K-12 US · K–2
Information Literacy for Grades K–2
This guide helps US primary classrooms teach information literacy with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Foundational skills for finding, evaluating, and using information across library and classroom research. Use short texts, picture prompts, and guided discussion. Keep vocabulary concrete and revisit the same media literacy habits weekly. Use it to plan a single lesson or a short unit arc in K–2 — then explore how Split a Cookie (SaC) modules reduce prep time for teachers and substitutes.
Last reviewed 2026-07-05
Learning objectives
- In Grades K–2, students practice with teacher support to effective search strategies — aligned with information literacy instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students talk about what makes a source helpful relevance and credibility — aligned with information literacy instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students cite sources appropriately for grade level — aligned with information literacy instruction in primary classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Use picture cards to sort "helpful" vs. "needs checking" sources after a read-aloud connected to information literacy.
- Open with a 5-minute "Information Literacy" warm-up using a short age-appropriate clip or headline, then chart student questions on the board.
- Run a paired source comparison: give primary classrooms two short texts on the same event and ask which is more trustworthy and why.
- Send home a one-sentence family prompt: ask an adult how they check news on their phone.
SaC curriculum fit
Pluggable Curriculum Assets integrate with existing library and research units without replacing core ELA programs.
Standards alignment note
Districts across the United States align Grades K–2 media literacy instruction to state ELA, social studies, and library standards. SaC resources support local adoption — they do not replace state-specific scope and sequence requirements. Review your state framework when mapping K–2 outcomes.
Related resources
Other grade bands — Information Literacy