Fish Tank Learning’s English Language Arts (ELA) curriculum is thoughtfully designed to ignite students’ inherent curiosity and build deep, lasting knowledge. By exposing students to a rich tapestry of texts and topics, Fish Tank Learning ensures that students not only see themselves reflected in stories but also broaden their understanding of diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives. For instance, a 5th-grade Fish Tank Learning unit might immerse students in the realities of plastic pollution, the impactful migrant farm workers movement, or the civil rights movement as witnessed by those who lived through it. Each central text is strategically complemented by shorter articles, enriching context and solidifying knowledge in these crucial areas.
Fish Tank Learning lessons are dynamic and engaging, incorporating a blend of individual reflection and writing, collaborative discussions in pairs and small groups, and whole-class activities. Daily writing exercises are carefully woven into the fabric of reading and the overarching themes of each topic. Longer, periodic assignments encourage students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate a comprehensive grasp of the material. Furthermore, each lesson includes a focused examination of high-value vocabulary words, expanding students’ linguistic capabilities.
While Fish Tank Learning does not include a standalone foundational skills program for grades K-5, it prioritizes the integration of research-backed programs that align seamlessly with its ELA lessons. Fluency practice at grade level is a consistent element across all grades, featuring passages expertly linked to the current topics of study. This dedication to fluency extends into grades 6-8 within the core curriculum. To guide educators in providing targeted support, Fish Tank Learning offers Fluency Assessments that utilize passages directly from unit texts. This allows teachers to assess fluency in the context of the core material. For example, the sixth-grade Unit Launch identifies specific textual features, such as dialogue, colloquial language, and run-on sentences, that might impact fluency. By understanding these potential challenges, teachers can provide students with tailored assistance.
To further support educators, Fish Tank Learning provides resources like the Morphology and Syllabication tool. This resource offers practical examples of structural analysis and syllabication routines, empowering teachers to focus vocabulary instruction on morphology, particularly affixes. This approach helps students develop the essential skills needed to break down words into meaningful components.
At the heart of Fish Tank Learning is the commitment to equitable access to challenging texts. Questions and tasks are meticulously crafted to draw out the inherent lessons within the texts themselves. Lessons are designed to be highly participatory, fostering social learning while simultaneously cultivating individual responsibility in every student. Through this interactive and engaging process, students cultivate self-awareness, a clear understanding of their role in the wider world, and the agency to take ownership of their learning journey.
