As our elementary teachers continue implementing the new English Language Arts curriculum known as CKLA, they find themselves creating new adventures for their classes. CKLA uses History and Science content to teach English concepts. In a recent 4th grade CKLA unit, students explored Medieval times which lent itself to some very creative projects. At Kunkel, students worked in groups to draw their versions of serfs, knights, monks, queens, and craftsmen. Each student also created their own shield and colored a stained-glass window. For a STEM activity, students had a timed challenge where they had to build a castle using only index cards and tape.
What does all that have to do with English Language Arts? Well, that’s the beauty of CKLA. As students are learning about the past and the world of Science, they are practicing new grammar skills, learning punctuation rules, and being introduced to new vocabulary. It is basically the “killing two birds with one stone” concept, or in this case, killing THREE birds. Teachers are teaching History, Science and English simultaneously which is a great way to make good use of instructional time. Plus…it’s FUN! Students and teachers are loving CKLA!
