K-12 US · K–2
Interdisciplinary Media Units for Grades K–2
This guide helps US primary classrooms teach interdisciplinary media units with clear objectives and classroom-ready activities. Connect media literacy to science, history, and ELA simultaneously. 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 use simple words to describe core concepts of interdisciplinary media units with classroom examples — aligned with interdisciplinary media units instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students apply interdisciplinary media units skills to age-appropriate texts and media — aligned with interdisciplinary media units instruction in primary classrooms.
- In Grades K–2, students reflect on how interdisciplinary media units supports responsible citizenship — aligned with interdisciplinary media units instruction in primary classrooms.
Classroom activities
- Use picture cards to sort "helpful" vs. "needs checking" sources after a read-aloud connected to interdisciplinary media units.
- Open with a 5-minute "Interdisciplinary Media Units" 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
SaC's digital literacy track includes modules that reinforce interdisciplinary media units through Split-Level handouts and facilitator-ready Navigator's Guides.
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 — Interdisciplinary Media Units