Joyful Literacies in Secondary English Language Arts

How can teachers keep students engaged amid constraints like book bans and misguided public debates? By infusing joy into the ELA curriculum through units, lessons, and activities that make students feel seen and heard, and that lead to authentic and empowering intellectual inquiry. A joyful literacies pedagogy is about creating spaces of “deep fun” and belonging in which to engage students in deep intellectual work. This approach centers on: 

• Intentionally designing ELA spaces that encourage students’ connections to their own lived experiences; 
• Using students’ literacies as a starting point for discussions and learning about the processes of reading, writing, designing, and composing; 
• Framing curricular choices around students’ affinities and identities through both structured and unstructured play; 
• Encouraging project- and inquiry-based learning that positions students as problem-explorers and empowers them to consider the joy they can bring to others by becoming agents of positive change. 

The book features units and activities on topics including multimodal literacies, classic and contemporary literature, gaming, and popular culture, and these ideas can be used in conjunction with teachers' current curricula or adapted to fit their individual goals. Also included throughout the book are QR codes that link to assignment descriptions, videos or websites the authors have used, and other texts that they have found helpful in their teaching. 

By fostering spaces of belonging where students' identities are celebrated and their voices are amplified, you’ll turn ELA learning into an inspiring and life-changing experience. Empower your students to reflect, explore, and drive meaningful change in their lives and communities with this invaluable resource.