Literacy in the mid level social studies classroom Sarah Sitzer Arkansas State University Fall 2016, MAT Program

What is literacy? Reading- comprehension and recall Text books, chapter books, emails, magazines, brochures, menus Writing- conveying own thoughts on paper Literacy- the ability to read and write. Knowledge that relates to a specified subject. (Merriam-Webster).

What is Literacy in the 21st century? Literacy also encompasses technology. Social Media Twitter Facebook Instagram Blogging Personal Webpages Having a complete and thorough understanding of your field of study- being an “expert” in your content area.

My personal experiences with literacy My Own Public Education: Comprehension struggle/distraction Skills learned: Annotating Note taking Summarizing Paraphrasing Re-reading Preschool Teacher: Early literacy importance Exposure Visuals Sounds Repetition Practice

Common Problems: Text Books are hard! Text complexity vs. Reader- reading level Knowledge of strategies and skills 4th grade seems to be a pivotal point for students. Fast-paced More independence Less Individualized instruction

How do we as teachers help? Effective teachers do the following when lesson planning: Decipher the CCSS Objective Identify the key outcomes in specific skills or knowledge. Find or design the appropriate lesson to meet expected outcomes Consider all students levels of learning and needs Select a variety of texts. Various text-complexities and reading levels. Teach comprehension strategies to help struggling readers

Ideas for new teachers Social Media in the Classroom. Padlet (Pinterest format) KidBlog.org SchoolTube.com Talk Groups/Book Clubs Letter writing Journal responses Project-based learning First Person Narratives

Common Core State Standards Integrating literacy Common Core State Standards Disciplinary literacy- “the intersection of content knowledge, experiences, and skills necessary to demonstrate understanding through the ability to read, write, communicate, and think critically using approaches unique to a specific discipline.”

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR TEACHERS IN SOCIAL STUDIES or science? Opportunities to learn and practice literacy are crucial in ALL content areas. Students are engaged in critical thinking about content area. Literacy and other content areas go hand-in-hand. Note taking skills Comprehension Paraphrasing Summarizing Talk groups/ book clubs Journal writings Project based learning opportunities

How do you teach literacy in social studies? Opportunities for critical thinking Different point of views- Economist vs. Sociologist Pilgrim vs. Indian Farmer vs. Merchant “Reading Like a Historian Project” (Stanford University) Primary sources Research Investigative thinking Fun, Hands-On

Specific instructional approaches (1) Project-Based Learning/Inquiry Units (RocketReaders.org) Student choice Research Includes primary sources, pictures, multiple perspectives Project Fair to share what they’ve learned. Examples- Vietnam War, Great Depression, WWII, etc. Why I like this approach: Critical thinking skills Research skills Several Mini lesson opportunities Hands-on, Active, Students are engaged.

Specific instructional approaches (2) Response Notebooks (RocketReaders.org) Students respond to course readings How did the reading make you feel? What did you like most? What did you dislike about the reading? What do you think about… Students can read their responses aloud or participate in classroom discussions with peers and teacher. Why I like this approach: Gives insight student’s thoughts level of understanding.

Specific instructional approaches (3) Directed Reading Thinking Activity (RocketReaders.org) (DRTA) Why I like This Approach: Encourages students to be active and thoughtful readers. Activates prior knowledge Students monitor understanding critical thinking skills

Specific instructional approaches (4) Exit Slips Written student responses Three categories of exit slips (Fisher & Frey, 2004). Prompts that document learning- “How could today’s lesson be used in the real world?” Prompts that emphasize the process of learning- “Write one question you have from today’s lesson.” Prompts to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction-“Did you enjoy working in small groups today?” Why I like this approach: Quick, informal assessment so teacher knows what (if anything) to review or re-teach from the lesson. Teaches students to think critically Allows students to reflect on what they have learned.

Creating a Learning Environment “School Family” atmosphere Classroom jobs Wish Well Board Conscious awareness Diversity acceptance Modeled by teacher Practiced by peers Family and Community Involvement Cultural research project and learning fair Community Improvement project GirlScouts, 4H, BoyScouts, BETA Club

Ensuring Students are reading to learn Reading and writing daily (assessments through writing) Journal quick starts Passage responses Exposure to outside sources journals, magazines, documentaries Enhanced content material- NOT just the textbook PRIMARY SOURCES Research projects Group projects Talk groups Class discussions

Final Thought How can we as teachers expect our students to fully understand our lessons if we do not give them the tools they need regarding literacy, comprehension, and understanding?