Focus: Ch. 6

I run into a lot of the same barriers teaching science in first grade as I do with social studies.
Materials:
Schmoker argues that as in any other discipline, reading, writing and talking are essential. I like to use a lot of non-fiction texts for read-alouds. We also discuss and write about what we are learning. The biggest barrier is finding enough material that the students are able to read in first grade. I appreciate that he mentioned a few resources for elementary teachers such as TIME for Kids and Junior Scholastic. I just wish that these were resources that my school provided. If I want them I will have to pay for them myself, and they will have to be purchased each year.
Curriculum:
The next barrier is that we don't have any science curriculum to follow. Teachers seem to each do their own thing.
Time:
In first grade our main focus is reading instruction and math. I would love to be able to spend more time on science lessons, but most of my students are struggling with reading. I hope that by dedicating the majority of my time in first grade to getting kids on track with reading, it will provide future teachers time to spend on science.