Now we have gone over in-depth how to use the Approaches to Learning (ATLs), how will we select them for our units of inquiry. This does not just apply to homeroom teachers, because all specialists and supporting teachings need to be part of the discussion. If we expect these teachers to be a part of the teaching, they need to be part of the selection process. How can we consider everyone’s needs? Quite simply. The ATLs are universal skills that all learners need to acquire, so they are purposefully broad and applicable to any subject area. How they are used is up to the teacher, which is the magical part. Let’s take a look at some possibilities of what this planning process might look like using Second Grade/ Year 1 standards: Social Studies
Science
Language Arts
Math
ICT
Music
PE
Now that we have all of the subjects, how will we choose ATLs that can be taught throughout? The first thing I would look at which ATL categories would best fit each subject area and choose the ones that come up the most. Now, we need to determine which research, thinking, and communication skills we will use to explore each of the subject areas. To do this, we will need PYP: Principles into Practice. Depending on the age you teach, you will need The Learner for grades PK-K and Learning and Teaching for grades 1-6. The next part is universal for all ATL categories. Look at the standards for each ATL skill. Go through the list of skills of that category and find the sub-skill criteria that best fits. You will see a bullet point list and you select the ones that will be taught within a unit of inquiry. Please note: you don’t need to use all of them, if they don’t apply. Here’s an example: Research (Social Studies & Science)Information Literacy Formulating and planning
Communication (Language Arts & Music)Exchanging Information Interpreting
Thinking (Math, ICT, & PE)Critical Thinking
Analyzing
Now, you have a purpose and connection to all of the content and big ideas you will be exploring the unit. In the next episode, we will examine how you break these down into smaller parts and teach them on a weekly basis. Are you having fun yet?
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