Joyful Literacies in Secondary English Language Arts

Abstract
Discover the transformative power of joyful literacies with this lively guide for secondary English language arts educators. How can teachers keep students engaged amidst 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.