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Getting to the Core of Literacy for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, Grades 6–12
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Getting to the Core of Literacy for History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects, Grades 6–12



May 2013 | 264 pages | Corwin

 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.


 
Introduction: How to Use This Book
Overview of Chapters

 
Lesson Format

 
Lesson Selection

 
Best Practices

 
 
Part I. Reading Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
 
1. Understanding the CCSS: An Overview
What Are the CCSS for Literacy in the Content Areas?

 
How Can We Use Backward Design to Create Curriculum that Addresses the CCSS for Literacy in the Content Areas?

 
How Do the CCSS for Literacy in the Content Areas and Backwards Design Relate to the Theories of Dewey, Bloom and Gardner?

 
 
2. The Benefits of the CCSS for the Teaching of Reading in the Content Areas
 
3. Reading Lessons in History/Social Studies 6-12
Key Ideas and Details

 
Nationalism: THe Good, the Bad, the Ugly (U.S. History, Grades 6-8)

 
Craft and Structure

 
Social Causes of New Imperialism (World History, Grades 9-10)

 
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

 
Vietnam: The Human Face of an Inhumane Time (US History, Grades 11-12)

 
 
4. Reading Lessons in Science and Technical Subjects
Key Ideas and Details

 
Bonus Science Articles (Biology, Grades 11-12)

 
Craft and Structure

 
Vocabulary Videos (Computer Apps, Grades 9-10)

 
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas

 
Continental Drift (Earth Science, Grades 6-8)

 
 
Part II. Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
 
5. The Benefits of the CCSS for the Teaching of Writing in the Content Areas
 
6. Argument Writing Lessons
Social Studies

 
Mock Trial: Native Americans & European Colonization ( U.S. History, Grades 6-8)

 
Science

 
Boyle's Law (Chemistry, Grades 9-10)

 
Technical Subjects

 
Fantasy Basketball (Sports Marketing, Grades 11-12)

 
 
7. Informative/Explanatory Writing Lessons
Technical Subjects

 
Math in Everyday Life (Math, Grades 6-8)

 
Science

 
Earth Day (Earth Science, Grades 9-10)

 
Social Studies

 
The Montgomery Bus Boycott (U.S. History, Grades 11-12)

 
 
8. Ensuring Success With the CCSS for Literacy in the Content Areas
What are Best Practices for Addressing the CCSS for Literacy in the Content Areas?

 
Success Stories Involving Content Area Teachers Working Together

 
Accessing Support Through Technology

 
Ten Tips for Getting to the Core of the Common Core for Literacy in the Content Areas

 
Conclusion

 

“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.”

Lawrence Butti, English Instructional Leader
Mineola High School, Garden City Park, NY
Key features
  • Practical, brief, and comprehensible for busy teachers who want to read a book tailored to their specific needs
  • Annotated sample lessons that address the Common Core State Standards for Reading and Writing in History/Social Studies, Science, and the Technical Subjects standards.
  • Templates that provide a simple breakdown of the components of a successfully aligned CCSS lesson.
  • Multiple reproducible handouts for each lesson narrative.
  • Success stories involving content area teachers working together, tips for collaboration, and resources available to support online collaboration.

Select a Purchasing Option


Rent or Buy eBook
ISBN: 9781483331065

Paperback
ISBN: 9781452255446
$32.95

This title is also available on SAGE Knowledge, the ultimate social sciences online library. If your library doesn’t have access, ask your librarian to start a trial.