Illustration of children's book.

21st Century Themes

This lesson uses children's literature to help students explore visual storytelling as a medium for civic engagement.

Students work to develop awareness of social justice issues, such as diversity, tolerance, equity, and equality.

Image from student production.

21st Century Skills

By incorporating a service-learning project that requires a persuasive presentation the lesson provides several opportunities for students to develop 21st Century Skills.

Selection of images that students evaluate and select.

Use of Digital Media

Students use digital media to develop their visual literacy skills by engaging in the production, selection, and presentation of images for the purpose of composing a persuasive presentation about their service-learning project.

Sample PhotoStory presentation.

Technological Fluency

Using Photo Story, students learn to layout and illustrate their argument using both images and text. This experience helps them become familiar with common visual media concepts and techniques, such as sequencing, transitions, panning, and special effects.

Student presentation.

Communication Skills

The lesson culminates with student groups delivering their persuasive digital slideshows to a broader audience of parents and community members.