Discuss the elements of language with your students. Ask them to identify the different components of language. Explain that reading, writing, listening, speaking, and what we call viewing and representing are important components of language.
Share the information in the Introduction (above) and explain that literacy includes all the ways we receive and communicate meaning; improving our literacy helps us become good at communicating with others. Discuss with students how they communicate with each other and with their families. Do they communicate differently with their friends than they do with their families? Why, and in what ways? What means of communication do they use with different people in their lives (phone call, texting, email, online video calling, voice, pen or pencil, art, music, photos, etc.)? Invite students to choose a form of communication and connect with someone. The task will be to share (in a way of their choosing) how they feel about technology and how it can be used to help people communicate effectively.
Share results and discuss.