Current Events to Enhance Social Studies and Science Curriculum
Using magazines as one source of information will increase student performance in reading and critical thinking, give students exposure to current events which they may reflect on and write about, increase their exposure to the English language and how it is used in the media, and allow them to gain a deeper understanding of science and social studies standards. Students may also expand their learning into other areas which they may not be exposed to in the regular 4th Grade curriculum.
Integrated into language arts, science, and social studies curriculum where appropriate. Used in guided reading, research projects, independent reading, and shared reading with the entire class.
Students will be evaluated based on their reading, writing, and oral language performance on topics, classroom discussions, and general enthusiasm for this genre.
Magazines are a rich source of authentic material which can be very motivating for the students, either for reading enjoyment or to increase knowledge in an area. The magazines selected will enhance the language arts, social studies and science curriculums by keeping students up to date on current events. Reading magazines provides exposure to another type of literature/genre and reflects "real" world aquisition of knowledge. Magazines also provide a resource that allows for differentiation of students at all levels.
Successes and areas for improvement will be shared at 4th grade level. Magazines that are durable can be shared with the other 4th grade classrooms.
