Do you make connections between disciplines in your teaching?

The benefits of interdisciplinary learning and teaching are fairly well accepted, yet many teachers struggle to put it into practice.

In our small attempt to make interdisciplinary teaching easier, we've incorporated in English Language Arts into almost every Montana history lesson we've created in the last ten years and aligned all of our material with both the social studies standards and the Common Core ELA standards (and, where appropriate, the Essential Understandings regarding Montana Indians).

But did you know that we have made a concerted effort to integrate art, science, and math, too? To make it easier to identify our interdisciplinary lesson and unit plans, I've created a new page on our website, creatively named Interdisciplinary Lesson Plans. Here you can find lessons that ask students to apply math skills to better understand the past or that teach both history and science (or art or creative writing).

And if interdisciplinary teaching appeals to you, and you live within a reasonable drive of Deer Lodge, Dillon, or Missoula, don't forget to attend "Crossing Disciplines: Social Studies, Art, and the Common Core."  Workshop leader Jim Schulz (an award-winning, 30-year classroom veteran, who taught science and social studies at Helena Middle School and Helena High School) is among the very best presenters I've ever learned from. If you chose to spend the day with him, you won't go away sorry. Learn more and find links to register here. (OPI Renewal Units will be available.)