The Importance of a Critical Literacy Framework: Though Texts May Be Banned, Students' Questions and Inquiry Are Not

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Importance of a Critical Literacy Framework: Though Texts May Be Banned, Students' Questions and Inquiry Are Not
Language: English
Authors: Liz M. Corson (ORCID 0009-0008-1601-4876)
Source: Reading Teacher. 2025 79(1).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 5
Intermediate Grades
Middle Schools
Descriptors: Critical Literacy, Inquiry, Elementary School Students, Personality Traits, Grade 5, Maturity (Individuals)
DOI: 10.1002/trtr.70009
ISSN: 0034-0561
1936-2714
Abstract: Students' curiosity in the world and sense of belonging in the elementary classroom can develop as teachers learn alongside students in the context of a critical literacy framework. In an end-of-year reflection, one of my fifth-graders, Anne (all names are pseudonyms), a student of color (at times, I used the term "student of color" to protect students' identities, given the racial make-up of my predominantly white classroom), wrote, "Keep reading diverse books! This makes sure everyone feels safe. Also keep relating to the kids and letting them share stories (sometimes just listening is all someone needs)." Anne's feedback captured so much of what I had learned after eight months of teacher research on how my fifth graders experienced a critical literacy framework in a predominantly white suburban public school. Not only did my students have the maturity needed to handle critical literacy, but they were also highly engaged in the work and had a lot to teach and learn. By offering time and support to my students to question, discuss, analyze, and take action, students were given opportunities to bring their worlds into the classroom and practice using critical literacy tools to work towards understanding and applying a critical literacy framework to the world around them, in and out of the classroom.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1475328
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Students' curiosity in the world and sense of belonging in the elementary classroom can develop as teachers learn alongside students in the context of a critical literacy framework. In an end-of-year reflection, one of my fifth-graders, Anne (all names are pseudonyms), a student of color (at times, I used the term "student of color" to protect students' identities, given the racial make-up of my predominantly white classroom), wrote, "Keep reading diverse books! This makes sure everyone feels safe. Also keep relating to the kids and letting them share stories (sometimes just listening is all someone needs)." Anne's feedback captured so much of what I had learned after eight months of teacher research on how my fifth graders experienced a critical literacy framework in a predominantly white suburban public school. Not only did my students have the maturity needed to handle critical literacy, but they were also highly engaged in the work and had a lot to teach and learn. By offering time and support to my students to question, discuss, analyze, and take action, students were given opportunities to bring their worlds into the classroom and practice using critical literacy tools to work towards understanding and applying a critical literacy framework to the world around them, in and out of the classroom.
ISSN:0034-0561
1936-2714
DOI:10.1002/trtr.70009