Getting critical with disciplinary literacy: a read aloud strategy

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explain and demonstrate a critical disciplinary read aloud strategy that has both an equity goal and a social studies goal.Design/methodology/approachThe authors begin by explaining background information on read alouds and critical disciplinary literacy. Then, the authors explain the four steps in the critical disciplinary literacy read aloud strategy. As the authors do so, they share important research that supports each of the four steps. Next, the authors offer a sample lesson plan using the informational picture book, Carter Reads the Newspaper.FindingsThe lesson plan uses a 5E template to promote critical disciplinary literacy before, during and after reading in such a way that teachers can foster inquiry through the use of social studies read alouds. After reading this article, teachers will understand more about what critical disciplinary literacy means, what it looks like a lesson plan and how to create their own similar plans using the template and resources provided.Originality/valueThe critical disciplinary literacy strategy offers teachers a way to engage elementary students in work that highlights social justice topics and inquiry.

Implications of the Science of Learning and Development for the Field of Literacy

“…One important recent turn in the field is the attention to critical disciplinary literacy, having to do with questioning the ontological and epistemological bases of disciplinary knowledge (Dyches & Gunderson, 2021; Wilson-Lopez et al, 2017; Wrenn & Gallagher, 2021). This strand encourages questions about who created particular knowledges and for what purposes.…”