Summary
In 2022, our nation’s 8th graders scored at mere 29% proficient readers. 71% of our 8th grade students are below reading level and yet we know as Educators that a strong Geography based curriculum revolves around the ability for students to learn to independently access knowledge. Geo-Inquiry not only opens students to the possibilities of the World, it allows them to think
critically about the knowledge they acquire both in and out of the classroom. But how can we expect our students to reach these levels with only 29% able to read at proficient levels in the 8th grade. Participants will be spurred to action with simple, research based strategies that will teach them how to bring basic literacy skills into the Geography classroom. This session will introduce participants to Scarbourgh’s Reading Rope along with the Simple View of Reading.
Together the session leader and participants will engage with the basics of reading instruction focusing on how to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and literacy knowledge that will allow them to enhance their students reading skills during geography lessons, resulting in students who are confident in their ability to read texts and maps for a greater understanding of how geography impacts their lives and those around them. This session will focus on participants to discuss, analyze and determine how to enhance their lessons with the strategies presented in their own Geo-Inquiry lessons.
Each participant will walk away with tips and tricks, along with a Google drive folder of lesson plans designed by the presenter to guide them through the process of teaching students reading comprehension through geographical inquiry.
Session Focus
All Grade Levels | Inquiry | Geo-Literacy, Geo-Inquiry
Conference Room
Nebraska
Meet the Presenters
Kendra Miller is an experienced educator, curriculum designer, and speaker based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She has a strong background in teaching history at various levels, from middle school to advanced placement, and has also worked extensively in curriculum design. Kendra holds a Master’s in Curriculum and Instructional Design and is currently pursuing a PhD in Literacy Studies, Literacy Instruction and Staff Development Concentration.She has received several awards for her research on improving reading in the content areas and is actively involved on the Executive Board for the Tennessee Council of Social Studies.
