Disciplinary Literacy and Gamified Learning in Elementary Classrooms

Book excerpt: This textbook provides real world examples of how disciplinary literacy can incorporate gamified learning opportunities in elementary classrooms (grades K-5 or ages 5-11). It also presents concrete examples of how to seamlessly integrate literacy within other subjects in engaging and unique ways. Furthermore, this text offers practical information related to pedagogy, content, and differentiation for each lesson. Preservice teachers, practicing teachers, instructional coaches, and administrators can benefit from this user-friendly text and its companion digital components, allowing for replication of lessons based on national standards, backed by best-practices, and supported by differentiated pedagogy. This unique volume begins with engineering marvels that span across centuries and locations. The eight chapters focus on the following marvels in chronological order: Great Pyramid of Giza, Stonehenge, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Great Wall of China, Machu Picchu, Panama Canal, Golden Gate Bridge, and International Space Station. By focusing on these specific examples of human ingenuity, opportunities are created to delve into the historical and social aspects of each chapter’s focus. There are also occasions to explore the artistic merit and the art created about and around each focus. Additional teaching opportunities lie in understanding the science, engineering, technology, and math embedded in all featured marvels. Each chapter features an adventure roadmap in the form of a narrative quest set against the chapter’s marvel that guides teachers and student players through embedded activities. Activities are designed for lower elementary school (grades K-2 or ages 5-8) and upper elementary school (grades 3-5 or ages 8-11). Instructional support for both novice and career teachers is provided through differentiation strategies, resource materials, and teaching tips.