civic-minded to correct misinformation kindly?

Try this

Pick a short article. Highlight facts in one color and opinions in another. Share what you learned about tone.

One thing to take away

List one habit you will use to check credibility before sharing a story.

Story bridge

Story bridge

The kids in the story check a rumor by asking for the original note. How did that change the group’s decision?

Keep exploring

See how readers feel or grab your copy next.

For educators and group orders visit /educators.

Admin access