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

2. What is literacy? Reading- comprehension and recall
Text books, chapter books, s, 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).

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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.”

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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?