Integrating Children's Literature with Science

Most schools now are initiating Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum. This program aims to improve student achievement through having students read more and write in all academic classes. Normally, students simply write in their Language Arts classes and do not write in their other academic classes. Also, in most academic classes, the teacher only assigns reading in the text books. Because science is one of the more technical classes, science teachers tend to be very wedded to their textbooks. In order for children to improve reading and writing skills, even science teachers must start integrating children's literature with science.

Strange as it may seem, most school libraries try their best to have a collection of books that not only interest the students but also support the curriculum. I am a librarian just in case you think I'm being a little huffy. There have been so many times when a teacher or student was surprised to find that we had just the perfect books for a project, Anyway, the science teachers should visit the library books that will be enjoyable for their students and spur their interest in science. When the teacher is choosing the books, think about what would appeal to the boys in the class and what would make the girls keep turning the pages.

Even if the subject matter of the book does not correlate perfectly with what is being studied, the student will learn science of some sort. The important thing is that they are reading and learning. Give out prizes for the most pages read or the most books finished. Reward all of the readers in some way. The reading time should occur at least once or twice a month if not every week if there is time.

Then the next day take fifteen minutes to write a funny paragraph about what the student read. The paragraph should be funny and creative. If a boy is reading about snakes, have the student write a paragraph about his life as a snake. If a girl is reading about bacteria in food, she could become th4e bacteria plotting revenge on humans who aren't following basic hygiene rules. You get the picture. Allow them to be creative so that they can have fun.

Often picture books can be used in the science classroom. Students can use books on animas, dinosaurs, bacteria, or any other creatures. They can create their own picture book using the library books. They can add stories to their book so they can use their creativity.

One of the most important facets of this lesson plan is the books that are chosen. The books need to be clever ally written, include great illustrations, and pertinent information. A student might want to keep the same subject throughout the year. That way he would have a vast array of knowledge of a topic of interest to him and science.



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