CRITICAL LITERACY SKILLS IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION FOR AFRICAN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Critical literacy skills are imperative for the overall development of the elementary school learner in the 21 st century. These skills incorporate analytical thinking, empathy, and the ability to question the rationale for the status quo. Through critical literacy, pupils can respond intelligently to various kinds of information that develop around them, processing them for their own personal growth and that of the society in which they live. For critical literacy skills to thrive, the classroom should be able to provide an environment for the children to optimize their individualities as they inculcate creative thinking and questioning skills. With sustained motivation from school proprietors, administrators, teachers, governments, and other stakeholders, elementary school children may become the drivers of Africa’s attainment of sustainable development goal number 4. To help African children to catch up with their peers in the global space, this paper suggests that teachers need to regularly update their knowledge and imbibe 21st-century teaching and learning skills, so they can effectively teach the children cutting-edge proficiencies. Suggestions are also made for activities that teachers could use to help young learners develop critical literacy skills.