FCS: Child Development Laboratory @ NCAT

Information literacy is a critical skill in today’s digital world, even for the youngest learners. It involves the ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively. For preschoolers, developing information literacy starts with building foundational skills in critical thinking, curiosity, and understanding how to ask questions and seek answers. Furthermore, developing information literacy in preschoolers is about nurturing their natural curiosity and guiding them to find and understand information. Through playful activities and guided exploration, children can build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and responsible digital citizenship.

1. Encouraging Curiosity and Questioning

• Create a Question-Friendly Environment: Use tools like a "Question of the Day" board.
• Model Curiosity: Ask open-ended questions during activities.
• Encourage Observation: Use nature walks or classroom objects to prompt questions.

2. Understanding Sources of Information

• Books and Stories: Introduce different types of books (fiction, non-fiction, picture books).
• People as Sources: Explain how family members, teachers, and community helpers can provide information.
• Digital Resources: Use age-appropriate websites and educational apps under supervision.

3. Basic Evaluation of Information

• Truthfulness: Teach children to differentiate between real and make-believe through storytelling.
• Accuracy: Use simple exercises to check facts, like comparing weather reports to actual weather.
• Relevance: Discuss why some information is more helpful than others for certain questions.

4. Communication and Sharing Information

• Storytelling: Encourage children to share what they've learned through stories or drawings.
• Show-and-Tell: Use this activity to let children present information to their peers.
• Group Projects: Collaborate on simple research projects, like creating a poster on animals.

Activity 1: Question of the Day

• Setup: Create a board with a daily question. Allow children to write or draw their answers.
• Example Questions: “What do you think lives in the ocean?” “Why do we need to sleep?”

Activity 2: Storytime with a Twist

• Setup: Read a story and discuss what parts are real and what are make-believe.
• Example Book: "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" - Discuss bears in real life vs. the story.

Activity 3: Fact-Checking Weather

• Setup: Use a weather app and compare predictions with actual weather observed outside.
• Discussion: Talk about how scientists predict the weather and why it’s important.

Activity 4: Digital Exploration

• Setup: Use a tablet to explore an educational app like “Endless Alphabet.”
• Supervision: Guide children in using the app and discuss what they learn.

Activity 5: Nature Walk and Observation

• Setup: Take a nature walk and encourage children to observe plants, animals, and other interesting finds.
• Follow-Up: Back in the classroom, discuss the observations and find information about them using books or simple web searches.

Activity 6: Guest Storytellers

• Setup: Invite guest readers (parents, community members) to the classroom to read stories.
• Discussion: After the story, discuss the content and allow children to ask questions.

Activity 7: Create a Classroom Book

• Setup: Create a simple book with children. Each child can contribute a page with a drawing and a short story or fact.
• Example: A book about different animals where each child draws an animal and shares one fact about it.

Activity 8: Simple Research Projects

• Setup: Choose a topic of interest (e.g., dinosaurs, space) and gather books and resources about it.
• Activity: Children can work in small groups to create posters or simple presentations about what they learned.

Activity 9: Show-and-Tell

• Setup: Regularly scheduled show-and-tell sessions where children bring an item and share information about it.
• Discussion: Encourage questions and discussion about the items shared.

Activity 10: Fact vs. Fiction Sorting Game

• Setup: Prepare a set of cards with simple statements or pictures. Some should be factual, others fictional.
• Activity: Children sort the cards into two piles: fact and fiction, with guided discussion.

• Stay Engaged: Continuously ask questions and show enthusiasm for learning.
• Use Simple Language: Break down complex ideas into easy-to-understand concepts.
• Be Patient: Information literacy skills develop over time with practice and guidance.
• Involve Parents: Share strategies and activities that parents can do at home.