Say "I Do" to Integrated Learning

Merging learning between content areas is a little like marriage. In a marriage, two different personalities learn to live together, blending their individual priorities into one cohesive lifestyle. In education, we have to do the same. So often we have competing priorities: MAP Word of the Day, Literacy Across the Curriculum, Character Education, Differentiation, Authenticity, Engagement, BYOD...it's just so much...

But, like in marriage, we can merge these priorities, building stronger learning opportunities for kids. So, here it is, all merged into one great lesson.

Students in this social studies class are "justifying" their main idea, merging their MAP Word of the Day and CCSS Literacy. Additionally, you can differentiate the learning depending on the level of student need: some students can be given 3 main idea options and be required to "justify" their choice within their small discussion group while others can design the main idea in their own words.

Graphic Art Literacy: a Tool to Expand on Main Ideas

Students in this social studies class are making story boards and graphic representations related to their reading. This is a great way for students to practice identifying main ideas and summarizing articles. By adding the creative element, students are expressing their understanding and expanding on their learning.

What? Teaching Reading in Math?

Reading is a cross-curricular activity, whether students are reading directions or gaining background information. In this math class, students read an article about how to study for a math class. What a great integration of skills: reading, studying, organizing and doing math!

Using Brain Pop to enhance the lesson, students then applied their knowledge of main idea to their reading in math.