Little Panda
Kindergarten Example of Interdisciplinary Connections A week-long unit Inspired by Reading Street Unit 3.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (ELA) We read "Little Panda" by JoAnne Ryder & discussed characteristics of Informational Texts. Students wrote and illustrated their own Panda Books. SCIENCE We read the magazine online and in print (UDL) which discussed how scientists measure and collect data. Students then measured and collected data on Beanie Babies and compared their data with peers. MATH During this week students were learning how to use a variety of tools to measure. The vocabulary was reinforced during the science activity. MUSIC I wrote and taught a short song to the class throughout the week. We compared rhythm to syllables - an ELA concept revisited frequently in kindergarten. SOCIAL STUDIES Students listened to a Digital Story, Panda and Polar Bear and compare the geography of each bear's homeland. As I read, "Liang and the Magic Paintbrush", numerous opportunities arose to highlight characteristics from Chinese culture. ART After reading "Liang and the Magic Paintbrush" students painted a picture of something they wished would 'come alive' (from the story) using a 'magic paintbrush'. This was a good opportunity to discern reality from fiction. |
Colonization Fourth Grade Example of Interdisciplinary Connections District-created Unit 2: Part 3: Colonization: Self-Governance SOCIAL STUDIES Through reading, writing, art, and drama, students gained knowledge of an important period in American History. READING Students chose which pages to read in the informational text, "If You Lived in Colonial Times" by Ann McGovern. They were called upon to imagine what life was like without all of our modern conveniences through a Compare/Contrast activity. ART & WRITING A painting titled, "Signing The Mayflower Compact, 1620" by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1899) was shown and students were prompted with questions such as Who are the people in the painting? What do you think they were feeling/thinking? Students were then given fifteen minutes to do a "Quick Write" in any writing genre they wanted to, using the painting as their prompt. WRITING During writing block, students were taught how to conduct a peer-to-peer review of a writing piece. To practice this skill, students used their writings from the "Signing of the Mayflower, 1620" and then used their peer feedback to make revisions to their writing piece, which then became part of their writing folder. I Like, I Wish, I Wonder Peer-to-Peer Review Form DRAMA One of the lessons had students participate in a simulation of a New England town meeting. Students had to either take on the persona of a towns-person with a set opinion, or they had to listen to the opinions of others and formulate their own opinion of an issue from that era. |
Trees of Life
An Art Example of Interdisciplinary Connections (Kg-5) Self-Developed Unit inspired by nature and artists throughout time and place ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS Kindergarten through 2nd grade students are introduced to the recurring unit through stories. 3rd through 5th graders are introduce to the concepts of symbolism and metaphor. At the end of the unit they are asked to write a poem (3rd) or a reflection about their artwork (4th-5th). SCIENCE Kindergarten through 2nd grade students discuss seasons and trees go through cyclical change. 3rd through 5th graders discuss types of trees and their how their visual characteristics are a result of their survival systems. SOCIAL STUDIES Students are introduced to artists from around the world and throughout history to demonstrate the metaphorical significance that trees have had on people. We also discuss the interconnectedness of trees and other living things. |