Critical literay

There are four components listed in the article by Lewison, Flint , and Van Sluys (2002) for critical literacy (1) disrupting the commonplace, (2) interrogating multiple viewpoints, (3) focusing on sociopolitical issues, and (4) taking action and promoting social justice.  I was very surprised to find that critical literacy had been practiced with k-2 students because of the complexity of the components.  However, the teacher found literature that the students could relate too and he scaffold learning  by first encouraging the students to make personal connections, he also used role-play to facilitate the interrogation of multiple viewpoints.  The teacher played an important role in guiding his students through several components of critical literacy.  One important note is that the teacher was very interested and actively involved in social action, which gave him insight into the 4th component of critical literacy, taking action and promoting social justice.  In the elementary grades, we struggle with what critical literacy looks like at this level and issues that might not be appropriate young children.  However, it is important that we not let our apprehensions deter us but instead expose our students to critical literacy in the early grades.  At this level, we can help children foster a habit of  interrogating text, developing the language of critique, and examining multiple viewpoints.