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

Book excerpt: 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.