| Workshop Objectives This workshop is designed to help participants discover effective strategies for engaging students in learning by utilizing literature as the foundation for interdisciplinary instruction. Through a focus on historical literature, attendees will explore methods for teaching social studies, English Language Arts, constitutional principles, ethics, and character education or life skills in a unified approach. The workshop will emphasize aligning curriculum with educational goals and standards to ensure comprehensive learning outcomes. Workshop Format and Activities The session begins by examining the reasons for and approaches to selecting literature for classroom use. Participants will learn how to teach and co-teach units, as well as how to design and pace instructional units effectively. A key feature of the workshop includes a practical example: a unit on World War II centered around the narrative memoir, “A Young Man of the Front Line: Lessons of War.” This unit is accompanied by integrated lesson plans, providing concrete illustrations of interdisciplinary teaching techniques. Skills addressed during the workshop include integrating multiple subjects, developing lesson plans and pacing guides, and planning integration activities. Participants will also learn strategies for collaborating with fellow teachers to create cross-curricular projects. Sample assignments will demonstrate ways to connect interactive student or team projects to contemporary issues and real-world skills, enhancing the relevance of classroom learning. |
Using Literature as a Springboard for Interdisciplinary Units
Workshop Speaker: Elaine Makas, Ph.D.
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