INTEGRATING LITERATURE ACROSS THE CURRICULUM

Literacy, especially the skill of reading is invaluable in all subject areas. Fictional as well as non fictional texts provide a plethora of information on all subject areas. Students’ learning has often been labeled as ‘compartmentalized’ in nature. However, connecting literature to other subject areas enriches both subject areas, as well as reinforcing students’ knowledge in both. Also too, approaching literature from a different angle using literature can increase students’ motivation to learn. (Lake 1993 cited on website www.freepatentsonline.com)

Literature in Mathematics

Using literature in Mathematics reinforces the idea that Mathematics is everywhere. Draper (2002) cited in the above website remarked that Mathematics and literacy are inseparable in the constructivist classroom. Mathematics teacher who integrate literature in the classroom concur that the key to understanding Mathematics is reading and writing. Moyer (2000) cited on the same website concluded that ‘Mathematical reasoning and problem solving can be found in authentic reading and writing materials.’

One of the strategies used for integrating Literature in the classroom is by selecting books which explore Mathematical concepts and having students compare these books to other pieces of literature, (Aysha Khemakhem, Qatar Academy Primary). Another strategy is to pose questions which allow students to use a higher level of thinking.

Literature in Science

The integration of Literature in Science enables students to link ‘Science content with literary standards.’ (Wallace 2004 ). It also gives students a context for concepts they are learning in class. (Ansberry and Morgan 2005) .By integrating Literature in Science, students are able to develop a Science based vocabulary. Furthermore, with constant exposure to Literature students are able to engage in critical thinking, write and read like actual scientists, as they develop a sense of familiarity with the writing process. The teacher can have students perform the experiments proposed in the literature to see if they come up with the same results. Students can also be placed in groups to go through the literature and decide which of the concepts are facts as opposed to made up theories.

Literature in Social Studies

Social Studies is often deemed boring or dull by students. By integrating Literature in the subject, abstract concepts such as government and society can be made comprehensible to students. Literature in Social Studies affords students the opportunity to reflect on their roles in society, as well as the effects of possible human actions locally and globally. It broadens their perception of the world, enabling them to reflect on their lives.

In conclusion, Literature should not be viewed as an isolated subject as research has shown that it can be applied in all language areas. If teachers agreed to integrate Literature in their subject area learning would prove to be more meaningful and satisfying to both teacher and student.

References

Marquette, E. Bringing Children’s Literature together with Social Studies. Retrieved from http://www.chatham.edu/pti/curriculum/units/2006/Evans.pdf

Integrating literature in mathematics: a teaching technique for mathematics teachers. Retrieved from  http://www.freepatentsonline.com/article/School-Science-Mathematics/227078104.html (9th April 2011)

Integrating Mathematics and Literature. Retrieved from http://qapmath.qataracademy.wikispaces.net/file/view/Integrating+Math+and+Literature.pdf

(10^th April 2011)

Teaching Across the Curriculum with Children’s Literature. Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_darigan_childrens_1/4/1149/294214.cw/index.html (9th April 2011)

Titles That Advocate the Strengths of Using Literature Across the Curriculum. Retrieved from http://www.uleth.ca/edu/currlab/handoutsnew/litlinkshandouts/integratingliteraturesummaries.html (10th April 2011)