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Today, many adolescents are not interested in participating with traditional reading and writing activities. They seem to be in their self-contained world with I-pods, laptops, cell phones and other technology tools. Literacy isn’t just reading and writing. One must be able to critique, analyze and communicate with others to learn and process new information.

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Adolescents are literate from using their alternative literacies which is defined as learning, processing and sharing information in non-traditional ways such as blogging, music sharing, movie making, digital storytelling, etc. Video and online games are another example of alternative literacies; one must use critical thinking, communication and storytelling skills to move the game along. These skills can be transferred to support traditional literacies and critical thinking skills.

REsources on REasons Why

Advantages and Disadvantages of Video Games by Alexandra Bree. Link:

8740011_advantages-disadvantages-video-games.html

Ten Benefits of Video Games

by Timothy Rudon. Link:

Games-Based Learning for Leaders: How Video Games can Improve Literacy in One Semester by Ewan McIntosh. Link: http://

getinsight/games-based-learning-leaders-how-video-games-can-improve-literacy-one-semester/

How to Support Your Youth

Video Games in the Classroom:

Building Skills in Literacy and Numeracy by Drs. Emmanuel Duplàa and Shervin Shirmohammadi. Link:



Minds at Play: Teens gain 21st-century literacy skills designing their own computer games by Brian Myers

Video and Online Games: An Alternative Teen Literacy Guide

By Stacey Moy

mssmoy.

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©March 2013

(All Photos from Google Images)

Dear Educators,

This guide is for teachers, parents, guardians, mentors or any adults working with adolescents (ages 11-18). You will read about how video and online games help support literacy in your youths. Questions you may have are:

*What are alternative literacies?

*How can video and online games support literacy development in my student/child?

*How can I assist my student/child to develop literacy skills?

Your questions will be answered. On your right, read about relevant issues and the definition of alternative literacies.

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Benefits

*Activates story telling skills

*Utilizes critical thinking and problem solving

*Requires reading skills

*Enhances creativity

*Supports excellent hand-eye coordination

*Gains strategic skills

*Promotes focusing skills

*Provides communication with diverse peoples

*Encourages team building

How You Can Help

*Support the gaming passion.

*At home, provide a time limit and adult supervision.

*By discussing the games with adults, your kid practices summarizing skills.

*At school, use your student’s love of gaming to connect with traditional reading and writing.

*Provide games that require students to learn new words and use them. Then write about the experience while using the new vocabulary.

What Real Gamers Say

“I enjoy puzzle and strategy video games with a good story [like] Zelda and Animal Crossing. When you let kids play online they're subjected to some pretty crude language [such as] racism [and] "trash-talking", it gets pretty bad. With good attentive parents, video games can be a great development tool. As with everything though, moderation is key. Too much is a bad thing too.” ~Christopher Bauer, Field Service Engineer

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“Let's see, number one is TF2. I like TF2 because it's just fun to derp around on [and] a nice way to vent oneself. Number two would be Command and Conquer. I like this because it requires tactics and for those who just love to go crazy, spam units. My favorite [called] Minecraft. I can build what my mind imagines, play with friends, and just plain survive in survival. ” ~Brian Ng, High School Freshman

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“Video games can help build problem- solving, reading, and focus skills for kids. [They need] to play games that challenge their minds.”~Abi Krufman, M.A.T. student at Marylhurst University/Future Secondary Teacher

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Top 6 Video/Online Games

1. Animal Crossing

2. Command and Conquer

3. Mindcraft

4. Neverwinter Nights (Dungeon and Dragons)

5. Team Fortress 2 (aka TF2)

6. Zelda

Notice: Please check for age appropriateness for video and online games.

More practical tips, please read from the resource list on the back.

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