Featured Sites Week of: Oct 18, 2026 - US Media Literacy Week
Here are this week's features. Clicking the tags in the description area of each listing will present a list of other resources with this topic. | Click here to return to the Featured Sites Archive
Be MediaWise lesson 5: How to determine the credibility of a source on social media - PBS News Hour Classroom
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
PBS features Be MediaWise lesson 5: How to determine the credibility of a source on social media, in which students will learn to assess credibility by finding experts to verify ...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
PBS features Be MediaWise lesson 5: How to determine the credibility of a source on social media, in which students will learn to assess credibility by finding experts to verify claims. Students will also learn the concept of click restraint. The lesson includes an overview, learning objectives, downloadable instructional materials, key vocabulary, before-, during-, and after-viewing activities, an extension activity, alignments to Common Core, College, Career, and Civic Life (C3), and ISTE Standards, along with additional teaching resources to support classroom implementation. The video for the lesson is on YouTube; therefore, make sure your district does not block YouTube.
tag(s): evaluating sources (58), media literacy (137), social media (64)
In the Classroom
Students can use Mentimeter, reviewed here to share the first word that comes into their mind when they hear social media and reliability. Students can use Google Keep, reviewed here to take notes while working on the lesson. Students can create an Online Escape Room Template, reviewed here about reliability and social media.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Teen Creator Network - Poynter
Grades
6 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) from Poynter's MediaWise initiative is a virtual newsroom where middle and high school students learn real-world media literacy skills by...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Teen Fact-Checking Network (TFCN) from Poynter's MediaWise initiative is a virtual newsroom where middle and high school students learn real-world media literacy skills by researching and debunking viral misinformation online. Teens work together to investigate questionable claims they find on social platforms, create fact-checks tailored for a young audience, and share their findings through digital storytelling. By using professional fact-checking strategies (such as source evaluation, reverse searches, and lateral reading), the TFCN helps students to think critically about digital information and to become responsible media consumers and creators.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), digital storytelling (182), evaluating sources (58), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Have students bring in a trending social media post, headline, or video. Using TFCN fact-checks as models, students can analyze the claim, identify the source, and determine whether the information is reliable. Teach students the basic steps of professional fact-checking (lateral reading, source verification, reverse image search). Use TFCN examples to show how teens verify information, then let students practice with guided support. In small groups, students investigate a questionable claim and create their own short fact-check using slides or a video using a digital tool such as Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Information & Digital Literacy - Common Sense Education
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Common Sense Education Information and Media Literacy topic page provides grade-level lessons, videos, and activities to help students learn to find, evaluate, and use information...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Common Sense Education Information and Media Literacy topic page provides grade-level lessons, videos, and activities to help students learn to find, evaluate, and use information responsibly in the digital world. Resources focus on critical thinking skills such as identifying credible sources, recognizing bias, analyzing persuasive techniques, and distinguishing fact from opinion. Designed for use in technology, ELA, social studies, and advisory lessons, these materials support students in becoming thoughtful consumers and creators of media, strengthening skills they need to navigate an information-rich world with confidence and discernment. In order to access the lessons, you must create a free account.
tag(s): bias (35), critical thinking (188), digital citizenship (112), evaluating sources (58), internet safety (117), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Have students examine headlines or posts and decide which are credible, explaining their reasoning using source clues. Show a Common Sense video about evaluating information and discuss how misinformation spreads. Students can identify persuasive techniques in ads or social media posts and explain how they influence audiences. Have students use a checklist to analyze websites for author, evidence, bias, and purpose.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
A SIFT Lesson Plan: Dealing With Media Overwhelm - TCEA
Grades
4 to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This article introduces a ready-to-use lesson plan based on the SIFT Method. This four-step strategy helps students evaluate online media by stopping to consider what they are looking...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This article introduces a ready-to-use lesson plan based on the SIFT Method. This four-step strategy helps students evaluate online media by stopping to consider what they are looking at, investigating the source, finding better coverage, and tracing claims back to their original context. It explains why this framework is essential in an age of overwhelming information and frequent misinformation. The article includes a 60-minute sample lesson for middle school students, featuring group activities, individual practice with articles, and reflective writing aligned with ELA standards. This resource provides teachers with a practical and structured way to build students' media literacy skills and support thoughtful online navigation. If your district blocks YouTube, then the video may not be viewable.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): evaluating sources (58), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Provide students with a mix of printed or projected images (some genuine, some altered or exaggerated). Ask them to stop and think before deciding whether each seems trustworthy. Students justify their choices with simple evidence (details in the picture, clues about the source, etc.). Set up stations with short samples of kid-friendly online content (article headlines, social media posts, or brief paragraphs). At each station, have students investigate the source: Who created it? Why? Is it a trustworthy type of site? They record their findings in a simple "Source Detective" notebook in Google Slides, reviewed here. Have students design a classroom poster illustrating the SIFT steps with kid-friendly language and examples. These posters can be displayed to reinforce ongoing digital-literacy habits.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety - EVERFI
Grades
6 to 9
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety is a free, standards-aligned digital literacy course designed for grades 6-9 students. The program comprises six interactive lessons, each approximately...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Ignition: Digital Wellness and Safety is a free, standards-aligned digital literacy course designed for grades 6-9 students. The program comprises six interactive lessons, each approximately 25 minutes long, focusing on essential topics such as online safety, digital privacy, cyberbullying, screen time balance, digital rights, and media literacy. Students engage in real-world scenarios that promote critical thinking and responsible decision-making in digital environments. The curriculum aligns with ISTE Standards for Students and supports social-emotional learning competencies, making it an excellent fit for technology, health, and digital media classes. Educators can access pre- and post-assessments, real-time score reporting, and optional offline extension activities to reinforce learning. As a #DigCitCommit-approved resource, Ignition equips students with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), cyberbullying (52), digital citizenship (112), digital literacy (40), media literacy (137), social and emotional learning (221), social media (64)
In the Classroom
Students can work in small groups to discuss different online situations, such as receiving a suspicious link or encountering cyberbullying. Each group must decide on the safest, most responsible action and explain their reasoning. Have students analyze headlines or short articles and guess whether each one is trustworthy or misleading. After each guess, the class discusses strategies for verifying online information. Challenge students to brainstorm all the ways they interact online (e.g., social media, gaming, email) and reflect on the "footprint" they are leaving. Then, they can write a short journal entry about one positive change they can make to protect their digital identity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Use, Understand & Engage: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools - MediaSmarts
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
"Use, Understand & Engage: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools" is a comprehensive guide designed to help educators teach critical thinking, digital citizenship,...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
"Use, Understand & Engage: A Digital Media Literacy Framework for Canadian Schools" is a comprehensive guide designed to help educators teach critical thinking, digital citizenship, and media literacy in today's technology-driven world. The framework focuses on three key areas: "Use" (developing technical skills for digital tools), "Understand" (analyzing and evaluating digital content), and "Engage" (responsible and ethical participation in digital spaces). It provides lesson ideas, discussion prompts, and assessment tools to help students navigate online information, recognize misinformation, and become responsible digital citizens. This resource is ideal for integrating media literacy into various subject areas across K-12 classrooms.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), digital citizenship (112), digital literacy (40), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Students can analyze online news articles, images, or social media posts and determine if they are real or fake. In groups, students can brainstorm responsible online behaviors and create a classroom "Digital Citizenship Agreement." Show students different online ads, influencer sponsorships, or product placements and have them analyze how advertising techniques, persuasive language, and media bias influence consumer behavior. Students can create a PSA podcast using Spotify for Podcasters (formerly Anchor) reviewed here or video using Adobe Express Video Maker reviewed here on topics like online safety, media bias, misinformation, or ethical social media use.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Lessons for Building Students Digital Literacy Skills - Nearpod
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
The Nearpod Digital Citizenship & Literacy blog provides teachers with valuable insights, lesson ideas, and interactive resources to help students develop essential digital citizenship...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
The Nearpod Digital Citizenship & Literacy blog provides teachers with valuable insights, lesson ideas, and interactive resources to help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Covering topics like online safety, media literacy, and responsible technology use, the blog offers practical strategies for integrating digital literacy into the classroom. With links to Nearpod's interactive lessons, educators can easily engage students in discussions and activities that promote safe and ethical online behavior. If your district blocks YouTube, then the videos may not be viewable.
tag(s): blogs (80), cyberbullying (52), digital citizenship (112), digital literacy (40), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Before starting a lesson, create a scavenger hunt where students find examples of positive and negative digital behavior, such as a well-cited article vs. fake news or a respectful comment vs. cyberbullying. Use Nearpod reviewed here to include interactive features (like polls and collaborative boards) to discuss their findings. Use a Nearpod Time to Climb activity or a quiz to present real-life digital dilemmas (ex,: "A friend shares their password with you--what do you do?"). Have students use Nearpod's Draw It feature or a tool like Canva reviewed here to design an infographic on online safety, cyberbullying, or digital footprints.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Technological Literacy - PBS LearningMedia
Grades
K to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Explore this collection of engaging lessons, videos, and activities to find resources that help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Covering topics such as online...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Explore this collection of engaging lessons, videos, and activities to find resources that help students develop essential digital citizenship skills. Covering topics such as online safety, media literacy, and responsible technology use, this resource equips educators with tools to teach students how to navigate the digital world responsibly. It is ideal for elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, providing age-appropriate content to foster critical thinking, ethical online behavior, and digital problem-solving skills.
tag(s): digital literacy (40), internet safety (117), media literacy (137), STEM (385)
In the Classroom
Students can explore the concept of a digital footprint by searching for themselves (or a fictional character) online and reflecting on what their online presence says about them. They can discuss strategies for managing their digital identity and create an infographic using Canva Infographic Creator reviewed here on responsible online behavior. In small groups, students can act out different scenarios involving cyberbullying, online conflict, or digital misunderstandings. Afterward, they can discuss appropriate ways to respond, report, and prevent negative online interactions. Students can create a short video using Animoto reviewed here or Powtoon reviewed here promoting safe online habits, such as password security, digital etiquette, or protecting personal information. They can present their projects to the class or school community.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Media Literacy - Crash Course
Grades
5 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Media Literacy, from Crash Course, explores how media shapes our understanding of the world, covering topics like media ownership, advertising, persuasion, and money's influence. It...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Media Literacy, from Crash Course, explores how media shapes our understanding of the world, covering topics like media ownership, advertising, persuasion, and money's influence. It delves into critical thinking skills needed to analyze media messages and policies, helping viewers recognize bias, misinformation, and the role of media in society. The series encourages individuals to be informed media consumers, understanding both the positive and negative impacts of modern media. As these videos are hosted on YouTube, if your school does not allow YouTube, this site would not work well for you.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): advertising (24), bias (35), media literacy (137)
In the Classroom
Have students analyze different media sources (news articles, ads, social media) for bias, persuasion tactics, and ownership influences. Students can design an advertisement or media campaign and then reflect on the strategies used to influence audiences. Give students questionable headlines to fact-check using reliable sources. You might try using Rumor Guard, reviewed here for this purpose.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
The Big Fib Podcast - Benjamin Strouse, Chris Tarry & David Kreizman
Grades
K to 8
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Help students sharpen their critical-thinking and media-literacy skills with The Big Fib, a fast-paced game show podcast for kids and families. In each episode, a child interviews...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Help students sharpen their critical-thinking and media-literacy skills with The Big Fib, a fast-paced game show podcast for kids and families. In each episode, a child interviews two adults about a particular topic--one is a genuine, credentialed expert and the other is a convincing liar. Listeners play along by asking which claims make sense, weighing the evidence, and trying to determine who is telling the truth. Episodes explore a wide variety of kid-friendly topics, including animals, science, sports, food, history, and everyday objects. Recent topics include table tennis, electricity, brains, wolves, baseball, math, and mountains. Teachers can use the podcast to spark discussions about questioning sources, evaluating evidence, identifying misinformation, and distinguishing facts from falsehoods. GZM Shows also provides free educational resources for teachers and additional activities that can extend the podcast into the classroom.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): game based learning (323), media literacy (137), podcasts (188)
In the Classroom
Share this podcast as a flipped learning experience or include it as part of a listening center during station rotation activities on evaluating information shared by different sources. Take advantage of free teaching materials such as the Listening Guide to provide students with focus while listening and as a resource for documenting their evaluation process. After listening to and evaluating several episodes of the podcast, encourage students to write and produce a podcast in a similar style. After creating storyboards and writing their script, use a podcast creation tool such as Castbox Creator Studio, reviewed here to record and share your podcasts.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Be MediaWise - Lessons to Teach Media Literacy - PBS Learning Media
Grades
3 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Be MediaWise: Lessons to Teach Media Literacy is a series of media literacy lessons designed to teach students how to fact-check information found online. The collection consists of...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Be MediaWise: Lessons to Teach Media Literacy is a series of media literacy lessons designed to teach students how to fact-check information found online. The collection consists of engaging videos featuring teens evaluating various online sources. The short videos offer practical examples of how to evaluate social media posts, spot satire, and identify content that may be created by artificial intelligence. Most of the activities and lessons are for grades 6+. However, two resources are for grades 3-5.
tag(s): critical thinking (188), media literacy (137), social media (64)
In the Classroom
Teach your middle and high school students how to critically evaluate information with each video's downloadable lesson plans, handouts, and slide decks. Lessons include evaluating actual posts on social media, video, and news sites. Create deeper understanding and extend learning by having your students create "social media" posts using tools such as Canva for Education, reviewed here, or Adobe Creative Cloud Express for Education, reviewed here, then evaluate classmates' work.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts - ithrive games
Grades
9 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts is a digital role-playing simulation game with situations that help students in high school social studies, history, and humanities classes to strengthen civic and social-emotional learning (SEL). The digital simulations are designed to support student-driven learning, and the student's actions determine the storyline. Students will play as journalists reporting on a breaking story. To get the truth, they need to find credible sources, collaborate with peers, and report the story accurately and without bias. Registration with a school email address is required to play. This game was designed to function within school firewalls. If you have trouble accessing it, please contact your school's IT department. iThrive Sim: Leading Through Crisis scenario is centered around topics that may be sensitive for some students. Consider offering alternatives or providing extra support if needed.
tag(s): bias (35), game based learning (323), journalism (72), media literacy (137), simulations (48), social and emotional learning (221)
In the Classroom
Engage your high school students with iThrive Sim: Follow the Facts. The game-based simulation includes teacher preparation, pre-simulation, and optional post-simulation activities. The entire simulation takes about two thirty-minute sessions total to play. Teachers should plan for the full simulation and activities to take at least five 45-minute class periods. A complete implementation guide is included. Civics topics include effective sourcing of information, SEL skills include understanding bias and collaboration.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
News and Media Literacy Resource Center - Common Sense Media
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
1 Comments
This collection of vetted resources provides activities and lessons for news and media literacy, current events, and getting engaged. Each collection includes regularly updated resources...more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
This collection of vetted resources provides activities and lessons for news and media literacy, current events, and getting engaged. Each collection includes regularly updated resources specially chosen to reinforce and practice each literacy skill. Pay particular attention to activities with a green heart icon; these are the site's favorite resources. In order to access the lessons, you must create a free account.
tag(s): bias (35), journalism (72), media literacy (137), news (222), social media (64)
In the Classroom
Bookmark this site to take advantage of the many curated resources for teaching media and news literacy. Use a curation tool like Padlet, reviewed here, to save and share favorite resources found on this site with students. Use the shelf option in Padlet to create columns and organize information by topic, type of content, or for use by different groups of students. Enhance instruction by asking students to become creators of information as they share their learning. Have students use Canva Infographic Maker, reviewed here, to create infographics to demonstrate different forms of media bias or to share facts learned from news articles. Extend learning even further by asking students to create blogs using edublogs, reviewed here, to demonstrate how to write and share the news using credible information and factual resources.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Comments
This is such a valuable resource and it's so helpful to have one collection that I know has been vetted with accurate, useful information that teachers can use for themselves as well as with their students. I also love the "In the Classroom" section with suggestions for ways to use the information and resources.Peggy, AZ, Grades: 0 - 8
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
NewsFeed Defenders - FactCheck.org
Grades
6 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Learn how to find and deal with disinformation and misinformation through this news media literacy game. Players find and identify factual portions of a news story along with misinformation....more
Here is the direct link to share this resource review. Feel free to copy and paste this URL into an email or place it on your web page or blog so others can read this TeachersFirst review:
Learn how to find and deal with disinformation and misinformation through this news media literacy game. Players find and identify factual portions of a news story along with misinformation. Begin by choosing a topic of interest to start your mission. Your goal is to build up your integrity as much as possible throughout the game. Login to your free teacher account to access and print lesson plans and the teacher extension pack.
tag(s): evaluating sources (58), journalism (72), media literacy (137), news (222)
In the Classroom
Include the NewsFeed Defenders game and lesson as part of your broader unit of teaching about online safety and media literacy. Engage studets by using Padlet, reviewed here, to share materials. Include links to videos, articles, and other materials for students to access. Ask them to add comments sharing their insights and information learned. Help students identify online disinformation by collaborating with Fiskkit, reviewed here. Change out paper and pen by sharing the URL of an article to discuss within Fiskkit, then have students highlight any area to discuss the information within the article. Enhance learning by encouraging students to teach others about media literacy using an online book tool like Book Creator, reviewed here. Book Creator can be used for a variety of assignments in any classroom that is integrating technology as an enhancement, modification, or transformation. Have students design and share a book that includes tips for spotting disinformation or bias using specific examples, including text, videos, and images, along with examples of factual, non-biased information.
This resource requires PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Rating (click star to set rating):
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
Use the form at the top of the page to log in, or click here to join TeachersFirst (it's free!).
Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
Close comment form