Cross-Curricular
Adolescent Literacy:
Mission Impossible?
Rachel Hamilton, ELA
Sandy Lorick, Math
Langston Charter Middle School, Greenville, SC
Goals
• Recognize the benefits of cross-curricular literacy
strategies in developing and supporting students’
learning.
• Improve students’ achievement by improving content
area teaching through real-world, culturally relevant
approaches using common core curriculum.
HOW do you teach
Common Core?
• How do you grab attention?
• How do you ask questions?
• How do you assess (formal/informal)?
• How do you grade?
• How do you give feedback (verbal/written)?
The Learning Cycle
• Preactive
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Draw from prior knowledge
Grab attention
• Interactive
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Learning “with” the concept
Questioning
Informal assessment
• Reflective
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Check for understanding /application of critical thinking
Formal assessment
Write one vocabulary
term from your
subject area.
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Anticipation Guide
Prediction Guide
Structured brainstorming
Gallery walk
Consensogram
Anticipation/Prediction Guides
• Assess prior knowledge
• Engage students using real-world relevance
• Encourage class-wide discussion
• Pre/post inventory for a reading selection.
ELA Anticipation Guide
Flowers for Algernon
In the blanks beside each statement, write true or false.
Before
After
______ ______ Mentally challenged people are incapable of functioning in society.
______
______ Mental retardation can be reversed.
•
Flowers
Algernon
______
______for
People
treat the mentally challenged with disrespect.
______
______ Mentally challenged people have no emotions.
______
______ Mentally challenged people don’t know what is going on
around them.
ELA Prediction Guide
Three Skeleton Key
Giant rats
Ghost ship
Lighthouse
Three men
Terror
Insanity
Death
Math Anticipation Guide
Before we begin our study of multiplying and dividing fractions, let’s see
how much you already know! In the table below, look at each problem.
If you believe the answer is correct put a checkmark in the BEFORE
column. If not, put an X in the BEFORE column.
BEFORE
PROBLEM
1/2 • 1/3 = 1/6
1/3 • 2/3 = 3/6
3 1/2 • 2 1/3 = 6 1/6
2 • 3/4 = 2 3/4
4/5 • 2/3 = 8/15
2/7 • 2/7 = 4/14
3 • 1/2 = 1 1/2
AFTER
An Anticipation Guide for the Order of Operations
Directions: We have already studied the four basic number operations.
Now, we are going to examine expressions that involve two or more operations.
Before reading section 2.3, “Order of Operations Agreement,” think about
the mathematical expressions and their simplified values listed below.
Based on the expression and its simplified value, predict a rule for the order
in which mathematical operations are computed. Be able to explain your
decisions.
Expression
Simplified Value
1. 4 + 8 / 2
8
2. 18 / 2 + 7
16
3. 4 x 3 + 4 x 4
28
4. 10 – 3 x 5
-5
Predict Rule
Statistics Prediction Guide
Directions: In the column labeled Me, place a check next to
any statement with which you agree. After reading the
text, compare your opinions about those statements with
information in the text.
Me Text
___ ___
1. There are several kinds of averages for a set of data.
___ ___
2. The mode is the middle number in a set of data.
___ ___
3. Outliers are always ignored.
Math Structured Brainstorming
List – Group – Label
• Have students generate a list for a particular word or
concept
• After creating list, have students categorize words
Measurement
Student-Generated List
meter
width
ruler
distance
area
temperature
mile
cup
pound
Categorize
Units of Measure
meter
mile
Things Measured
Tools for Measurement
distance
area
cup
ruler
ELA Structured Brainstorming
• Post wall-sized “post-its”/chart paper around the room with
one part of speech for each heading.
• In pairs, students will write a set of 10 words from previous
study (usually vocabulary). Write each word on a sticky note.
• Pairs will post sticky notes under corresponding parts of
speech for each word (categorize).
• Keep charts posted to aid sentence construction, context
clue activities, bell work lessons/activities.
ELA Gallery Walk
The Diary of A Young Girl
Anne Frank play
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Post pictures from WWII concentration camps around the room.
Play music that sets mood.
Students will silently walk around the room observing the
pictures.
In their writing notebooks, students will write ONE emotionallycharged word for each picture (no phrases/sentences).
Volunteers will share words with the class.
Come back to this activity after reading the story (reflective).
Consensogram
• Accessing prior knowledge
• Collaborative learning
• Kinesthetic learning
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Paired Reading
Round the Room Questions
Hold Your Thinking
Think-Pair-Share
Frayer Model
Facebook Friday!
Paired Reading
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Select a passage for reading.
Pair students – ask one to be the coach and one to be the reader.
Have the reader read part of the selection aloud to the coach.
Have the coach summarize the main idea. The coach can ask
reader clarifying questions.
Have students reverse roles and continue with same format for
the whole selection.
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MATH: Classifying numbers, common core vocabulary
ELA: Summarize, paraphrase, main idea, inference
SS: Time periods in a nutshell, matching leaders with countries/conflicts
SCIENCE: Classifying species, diseases
FOREIGN LANGUAGE: Passage translation
Round the Room Questions
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Type and print sets of questions
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Story
Grammar
Literary concepts
Historical event
Cut questions into strips and tape each in various places around
the room
In pairs, students will answer each question (orally or on paper).
Move students clockwise and give a one or two minute time limit
for each question.
Adaptable to any subject!
Round the Room Questions
MATH
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Write math problems on large poster paper
Place problems in various places around the room
Place students into groups of three or four
Give each group a specific colored sharpie
Have each group solve the problem on the poster paper
Move students clockwise and give a time limit for each question
When a group gets to a problem already solved, they place a check
next to the solution if they agree or they rework the problem
When all problems have been solved, the class reviews as a whole
Hold Your Thinking
• Pass out sticky notes to each student.
• As students read a passage, they will use the sticky notes
to write any questions or comments that come to mind as
they’re reading.
• When they’re finished reading, students will re-visit these
questions/comments.
•
Spurs class/group discussion
Frayer Model
• Vocabulary strategy – supports learning vocabulary
terms
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Definition in own words
Essential characteristics
Non-essential characteristics
Examples
Non-examples
Math Frayer Model
ESSENTIAL
CHARACTERISTICS/DEFINITION IN OWN
WORDS
NON-ESSENTIAL
CHARACTERISTICS/FACTS
TERM
EXAMPLES
NON-EXAMPLES
Math Frayer Model
DEFINITION
FACTS
2 is the only even prime number.
0 and 1 are not prime.
A whole number with exactly two
Every number can be written as
factors, one and itself.
a product of prime.
PRIME
2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13
EXAMPLES
0, 1, 4, 6, 8, 9
NON-EXAMPLES
Math Frayer Model
DEFINITION
A number you get when you
divide two whole numbers.
FACTS
Prime numbers have 2 factors.
Composite numbers have more than
2 factors.
Divisibility rules help find factors.
FACTOR
24: 1,2,3,4,6,8,12,24
EXAMPLES
10 + 14 = 24
24: 14, 10
Factors are not addends.
NON-EXAMPLES
ELA Frayer Model
WORDS
ACTIONS
CHARACTER
APPEARANCE
OTHERS’ VIEW OF THIS
PERSON
ELA Frayer Model
INTERROGATIVE
DEMONSTRATIVE
Who
Whom
Whose
Which
That
Those
This
These
PRONOUN
Which
Who
That
Whose
RELATIVE
Someone
Everyone
All
Many
INDEFINITE
FACEBOOK FRIDAY!
ELA
• Use social media, signs, menus, newspapers, magazines,
TV, internet etc. to find grammar errors.
• Integrated learning
• Immersion in concepts
• Real-world relevance
• School-wide initiative to enhance literacy
• Adaptable across curriculum
•
Find errors/good examples in print/non-print/social media
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Vocabulary Four Square
Gallery Walk
RAFT
Ticket Out the Door (TODD)
Biopoem
Cinquain
Tracking Changes
Peer rubrics
Peer assessment
Four Square
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Vocabulary strategy – supports learning vocabulary terms
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Definition in own terms
Drawings
Synonyms/Antonyms
Connections
Examples
Essential characteristics
Symbols
Four Square
Term / definition in own words
Diagram / word art / cue to
remember
Examples / uses / synonyms/
antonyms
Uses / essential characteristics /
synonyms/ antonyms
Four Square Strategy - Fraction
Word Form
Three - Fifths
Graphical Representation
Numerical Representation
3/5
Verbal Representation or Real-Life
Example
Three pieces of a pizza
that is cut into five
pieces.
4-Square Strategy—Functions
Function A
1) Verbal description
and/or extend the
pattern
add 3 tiles each time
3) Write the formula
3n + 1
2) Make a table
Term
# of Tiles
0
1
1
4
2
7
3
10
4
13
5
16
n
3n + 1
4) Graph the function
Vocabulary Four Square ELA
Word with your own
definition, part of speech
Drawing of word meaning
2 synonyms/antonyms
c
Sentence using word
correctly in context
Sinister
adj.
Menacing
Creepy
threatening some
kind of trouble
Coating himself in
Kryptonite, Lex Luther
proved to be Superman’s
most sinister opponent.
Gallery Walk
Interactive:
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Work a problem with the students using a four square.
Divide students into pairs and assign problems. Allow them to
create four square and put on large post-it paper.
Reflective:
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Have a gallery walk and allow students to see each others work.
Have students specifically look for their pattern done by the
other class.
Students note any differences seen between their work and be
ready to offer an explanation of the differences.
• Role
ELA RAFT
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Imaginary snake from Roald Dahl’s Poison
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Harry, the main character who thinks there’s a snake in his bed
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Letter
• Audience
• Format
• Topic
•
Harry’s overreaction to a snake being in his bed when the snake
apparently didn’t even exist
Dear shivering, sweating over-reactor,
Dude, what the heck is your problem?! Yeah…you think
I’m here, but I’m really not. So I don’t know why you’re
freaking out like this. I’ve been long gone, BELIEVE me. I
wasn’t really enjoying being in your stupid, psycho dream
anyway. Oh, and you can’t just put people of other races down,
especially when they’re trying to help you. Indian doctors are
the BEST! You’re so dumb for treating Dr. G the way you did.
You lose it like a crazy person and imagine things that aren’t
really there! Great way to win friends… For real man, I think
you might need a psych evaluation and some meds for your
whacko hallucinations. If I ever come back, I’m gunna bite you,
even though I’m just a phantom. So, be ready next time!
HAAAAAA…!
Sincerely,
Your Slithery Delusion
8th grade boy
MATH RAFT
• Role
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Denominator
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Fractions
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Letter
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Importance of the denominator
• Audience
• Format
• Topic
To all my fellow fraction friends,
I am here to help you understand the importance of my job.
Being the denominator, I support all of you. Without me,
you are nothing. The numerators sit all high and mighty
on top of the fraction bar looking down on us
denominators while we are hard at work. We are the
whole while the numerators are only a part! Don’t forget
where your support comes from.
Sincerely,
Denominator
6th grade boy
Math Ticket Out the Door
• Explain to a friend who was sick today how to divide
decimals. Use words and numbers in your explanation.
Assume your friend already knows how to divide whole
numbers.
ELA Ticket Out the Door
• Write one sentence explaining the main idea of the story
read in class today. OR, write one sentence explaining the
most important concept learned today.
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Theme
Character traits
Setting
Opinion of the story/article
Grammar concept
Biopoem
• Line 1: First name
• Line 2: Four traits that describe character
• Line 3: Relatives of
• Line 4: Lover of (list three things)
• Line 5: Who feels (list three items)
• Line 6: Who needs (list three items)
• Line 7: Who fears (list three items)
• Line 8: Who gives (list three items)
• Line 9: Who would like to see (list three items)
• Line 10: Resident of
• Line 11: Last name
Freak
Lonely, smart, dying, bold
Friend of Max
Lover of nerdy stuff, fighting crime, friendship,
Who needs medical help, love, a challenge
Who fears dying, loneliness, hospitals
Who gives advice, friendship, criminals a run for their money
Who feels insecurity, fear, smarter than everyone else
Who hates fakeness, being disabled, Max’s father
Who would like to live, catch Max’s father, equality
Resident of a small home
The Mighty
CINQUAIN
FIVE LINE POEM
Line 1
Line 2
Line 3
Line 4
Line 5
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◦
◦
◦
one-word/phrase title
two words that describe
three words expressing action
four words expressing feeling
another word/phrase for title
Does not rhyme
Phrases or lists of words
May just give additional information
Conveys most important information about a
term/concept
Math Cinquain
Integers
Positive, Negative
Includes Zero, Too
2, -74, 13, -8
Numbers
Pride and Prejudice
Cinquain
Elizabeth
Confident, bold
Helping, hurting, loving
Wise beyond her years
Bennett
Tracking Changes
Peer Rubrics
• Constructive feedback (teacher should model)
• Gives students time to think
• Avoids thoughtless remarks
• Gives students ownership
• Initiates class discussion
Honors Reading Riot PP presentation
Peer rubric
Title significance
/10
BRIEF plot summary
/10
Setting
/10
Character/conflict
impact
/10
Minor conflicts/
/5
conflict resolution
Eye contact
/5
Visual
/10
(error-free and engaging)
Comments:
Indirect characterization (2 examples) /5
3 important quotes
/5
Recommendation/changes
/5
Notes
Time limit
(4 min./6 max.)
Presentation skills
Evidence of practice
/10
/5
/10
/10
Rubric for Problem Solving Portfolio
Skill
2
1
Showing Mathematical Work Solution complete.
Steps taken were
very clear, easy to
follow, and correct.
Solution
complete. Steps
taken were
correct, but not
easy to follow or
very clear.
Solution
incomplete or
incorrect due to
major error or
numerous
minor errors.
Explanation of Solving
Process
Results are
presented in a clear
and orderly
manner using
appropriate math
language.
Results were
Results were
understood by
very poorly
the reader, but
communicated.
lacked
appropriate math
language.
Strategy chosen and why
Strategy named
Strategy named
and reasoning is
but reasoning is
easy to understand not easy to
and makes sense.
understand
and/or does not
make sense.
Comments:
Overall Grade: _______
3
Strategy not
named and/or
reasoning not
given.
Points
Earned
Peer Assessment
• Create practice quiz for a partner from notes
• Student-led review games
• Teacher as guide
• Students can come up with their own questions
using notes as a guide
• Use student questions/ideas in quizzes/tests
Cross-curricular adolescent
literacy IS possible!
• Each strategy can be adapted to any academic
subject!
• Character Ed./Leadership training/Team-building
Questions?
Please contact us!
Rachel Hamilton
rhamilton@langstoncharter.org
Sandy Lorick
slorick@langstoncharter.org