Indiana Reading Journal Volume 44 Issue 1 Volume 45 Issue 1 | Page 14

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Real World Learning

Through this unit, students grew in English and literacy, developed proficiencies in STEM and Career Readiness, and learned real-life skills. “It was a lot of fun and different from what we usually do in the classroom,” said Vy. “I also loved the idea of reading a book from a different culture around the world.”

At the end of the year, students said that this was one of their favorite units. Cody commented that, “It is hard to build a kite, but gave me new skills.”

Jordan added that he enjoyed building the kites because, “everyone has a common task to focus on.”

At first it seemed like a daunting task to make an English classroom a place for hands-on learning and STEM development, but as I learned from this project, it can be done with just some books, paper, and string.

References

Atwell, N. (1998) In the middle. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Beers, K. (2003). When kids can’t read, what teachers can do. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Beers, K., Probst, R.B., & Rief, L. (Eds.). (2007). Adolescent literacy: Turning promise into practice. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Bluestein, J. (2012). “Offering choices to students.” Education World.

Cobb, Rosanne. Kites: Flying Skills and Techniques, from Basic Toys to Sport Kites. Buffalo, NY: Firefly Books, 2007.

Daniels, Harvey. Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in Book Clubs and Reading Groups. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2002.