Students need skills to think critically and evaluate the information presented to them. One way students can do this is through lateral reading—the habit of verifying online information by opening new tabs to investigate sources, authors, and claims across the web.

Learn how to write blog posts that rank on Google and get featured by AI tools using this SEO + AEO blog template with step-by-step tips and visuals.

Discover 7 powerful ways middle school teachers use ChatGPT for lesson planning, differentiation, critical thinking, and classroom technology integration—plus tips for writing better prompts.

Visual essays are a powerful tool for helping middle school students think critically, develop media literacy, and strengthen specific skills. When students combine writing with visuals to convey a message or argument, they’re not just creating—they’re analyzing, evaluating, and communicating with purpose.

Discover how concept mapping improves student learning, critical thinking, and retention.

Explore how point of view, perspective, and irony work together in books and movies to shape storytelling. Learn definitions, examples, and why these elements matter for deeper reading and viewing.

Explore the best free media literacy tools for teachers. Learn how to teach media literacy with lessons from Common Sense Education, MediaSmarts, and PBS LearningMedia.