Multimodal Big 6: AI-Powered Literacy Activities for K-12

How to Use this Page

  1. Read the short activity idea in a square.
  2. Select the text in that square to open one pre-filled prompt builder based on the CRISP Framework for that exact activity.
  3. Review the filled-in fields, then copy the prompt from the builder into your AI tool.

If you are looking for disciplinary literacy activities, use the AI-Powered Disciplinary Literacy Activities for K-12 page.

Big 6 Multimodal Literacy Competencies and Skills

Each square combines one of the "Big 6" competencies with a modality. Click on the activity to open an AI prompt builder based on the CRISP Framework for that exact combination. You can then edit that prompt before copying and pasting it into your AI tool of choice.

Big 6 Multimodal Literacy Competencies and Skills for K-1
Modality: Linguistic/Alphabetic Visual Audio Gestural Spatial

Suggested tools by modality

These are the specific tools that can support planning across the five modalities. Review age requirements, privacy expectations, and district approvals before classroom use.

Linguistic/Alphabetic

  • CRISP BuilderFreeTeacher usePlan and refine prompts before pasting them into an AI tool.
  • ClaudeFree + paidTeacher useDraft passages, sentence frames, vocabulary work, and teacher-facing exemplars.
  • GeminiFree + paidTeacher useGenerate decodable text, comprehension questions, and differentiated language supports.

Visual

  • CanvaFree + paidTeacher useCreate cards, charts, infographics, posters, and slide-based supports.
  • Adobe ExpressFree + paidTeacher useBuild quick visuals, storyboards, diagrams, and simple image prompts.
  • Microsoft DesignerFree + paidTeacher useGenerate simple image-based materials from short prompts.

Audio

  • ElevenLabsFree + paidTeacher useCreate model read-alouds, pronunciation examples, or short listening scripts.
  • NotebookLMFreeTeacher useTurn notes and sources into spoken summaries or audio-style explanations.
  • AudacityFreeStudent-safeRecord and edit teacher-made audio for fluency, pronunciation, and oral rehearsal.

Gestural

  • FlipFreeStudent-safeRecord and share movement-based responses, demonstrations, and retells.
  • LoomFree + paidTeacher useCreate short teacher demonstrations with gestures, modeling, or tracking.
  • SeesawFree + paidStudent-safeCapture student work that combines voice, movement, annotation, and reflection.

Spatial

  • Google SlidesFreeStudent-safeLay out sequence cards, concept maps, story maps, and drag-and-drop tasks.
  • PadletFree + paidStudent-safeOrganize ideas on boards, maps, and columns for sorting, sequencing, and discussion.
  • MiroFree + paidTeacher useBuild digital organizers, planning boards, and collaborative spatial layouts.

Before classroom use, review each tool for age requirements, accessibility features, account needs, and local privacy expectations.

How to use this planner

Use the grade-band selector first, then choose a literacy square. Every linked idea opens the CRISP builder with the context, role, instruction, specification, and performance criteria already filled in.

  • Swap in your own text, unit topic, lab, problem set, performance task, or essential question before using the prompt.
  • Review every AI output for accuracy, accessibility, cultural responsiveness, and fit with local curriculum and student data.
  • Keep student-facing use teacher-mediated unless your district has approved tools, accounts, and privacy safeguards.
  • Use the tables as planning supports for differentiation, not as a substitute for high-quality curriculum materials.

This tool is designed as a teacher planning aid. It is intentionally broad enough to fit the NYS curriculum landscape, but it should be narrowed to your grade-level standards, unit goals, intervention structures, and student needs.