When I first sat down to write this, I started with the title, Chaos in Education. I was thinking about the discussion around repealing Common Core, about HB 610, and all the craziness that could envelop public education with alarming speed. Then I thought about what I would do in my classroom, and you know what? I would keep teaching my kids. I would keep offering them the best I had to give. I would keep challenging every student to meet their potential, to work with others, to be proud of themselves, and to be good citizens. I know that that is how every teacher feels right now in the uncertain world of education. Kids are still going to show up, and we are going to smile and teach. It's what we do! So I am not going to focus on things I don't have any control over - now I have contacted my elected officials - but I am going to focus on the things I can do to help kids right here, right now.
I don't have to believe it, I see proof of it everywhere. Reading is a big, ugly bully. Reading has pushed Science, Social Studies, and even Math to the side and has taken over more than half of our day. According to our Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy document, "...literacy instruction should not take the place of science and social studies inquiry nor addressing the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations for Social Studies nor addressing the Michigan K-12 Science Standards."
The bottom line is this: If students do not have content knowledge, it won't matter how effectively they decode a passage, they will not comprehend it at all. Content knowledge supports comprehension development. This link takes you to a blog post by Dr. Nell Duke, who is a part of our Literacy Network. Check it out.
I don't have to believe it, I see proof of it everywhere. Reading is a big, ugly bully. Reading has pushed Science, Social Studies, and even Math to the side and has taken over more than half of our day. According to our Essential Instructional Practices in Early Literacy document, "...literacy instruction should not take the place of science and social studies inquiry nor addressing the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations for Social Studies nor addressing the Michigan K-12 Science Standards."
The bottom line is this: If students do not have content knowledge, it won't matter how effectively they decode a passage, they will not comprehend it at all. Content knowledge supports comprehension development. This link takes you to a blog post by Dr. Nell Duke, who is a part of our Literacy Network. Check it out.
So, how do we make it work? There are only so many hours in the day, and so many things to do! As usual, we get creative. Find ways to integrate social studies and science content into reading. Use a read aloud during your reading block that supports your current social studies unit. Teach your lesson using content material. Look at your schedule and see where you could squeeze in some time. Is a 30-minute morning meeting beneficial? Could I shorten it to 10 minutes, and use the other 20 minutes for a social studies or science lesson? It's just an idea.
Below is a link to a Department of Education document entitled Supporting Early Literacy Development and Science Education. Check it out. It is short, I promise.
Below is a link to a Department of Education document entitled Supporting Early Literacy Development and Science Education. Check it out. It is short, I promise.
Think about it. If students are struggling with comprehension, it might just be that they don't have the content knowledge necessary to support their learning. Integrating reading into content areas and the other way around will help fix this problem. There are several articles on the subject, but I didn't want to drown you in research. Next time you plan a Read Aloud or plan a reading lesson, think about using science or social studies information to do so. Kill two birds with one stone.
Don't forget about me! I can help! Send me an email and I'd be glad to assist you in any way I can.
Don't forget about me! I can help! Send me an email and I'd be glad to assist you in any way I can.