[LIT] oops...not interactions...combining LA and ss

[Bill IVEY]

Hi!

I do this - an integrated ELA/Social Studies course called "Humanities 7"
(and yes, my school has a Humanities 8). Our Humanities 8 is very similar
to Lise's course - we have alternating units in history and literature,
with the literature unit making use of and building on the knowledge
acquired in the previous history unit. The whole thing is bound together
by the theme of community.

My Humanities 7 course is taught via completely integrated units designed
by the kids using democratic techniques such as those mentioned in Mark
Springer's "Soundings" and James A. Beane's "A Reason to Teach." For
example, they designed a unit entitled 'What is beautiful?" during which
we had "Pictures of Hollis Woods" as a morning read-aloud, we did "Chasing
Vermeer" as a class novel, we had a variety of in-class activities
connected to the theme question, and they worked on research papers or
persuasive speeches to present their thinking and learning during the unit.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have, on- or off-list as
people desire.

It's a blast, and an excellent opportunity for you and your kids. Have fun!

Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School