ABC Kids resources help educators explore media literacy through play

Eight prompt cards and an educator guide offer ways to help young children question the media they encounter and create stories of their own.

Early childhood educators can access ABC Kids resources developed with Southern Cross University researcher Dr Amanda Levido to support children’s media literacy.

The materials include an introduction for educators and Exploring Media Together, a set of eight prompt cards for working with children aged three to five.

“Talking with children about what they see, hear and play is one way to help children understand more about the media,” Dr Levido said.

Starting with children’s interests

Dr Levido’s educator guide explains how familiar stories, characters and programs can provide starting points for media literacy.

Children can explore how stories are made through drawing, dramatic play, puppets and props. These experiences allow them to make choices about characters, events and how they communicate ideas.

The guide also encourages educators to build on children’s existing knowledge and help them consider who media is made for and how it is created. 

Prompt cards connect ideas with practice

The Exploring Media Together cards link media literacy concepts with the Early Years Learning Framework. Each includes an explanation, examples and questions educators can use with children.

Suggested experiences include:

• Sharing responses after watching or listening to a short program.
• Arranging photographs or images to tell different stories.
• Using familiar characters as inspiration for imaginative play.
• Inviting children to photograph their creations and explain their choices.

The cards also explore children’s opinions and the reasons people create media.

Access the educator guide here and download the prompt cards here.