So you've looked at the list of "critical attributes" of a 21st century curriculum, and you've reviewed the various experts' definitions of "media literacy". If you're a classroom teacher or a principal or a full-time central office person you probably haven't had several years to focus on nothing but media literacy.  The amount of information out there on media literacy is enormous, and it is daunting.  You don't know how you can begin to absorb all this information yourself, much less figure out how to bring it into the classrooms so that the students may emerge "media literate"! Don't panic!  We just have to take this a step at a time.  We begin by putting our foot on the road with the first step and then we just keep going.  I've noticed that educators sometimes panic;  they seem to feel that they are obligated to already know all these things, and to feel that they have to do it right the very first time.  Educators seem to forget one important fact one of my principals reminded our staff of long ago -  "The man who makes no mistakes, makes nothing!" We had an enormous amount of support from our principal.  Whenever we had an idea for some new thing we wanted to try in the classroom, invariably he would give us a thumbs up and say, "Go for it!"  And we did.  Sometimes it was great, and sometimes it didn't work, and sometimes we had to make some adjustments.  That's what real learning and growth are all about!  So when we begin to approach curriculum design that is integrated, interdisciplinary, (those are NOT the same, you know), thematic, and project-based, with all the multiple literacies and multiple intelligences (those are not the same, either) we have to remember that it's okay to make mistakes, it will NOT be perfect the first time, and that this is going to be a process which will take time - probably years. So relax, and enjoy!  And have some fun modeling learning with your students. There are multitudes of resources online for learning about and teaching media literacies.  I recommend a couple, in particular, for starting out.  And I would like to suggest a few activities that can be easily incorporated into your classroom.  You do not have to become an expert before you start trying these things!  Resources for starting with Media Literacy: I.  Edutopia.org - site published by the George Lucas Education Foundation, has numerous resources such as articles, videos, blogs and more related to media and media literacy.  Visit this web site to find inspiration and guidance on student production of media products. II.  New Mexico Media Literacy Project -  a huge toolbox of wonderful resources for teaching media literacy. III.  The Center for Media Studies at Rutgers University IV.  JustThink.org - a truly excellent resource! V.  Rethinking Schools has this page with links to web sites on media literacy and advertising. VI.  Citizens for Media Literacy VII.  New York Times Daily Lesson Plans in Media Studies -  although I think the lesson design on some of these is pretty traditional (all the questions they tell the kids to answer by reading the article, for example), I DO like the subject matter and the fact that these are very recent topics and issues for study.  And, of course, they are related to media literacy, and to issues that really matter to kids.  I would make a few adjustments to the lessons;  for example, I would put the kids into some Expert Groups and let them do some research on the topic - let them come up with the questions AND the answers.  I would then have them demonstrate their conclusions and recommendations by creating a product using the medium of their choice.  I would ask for products such as web sites, documentaries, (mini-documentaries), PSAs (public service announcements), a talk show (real or simulated) for TV and/or radio, a skit, a diagram, etc.  In other words, these lesson plans have EXCELLENT resources online, and they offer great ideas for media arts activities and projects.