Springs Charter Schools has created a new Humanities curriculum option for the 6th grade which blends English and Social Studies material through literature. During the school year, students read and discuss the work of Newbery Award-winning authors—a Newbery is among the most prestigious awards given for children’s literature in the United States—and incorporate the study of writing and grammar, vocabulary, science and history, including ancient civilizations.
Whereas the previous approach kept these disciplines separate, research supports Springs’ new integrated approach. Learning connections are reinforced when concepts are woven throughout many subject areas. Stephanie Parshall, Director of Instructional Support, remarked, “While the previous 6th grade lesson plans were solid, we are excited to provide this integrated approach to help students make connections between content areas.”
Popular children’s novels that will be read this year include Stargirl, No Talking, The Door in the Wall, Hatchet, Percy Jackson and the Lighting Thief and Abel’s Island.
