All teachers want to engage students in meaningful learning activities. This is true for every grade level and subject. How can teachers accomplish that goal with elementary school STEM? Pair lessons in math and science with literacy skills for a winning combination. This cross-curricular approach incorporates authentic literacy tasks into another content area, ultimately strengthening interest and understanding of both. It goes further, though. Problem-solving skills, critical thinking, vocabulary, and comprehension are strengthened simultaneously when subject areas combine to teach the whole student rather than one type of content.
Enriching literacy connections with new Gizmos resources
ExploreLearning understands the importance of literacy development and critical thinking skills. That’s why we developed literacy lessons for elementary students for our Gizmos resources. With these supplementary materials, Gizmos science lesson plans include ties to reading and writing skills for well-rounded, robust activities that easily allow for differentiation.
Integrating literacy with math Gizmos
Introducing literacy with math is more than just asking students to solve word problems. To truly integrate literacy into math, make the connections relevant. Gizmos make that process a snap with read-aloud books chosen explicitly for our elementary math simulations. The books reinforce the STEM concepts for a win-win learning experience.
Why is integrating literacy into math and science classrooms important?
What is the goal of STEM and literacy development? When students learn to read and write, the world opens up for them. Literacy goes beyond the walls of the school building and into every aspect of life. A strong foundation in literacy sets the stage for students to strengthen comprehension and communication skills in other areas. Developing language skills and reading and writing proficiency are imperative for current and future success.
Integrating literacy into math and science is critical. Because literacy skills are used across all subject areas, academic skills are enhanced through this type of learning experience. Literacy also has a special way of making complex math and science authentic and relevant to students. Bringing high-interest literature into STEM lessons creates a more engaging and effective lesson.
Literature Connection to the Literature Connection to the Cannonball Clowns Gizmo
How reading and writing can deepen scientific thinking and problem-solving skills
Teachers are always looking for ways to integrate reading and writing into every area of the classroom. Communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, are essential skills across all disciplines. These skills help students organize their thoughts through scientific thinking and problem solving while creating a strong foundation in vocabulary, perspectives, and ideas.
Preparing students for future STEM success
All teachers aim to foster a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning. Providing access to STEM experiences is part of preparing for future academic success and career paths. When STEM concepts are introduced in the early grades, they spark interest and build a foundation. Making them relevant is important by relating math and science concepts to everyday life.
Strengthening cross-disciplinary skills
Cross-disciplinary skills are highly valued not only in the classroom, but also as important skills for future careers and many aspects of daily life. Ensure students have exposure to these skills by offering diverse learning experiences, such as hands-on activities, projects, and simulations like Gizmos. Connecting STEM concepts with real-world applications and daily life challenges is important so students see the overlapping relationships.
Literature Connection to the Balancing Blocks Gizmo
Strategies for connecting literacy and STEM learning
Let’s face it. Teachers only have so many hours in a school day, and literacy instruction takes the leading role in elementary classrooms. Finding time for STEM education in already packed schedules can even seem overwhelming. That’s why teaching math and science with literacy activities for elementary students makes sense. Leveraging stories and writing activities to introduce and reinforce STEM concepts makes it possible.
Use reading to build STEM vocabulary and comprehension
How can elementary math and science lesson plans incorporate literacy? Pairing books with Gizmos is the perfect way to bridge these concepts. Start with read-aloud time and storytelling. Introduce and discuss key STEM vocabulary words to deepen understanding of scientific concepts. Use stories and poems that include math and science concepts. This provides extra reading practice and strengthens understanding of the content area material. Read the books and discuss the key concepts.
Encourage scientific writing to deepen understanding
Add another layer by asking students to write about their understanding. The writing piece could be another ending to the story or even a new chapter, complete with their own illustrations. Asking students to read, write, and draw about their learning helps to promote a growth mindset and enhances Depth of Knowledge. Combine their stories in a class book to add to your library.
Linking literacy with STEM deepens critical thinking as well. Interactive notebooks are a great way to easily incorporate literacy skills. The notebooks help students organize and synthesize the information presented in class. Students can also personalize the content they’re learning, which adds an element of fun.
Incorporate math word problems and math discussions
Word problems incorporate literacy simply with the design of the question, but that’s not enough. Those words should also spark mathematical thinking and discourse. Provide opportunities for students to talk through problems and share their thinking and different strategies in focused discussions. Model appropriate responses and create a safe, supportive environment for students to share their thinking.
Gizmos resources make it easy to link literacy and STEM
Gizmos make it easy to enhance and support STEM learning. Literacy connections in elementary Gizmos empower teachers to present math and science concepts and boost reading skills simultaneously. The supplementary materials create opportunities for students to reinforce literacy and expand their understanding of STEM concepts.
Tying literacy and science is a snap with Gizmos! What about math concepts? Easy! There is no need to worry about searching for titles that match concepts or having access to video versions of the books. They’re already linked with the Gizmo! What else is available for teachers besides read-aloud book connections that expand the Gizmo concepts?
- Openers and Wrap-Ups
- Comprehension questions
- Task cards and Mini-Exploration sheets
- Discussion and writing prompts
Literature Connection to the Effect of Environment on New Life Form Gizmo
Example of comprehension questions and wrap-up activity
Support your math classroom with new Gizmos resources
Elementary STEM literacy connections to math and science Gizmos are ready for your students. Teachers love the streamlined planning, enhanced student engagement, cross-curricular integration, and aligned resources. Students gain a richer learning experience and a better grasp of scientific concepts while also developing literacy skills. There’s even more in the Educator Resource Hub for teachers to dig deeper with Gizmos.
What are you waiting for? Help your students understand STEM concepts and promote literacy at the same time with a Gizmos trial.
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