Reading in the Social Studies Classroom

Integrating literacy in the Social Studies is important and typically, easy to do. Marlow Ediger (1995) states "Social studies teachers need to emphasize reading instruction across the curriculum. The teaching of reading may occur simultaneously as learners extract vital facts, concepts, and generalizations from print discourse in ongoing lessons and units in the social studies"

Project-Based Global Inquiries

Click HERE to view the PBI-G lesson plan.

More Ways to Integrate Literacy in the Social Studies Classroom

Intra-Act

Intra-act allows for students to participate in reflective discussions. They read a text and practice skills like comprehending, relating, valuating and reflecting.

Graphic Organizers

Graphic organizers are a great way to organize facts within a text. This is especially beneficial when reading texts with dates and important events.

Point of View Guides

Point of view guides (POVGs) allow students to take the role of a historical figure. Students then answer interview-like questions pretending to be that person.

Character Journals

Through character journals, students study certain historical figures. Next, they take on that figure's point of view and write about their experiences in a journal.

References

Ediger, M. (2000). Teaching Reading in the Social Studies. College Student Journal, 34(1), 56.