“If You Learn, We Learn”
Why Inclusivity Matters in 21st Century Literacy Classrooms
To examine the instructional practices in place to support all students in developing the confidence and skill set necessary to engage in 21st century literacy practices.
What possibilities arise when fifth graders, from an inclusive classroom, are given the space to interact with literacy in a variety of modalities?
- Co-constructed learning community where students are teachers and learners
- Active participants in their own learning
- Take responsibility for sharing what they know and how they make sense of the curriculum as a team
- Movement between whole group conversations, partner work, and small group projects
- Providing access to a variety of modalities
- Creating social change projects stemming from literature circles
- Tweeting and blogging about student work
- Producing bulletins or flyers that share events or PSA’s about social issues relevant to the school community
Stuffed Animal Toy Drive Flyer
This group of fifth graders read the book, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and decided to organize a toy drive at their school in order to provide a stuffed animal to children who are in need of one.
Comic Strip on Autism
This comic was created by a group of fifth graders after reading the book, Rules. The comic strip was designed to help children understand Autism and recognize that everyone is different in his or her own way.
Care Package for Homeless Individuals
After reading Maniac Magee, one group decided to put together care packages for homeless individuals in their community.
Emily E. Smith
5th grade Language Arts & Social Justice Teacher
Austin Independent School District
Cunningham Elementary
Email: smith.emilyelizabeth@gmail.com
Website: http://hivesociety.weebly.com/
Twitter: @HiveSocietyATX
Dr. Detra Price-Dennis
Assistant Professor of Elementary & Inclusive Education
Teachers College, Columbia University
Email: price-dennis@tc.edu
Twitter: @detramichelle
Kathlene Holmes
Ph.D. Student - University of Texas at Austin
College of Education
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Email: k.holmes@utexas.edu
Website: kaholmes.com
Twitter: @holmes_kathlene