From lupines to water protectors: using C-OPTIC to teach critical visual literacy

Purpose The purpose of this paper, a notable trade book lesson plan, is to pair National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) notable trade books with a new strategy, C-OPTIC, to encourage critical visual literacy of picture book illustrations with elementary students. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this notable trade book lesson plan is to pair two notable trade books together, a book that is well known to many teachers with a book that is newer and invites critical reflection. Then, together, students evaluate these books using a critical strategy, C-OPTIC. Findings This lesson encourages teachers to move beyond surface-level discussions of “making the world more beautiful” and instead foster conversations about justice, belonging and voice. By using books recognized by NCSS for their value to social studies education, this pairing shows how we can meet curricular goals while also honoring students’ curiosity and capacity for critical thinking. When paired with care, two very different texts can spark a shared exploration and critical reflection. Originality/value This lesson provides a framework for teachers to revisit familiar texts with a critical lens while amplifying contemporary stories that reflect a broader, more just vision of social studies education.