As an elementary classroom teacher, our district is really trying as best we can to focus our reading and writing curriculum into all other content areas. One of the nice things about the science content and series that we have is the reading sets that accompany the core books. The literacy component can also be included as part of activities such as webquests http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=159405 (one that I created last semester that I have yet to use in my class this year). Webquests allow students to read authentic science (and social studies!) related content and texts and if written correctly, can have students create meaningful written components as a compliment to the content.
Social studies, especially historical based lessons, can lend itself well to strong literacy portions in the elementary level. Primary and secondary sources are usually first choices to include for students, historical fiction is also a great inclusion as well, but ehancing student involvement further can be done with technology. One lesson I created was to have students use http://erly.com/ (a social invitation tool) to send a digital invite to a historical event to me. It would have to include the who, what, when, where, and the importance of attending this historical event.
Math is a bit trickier when we first look at it. We often just see the number or mathematical terms without seeing a way to incorporate literacy meaningful. We use Singapore math in my district, and model drawing based on word problems is a major component. The questions ask the student instead to focus not just on key terms like most word problems, but they often ask real-world meaningful questions that require them to consider step by step solutions and reasoning behind their processes. The slow-down-and-focus approach carries over to critical thinking skills in all content, not just their reading and problem solving.
I think WebQuests are an amazing tool to increase literacy in many areas. I, too, created one for class and have yet to be able to use it. I have a math background and have always included connections to all content areas, especially language. When exploring the WebQuests, I was so pleased with the process that I cannot wait to be able to implement this digital tool!
ReplyDeleteI also love your idea about sending an invitation for an important event. I can see this translating for middle schoolers to send out an invite for a pi party or researching another important mathematical discovery with details included to describe their event. Good idea!
I have notice in the past two years publishers producing more non-fiction readers. We just started carrying the "True and False" series which includes books about animals, geography, and history. The books are written for a second or third grade reader.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mrs. A WebQuests are great learning experiences for students. I have taught several Webquests from Indians and Pilgrims to the Moon Phases.
I really like webquests too but you should take a look at the iadventures created by students at Warrensburg. They're pretty fabulous too. An iAdventure is a problem solving activity in which students determine the direction and outcome of a content-rich storyline, using resources available on the Internet, particularly resources providing real-world data and primary documents. The activity is designed to help students discover how the characters could use access to unlimited data and information (the Internet) to solve problems and make choices. You can find them at http://warrensburg.k12.mo.us/iadventure/. There are tons of them and they're separated by grade levels.
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