Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age

Our society is flooded with technology. It enables people to connect, it amplifies voices, and it has the power to enrich lives. Yet our society can be so distracted by the possibilities of technology that we can forget it is our humanity―and the stories we share―that make it meaningful. As educators, it is up to us to ensure that students know how to use all the resources available to them to think critically and compassionately about the world.

In Read the World, Kristin Ziemke and Katie Muhtaris draw from their own rich pedagogical background and classroom experience to provide teaching strategies and flexible lessons that support students in acquiring the skills they need to thrive―academically, socially, and emotionally―in today’s digital world. Kristin and Katie layer research-based instructional strategies, a student-centered approach, and strategic use of technology to outline a path that:

• builds upon what students already know about reading and interacting with print and provides new strategies for comprehending digital mediums like images, web content, eText, and more     
• provides practical suggestions for centering curricula around empathy
• supports student agency and engages learners to employ the skills they’ve learned to take action on issues to benefit the lives of others, as well as their own
• offers resources, guidelines, and suggestions for teachers to help ensure that students are accessing print and digital stories which reflect their own experiences and a wide array of experiences that differ from their own.

Each chapter offers lessons with target outcomes to help you assess students' growth and invites you to reflect on the work as it unfolds in your classroom.

Our students have been raised in a digital culture; now we need to guide them to use technology to tell their stories, hear the stories of others, and take action. With modeling, explicit instruction, and time for practice, we can―and must―teach students to build bridges, eliminate barriers, and thrive in this world. Start where it makes sense for your school and community and provide students the tools, teaching, and opportunity to rethink literacy and read the world.

Katie Muhtaris  is a co-author of Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age, Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom, and Connecting Comprehension and Technology. She currently works with kindergarten through fifth grade as an Instructional Digital Age Learning Coach, supporting teachers and students in the areas of literacy, humanities, and technology.  As an experienced educator in both urban and suburban settings, Katie consults with districts to implement innovative instructional practices with a close eye on student impact.  Katie is an internationally recognized expert in technology and workshop model integration.  Katie works with districts to develop innovative learning experiences for teachers and students that merge the best of print and digital resources and tools. Her other areas of interest include inquiry based instructional models, integrated social emotional practices, and building cultures of support and risk taking among teachers. 

You can connect with Katie on Twitter @KatieMuhtaris.

Kristin Ziemke is a teacher, staff developer, and the co-author of Read the World: Rethinking Literacy for Empathy and Action in a Digital Age,  Amplify: Digital Teaching and Learning in the K-6 Classroom, and Connecting Comprehension and Technology. Recognized as an international expert in literacy, inquiry, and technology, Kristin collaborates with organizations around the world to develop learning experiences that redefine school. Currently serving as a resident teacher and learning innovation specialist for the Big Shoulders Fund, Kristin has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished Educator, Chicago Public Schools Tech Innovator of the Year, National Board Certified Teacher, and Emerging Leader by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Her work has been featured by Apple, EdWeek, Mindshift, and Scholastic.