School of Education and Human Services

Graduate Division

EDUG 805-61 Social Studies and Language Arts for the At Risk and Disabled Student [Spring 1998]

Instructors: Mr. Frank Paliotta Phone: (718) 882-8865

Mrs. Irene Rogan (718) 882-8865

Dr. Peter J. McCarthy (718) 862-7418

Course Description:

This class is designed as a workshop in which you will interact with other teachers to explore interdisciplinary thematic teaching. We will use a variety of literary genres to teach social studies and geographical concepts and skills. Time will be spent to familiarize you with the social studies, geography and language arts standards. You will work in teams to develop an interdisciplinary thematic unit that will be shared with the class. New technologies, such as laser disc, CD-ROM and the Internet will be an integral part of this class.

Outcomes:

    1. Teachers will develop lessons, which infuse the teaching of language arts and social studies.

    2. Teachers will plan collaboratively and become familiar with the constructivist approach for integrated instruction.

    3. Teachers will become familiar with a variety of computer programs, as well as the Internet and be able to utilize technology as an instructional tool.

    4. Teachers will become familiar with a variety of learning modes and plan curriculum for students with special needs.

    5. Teachers will become knowledgeable about the social studies, geography and language arts standards.

    6. Teachers will design lessons that highlight contributions of individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Required Text:

Meeting the Standards: Social Studies Readings for K-6 Educators. eds: Mary Haas and Margaret Laughlin. 1997. Washington, D.C.: NCSS.

Course Requirements and Expectations:

  1. ATTENDANCE - Regular attendance and class participation is very important. Excessive absences (more than 3) will adversely affect your grade and could lead to an "F" grade.

  2. READINGS - Read assigned chapters from the text and other assigned readings.

  3. ARTICLE REVIEWS - Submit reviews of 2 articles from periodicals, which are course, related.

  4. CURRICULUM PROJECT - Develop and present an interdisciplinary thematic unit which utilizes technology.

  5. SOFTWARE REVIEW - Submit reviews of 2 computer programs, which are course, related.

  6. FIELDWORK - Participate in a community walk and write a reflection paper

  7. VISITATION - Visit to a Saturday Academy

 

Grades will be based upon:

 

Course Syllabi

Session 1 - March 5, 1998 Topics: Course introduction

Exploration of course requirements

Views of social studies and language arts (pre-assessment)

Assignment: School based survey

Read assigned article

Session 2 - March 12, 1998

Topics: Language Arts and the Standards: A Discussion

Hands on Activity: Cooperative learning groups will evaluate children's writing and determine whether it is a standard setting piece

Assignment: Read Introduction (pp. 9-11, 37, 65, 85, 109, 137, 163, 183, 211 and 233 from textbook.

Session 3 - March 19, 1998 Topics: Social Studies: Introducing the Standards

Hands on Activity:

Demonstration lesson using The Three Javelinas to highlight the social studies and geography standards

Cooperative learning groups will review a piece of children's literature and highlight the standards

Assignment: Read Assigned article about technology

Session 4 - March 26, 1998 Topic: Technology and the Internet

Assignment: Read assigned article.

Session 5 - April 2, 1998 Topics: Review of software programs

Laser Disc demonstration

Assignment: Read textbook pp. 355-374

Read assigned articles

Session 6 - April 9, 1998 Topic:The Library as Instructional Support for You and Your Students

Hands on Activity: The selection and review of an article from a professional journal

Assignment: Read assigned articles

Session 7 - April 23, 1998 Topic: Developing an Environment for Success

Hands on Activity: Cooperative learning groups will compare and contrast traditional vs. constructivist approaches to instruction

Assignment: Read assigned articles

DUE: SOFTWARE REVIEW

Session 8 - April 30, 1998 Topic: The Use of Literature to Support Instruction

Exploration of various genre

Hands on Activity: Cooperative learning groups will be assigned various forms of literary genre. They will discuss implementation in the classroom.

Assignment: Read Textbook pp. 329-351

 Session 9 - May 7, 1998 Topic:Multicultural learning through children's literature

Hands on Activity: Cooperative learning groups will assess and evaluate books and their sensitivity to multiculturism

Assignment: Read assigned articles

DUE: JOURNAL ARTICLES REVIEW

Session 10 - May 14, 1998 Topic: Themes: From Start to Finish

Hands on Activity: Cooperative learning groups will select a theme and use webbing to make the connections with all curriculum areas

Assignment: Read textbook pp. 285-291

Session 11 - May 21, 1998

Topics:

  • Themes: A Continuation and Sharing
  • Preparing for the Community Walk Assignment:

Read textbook pp. 38-45

Session 12 - May 28, 1998 Topic:The Community Walk: A Walk Through History Assignment:

Write a reflection paper

Session 13 - June 4, 1998 Presentations of interdisciplinary thematic units

DUE: THEMATIC UNITS

Session 14 - June 11, 1998 Presentations of interdisciplinary thematic units

Session 15 - June 18, 1998 Presentations of interdisciplinary thematic units


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