In this course, participants explore the natural connection between literacy instruction and social studies. They determine ways to support students who are grappling with complex texts and consider how Inquiry Journeys contributes to building students' literacy skills.
Literacy is woven into the fabric of elementary social studies learning. As students build social studies content knowledge and disciplinary skills, they engage in deep literacy work: interrogating diverse sources, evaluating and constructing arguments, examining differing points of view and...
Reading and writing opportunities are embedded throughout Inquiry Journeys lessons. In fact, almost every lesson supports Common Core ELA standards.
This resource describes literacy scaffolds that support students prior to, during, and after the reading of complex texts in Inquiry Journeys. Consider using one or more of these strategies if you anticipate students may struggle with a reading task.
Using an Anticipation Guide is an excellent way to ensure students have a clear direction and purpose for their reading. In the center column, write main ideas, key details, and important concepts you want students to be on the lookout...
Preparing students to read a complex text includes helping them develop habits practiced by experienced readers, such as using their overall knowledge of a text to support comprehension and meaning making. This can help students persist in reading even when...
Strategies that support students in understanding key concepts and details as they read promote deeper analysis of the text after they finish. Here are several strategies that teachers can use to support students, and students can use to support themselves....
Varying how students engage with a text is an excellent strategy when there are diverse reading levels in the classroom. These common reading procedures may be effective in your classroom, but this list is by no means exhaustive. Note that...
Annotation allows students to actively engage with texts and improve their reading comprehension. Using annotation strategies can help students understand the content on a deeper level and recall concepts for later use. It can also be a lot of fun!...
If students are reading independently, in small groups, or in pairs, consider creating several text-dependent questions that require students to stop, locate evidence to support a response, and write the response.
A graphic organizer can help students understand and focus on the main idea of a text and encourage students to include key details that support it.
In order for students to make deep connections to text, it is important that they first have basic comprehension of the explicitly stated facts and “right there” information.
This graphic organizer can help students reflect on how a text has changed or deepened their understanding.
Inquiry Journeys includes a diverse collection of books that support student understanding as they move through an Inquiry. Check out the book list and use the book stickers to help organize resources. The stickers are printable and should be used...
There is a growing body of research that indicates that decreased instruction time in social studies has been detrimental to students. Check out this webinar recording and blog post to see how social studies can create better readers and writers.
Social studies and literacy instruction can’t really be separated: social studies requires the examination of complex texts as sources of evidence. If we want students to seek answers to complex questions, conduct sustained investigations, and construct conclusions based on facts...
Check out this blog post and webinar recording to help answer the question, "What is the role of media literacy in elementary social studies?"
How do the sources teachers choose provide mirrors and windows for students? We explored that question with Cereescia Sandoval, one of inquirED's Learning Experience Designers. Check out the webinar recording and blog post to learn more.
