Getting to the Core of Literacy for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, Grades 6–12
- Vicky Giouroukakis - Molloy College
- Maureen Connolly - Mineola Public School District
Literacy—it’s not just for English teachers anymore.
The new Common Core English Language Arts Standards aren’t just for English teachers. Fluent reading and writing are critically important to the study of history/social studies, science, and technical subjects, too. What’s more, the progress your students make is directly tied to their ability to process information they read and to express their ideas in writing.
So how do you make literacy a focus of your teaching . . . without taking time away from essential content? This practical resource—packed with teacher-tested, CCSS-based sample lessons—shows you how, using the Backward Design approach to set and meet your goals. Each lesson template includes
- The teaching strategies you’ll utilize
- Ways to incorporate technology and media
- Variations for differentiation and interdisciplinary connections
- Links to the work of major educational theorists
Following these models, you’ll set the CCSS in your sights and develop lessons that both meet standards and fit your classroom. Before you know it, you’ll be infusing reading and writing across your curriculum in purposeful and meaningful ways.
“This hands-on, research-based guide presents classroom-tested lessons and ideas for modifying existing lessons to meet the challenges of the CCSS. The authors also emphasize 21st century learning skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity, with technology and life and career skills components. Getting to the Core clearly breaks down key tenets of the CCSS, deftly addressing both timely topics (cyberbullying, social justice, and graphic novels), as well as more traditional secondary English experiences (Macbeth, Of Mice and Men, the Gettysburg Address, and The House on Mango Street). This melding cements the important place this book deserves on the shelf of any current or aspiring English educator.”
