This semester I tried my best to create integrated authentic learning experiences for my students. I really enjoyed planning the following Lowry Park Zoo lesson and next semester I would like to make it one of my main goals of focus. Because of the classes we took this semester (writing and science), I specifically tried hard to integrate those two subjects with reading. The idea seems harder than it really is. For example, an article we read in science, The Road to Stress-Free science by Sarah J Carrier stated the following, "Consider the reading and writing standards that overlap with science projects: making predictions, inferences, drawing conclusions, summarizing and revising" Carrier (2013).
That being said, one integrated learning experience I created (with the help of Jeni and Fran) was focused around our field trip to the zoo in October. In science we learned how important it is to take advantage of informal learning experiences, such as field trips. So, for this experience, I explained to my kids that we would be going to the zoo and that for the next couple of weeks we would be acting as zoologists.
Next, as zoologists each student chose one animal to become an expert on by doing research. I found as many books as I could find about animals and that is what they read during independent reading. At first I was a little worried that they would be upset that I was telling them what they had to read for a week, but every single student was so interested, it was never an issue. Additionally, during this research process, we got to discuss how to find and jot important information down and we touched on the importance of being able to pick key information out of a text to find the main idea, both very important reading skills.
Then, once at the zoo they continued their research, taking careful observations and photographs (we were so grateful and lucky to get our hands on so many camera) of their animal. Afterwards, they combined their research from books and observations from the zoo and wrote an informational text about their specific animal using an app called BookPress.
For this lesson, I was able to integrate three subjects into one learning experience. My students learned much about science content, specifically animal/life science while also incorporating process skills and the Nature of Science. In reading they learned how to jot notes and determine importance while using books to do research. In writing, they got to take what they learned in science and reading and write an informational text and then "publish" it using technology with the iPads.
Without a doubt, the most important part of this learning experience was that everything I did was purposeful. I'm sure there ware many other reading strategies and skills that could have gone along great with this lesson, but if I didn't plan ahead of time for it, then it would not be purposeful and therefore, most likely not taught effectively.
That being said, one integrated learning experience I created (with the help of Jeni and Fran) was focused around our field trip to the zoo in October. In science we learned how important it is to take advantage of informal learning experiences, such as field trips. So, for this experience, I explained to my kids that we would be going to the zoo and that for the next couple of weeks we would be acting as zoologists.
Next, as zoologists each student chose one animal to become an expert on by doing research. I found as many books as I could find about animals and that is what they read during independent reading. At first I was a little worried that they would be upset that I was telling them what they had to read for a week, but every single student was so interested, it was never an issue. Additionally, during this research process, we got to discuss how to find and jot important information down and we touched on the importance of being able to pick key information out of a text to find the main idea, both very important reading skills.
Then, once at the zoo they continued their research, taking careful observations and photographs (we were so grateful and lucky to get our hands on so many camera) of their animal. Afterwards, they combined their research from books and observations from the zoo and wrote an informational text about their specific animal using an app called BookPress.
For this lesson, I was able to integrate three subjects into one learning experience. My students learned much about science content, specifically animal/life science while also incorporating process skills and the Nature of Science. In reading they learned how to jot notes and determine importance while using books to do research. In writing, they got to take what they learned in science and reading and write an informational text and then "publish" it using technology with the iPads.
Without a doubt, the most important part of this learning experience was that everything I did was purposeful. I'm sure there ware many other reading strategies and skills that could have gone along great with this lesson, but if I didn't plan ahead of time for it, then it would not be purposeful and therefore, most likely not taught effectively.