I have heard from a lot of you, and many are asking the same question. How are your history passages best used in the classroom?
While there is no one way to use these passages, I do have a few suggestions for making the most of them!
Using History Passages to Integrate Social Studies
All the history passages I have created have a single goal in mind. This is to seamlessly integrate the social studies standards into the ELAR block. When I was in the classroom, it was always a struggle to fit everything in. Of course, social studies was the first subject to get shoved to the back of the line.
With these history passages though, this is no longer a problem!
How to Use TITFL History Passages
First, you need to know that these history passages can be used in any way that suits your needs. They are available in print and digitally through the use of Google Slides to reach every learner where they are at.
While creating these history passages, I wanted to make them as versatile as possible. This means they hit as many standards as possible in both ELAR and social studies. They can also be used in a variety of ways. My favorite ways to use them have been in an independent learning center, in a small group, and as homework.
Independent Learning Center
Each passage is designed to fill one page, or slide if being used digitally. This makes them perfect for students to work on independently or with a partner. Everything they need is right there, and early finishers can explore the unique extension activities included on every page.
Small Group Reading
Small group or guided reading is one of my favorite parts of the day and these history passages fit perfectly! Whether you are face to face, or incorporating distance learning these passages give every student the opportunity to learn history while building their reading comprehension skills.
Each history passage has questions that cover reading skills such as:
- figurative language
- summary
- genre
- text features
- text organization
- media literacy
- and more
Additionally, students are asked to think critically about the historical aspects of the passage.
Homework
The bite-sized learning that happens with these history passages makes them ideal for homework and allows families the opportunity to engage with learning material along with their student.
With the two different formats available, students are able to complete the history passages and questions in a way that best fits their needs.
What Else Should I Know?
Each history passage is part of a set based on a historical unit. These units are built around the streamlined TEKS and incorporate as many genres as possible to keep students thinking about what they are reading while engaging in high-interest passages.
No two passages are the same throughout the units and include fiction, expository, infographics, maps, charts, graphs, tables, posters, resumes, and more! These unique passages can’t be found anywhere else and allow students to engage in historical information in a new way.
Try Them Out Today!
I can tell you about these passages until the end of time, but it would be even better if you tried them out for yourself! Scroll down to sign up and receive a copy of three history passages with the topic of Weird Texas. They are sure to engage your students and keep them learning and wanting more!
