Collaborative Cross-Curricular Literature Circles
Cross curricular Science of Reading teaching strategies benefit elementary children and teacher candidates when supported by university collaborations. Apply the strategy in other disciplines!
Presented by:
Denise Frazier, Indiana University East

Abstract:
Prior to the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, reading and social studies teacher educators collaborated and consulted with the university librarian co-selecting Hidden Figures to build teacher candidate (TC) background knowledge on the event using the Science of Reading literature circles (LCs) strategy. Then, TCs used the same text for LCs in grades 3-6 field placements to build local elementary children’s background knowledge on the eclipse, 1960’s space travel and civil rights. Results indicate TCs perceive improved confidence in their ability to use authentic texts and evidence-based teaching strategies in upper elementary reading and social studies instruction.
Keywords:
Reading, Cross Curricular, Collaboration
Learning Outcomes:
1. Describe the importance of background knowledge in disciplinary reading.
2. Analyze how literature circles could be used outside of teacher education.
3. Identify potential campus collaborations to support course learning objectives.
Collaborative Cross-Curricular Literature Circles
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Transcript:
References
McRae, A., & Guthrie, J. T. (n.d.). Teacher practices that impact reading motivation. Reading Rockets. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/motivation/articles/teacher-practices-impact-reading-motivation
National Aeronautics and Space Administration. (n.d.). 2024 total solar eclipse.
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/where-when/
Shetterly, M. (2016). Hidden figures: Young readers edition. HarperCollins.
Wexler, N. (2023, May 31). Clearing up misconceptions about the ‘science of reading.’ Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nataliewexler/2023/05/31/clearing-up-misconceptions-about-the-science-of-reading/