swashbuckling adventuresonthe high seas a piratical（虚张声势的adventuresonthe公海海盗的）.docVIP

Swashbuckling Adventures on the High Seas: Historical Fiction, Informational Texts, and an Integrated Unit about Pirates Manuscript Submitted to Social Studies and the Young Learner Elizabeth M. Frye, Assistant Professor Woodrow R. Trathen, Professor Language, Reading and Exceptionalities Appalachian State University Kelley Wilson, 4th Grade Teacher Hardin Park Elementary School fryeem@ trathenwr@ This manuscript has not been submitted or published elsewhere. Swashbuckling Adventures on the High Seas: Historical Fiction, Informational Texts, and an Integrated Unit about Pirates It is not unusual for teachers to concentrate social studies lessons on the materials contained in the textbook, yet these materials often lack clarity and depth of information, often address topics in a superficial manner, often are written on reading levels above the reading ability of many students, and most often are uninteresting and uninspiring for students. Teachers have begun addressing these limitations of textbooks by reading historically accurate children’s books in the social studies classroom, efficiently integrating social studies and language arts lessons.1 When students read historical fiction, facts from the past come alive as the drama of human experience is revealed. Teachers can augment themes, concepts, and information about characters, events, or places in historical fiction with interesting informational books that can provide more in-depth coverage of topics while accommodating various reading levels,2 and these materials can engage students in more inspired learning. Good literature can serve as the catalyst in helping children gain social and historical empathy that combined with thoughtful instructional activities has the potential to promote comprehension, foster the spirit of inquiry, and enhance more specific social studies learning.3 In this article we outline an interdisciplinary unit of study using quality children’s literature,