Fishtank Learning: Curriculum to develop critical thinking
Fishtank Learning provides a comprehensive language arts curriculum to develop the critical thinking skills of students grades K-12. While Match Fishtank offers a variety of subjects, we find their Literature and Reading Comprehension program, as well as their Social Studies program particularly shines. Match Fishtank provides reading lessons and assignments for students to improve not just their critical thinking skills, but also their world skills. The content is designed to expose students to word content that they will need in life. Match Fishtank was created to develop high quality instructional materials for teachers. They wanted to ensure that all teachers had access to materials to give their students the educational experience they deserved. Teachers order the core and supporting materials (books, poems, excerpts, etc.) listed on the website for their students. Match Fishtank then provides a schedule for the students to follow, complete with questions to provoke thinking and discussions. There is an assessment at the end of every unit. Teachers enjoy the relevance of the information to the real world. The texts the students read pertain to what is happening outside of the classroom.
Grades: K-12
Cost: Match Fishtank is a free curriculum but the books for the lessons have to be bought. Most are under $10 on Amazon.
Fishtank Learning was initially part of Match Education, under the name Match Fishtank, used within the Match Charter Public School to develop and refine its curriculum based on direct classroom feedback. In December 2020, it became an independent nonprofit organization, Fishtank Learning, dedicated exclusively to the creation and dissemination of quality educational materials. The curriculum developers, a team of former classroom teachers and education specialists, leveraged their extensive teaching experience and expertise in educational theory to build a robust curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of today's classrooms. This practical foundation allows Fishtank Learning to offer uniquely effective and adaptable educational resources.
Special Accomplishments Fishtank Learning is notable for its rigorous and standards-aligned content, which has been highly rated by EdReports. Its impact is broad, with materials that have reached a wide audience of educators and students, providing high-quality, accessible educational resources on a large scale.
Unique Features The curriculum's standout feature is its comprehensive yet flexible framework that supports teacher autonomy within a structured guide, promoting effective teaching without prescribing exact teaching scripts. Furthermore, its commitment to inclusivity and social justice is embedded within the curriculum content, aiming to foster a critical understanding of societal issues among students.
Curriculum Overview Fishtank Learning provides detailed curricula in English Language Arts and Mathematics for Kindergarten through 12th grade, designed to engage and challenge students while supporting teachers in delivering effective instruction.
Social Studies Program In addition to its ELA and Mathematics curricula, Fishtank Learning offers a robust Social Studies program designed to foster critical thinking and a deep understanding of historical and contemporary issues. The Social Studies curriculum emphasizes critical historical thinking and the development of a nuanced understanding of the diverse social, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped the world. This program aims to equip students with the skills to analyze, interpret, and discuss complex social issues, preparing them for informed and active citizenship.
How It Works Teachers and homeschooling parents can access over 200 comprehensive unit plans and more than 4,000 daily lessons through Fishtank’s online platform. These resources are designed for flexibility, allowing educators to adapt content to best fit their instructional style and students' learning needs.
Educational Content
English Language Arts and Mathematics: Comprehensive coverage from early education through high school.
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Lessons designed to develop these skills through rigorous content.
Real-World Applications: Integration of practical examples to enhance learning relevance and engagement.
Social Justice Themes: Curriculum materials that address and incorporate social issues, promoting an inclusive educational approach.
Strengths and User Feedback Educators value Fishtank for its high-quality content that effectively blends academic rigor with relevant social themes. The flexibility of the curriculum is particularly praised, allowing teachers to modify materials to cater to their students' specific needs while maintaining educational standards.
Areas for Improvement Some feedback indicates that the extensive range of materials can initially overwhelm new users. Users suggest that providing more guided pathways or introductory sessions could help educators better navigate the resources.
How to Integrate into Homeschooling Integrating Fishtank Learning into a homeschooling environment can be highly effective with the following approaches:
Curriculum Mapping: Start by outlining educational goals for the year and mapping Fishtank units to these objectives. This helps in creating a cohesive educational journey.
Supplemental Resources: Utilize Fishtank’s vast library of supplemental resources to enrich lessons and provide varied learning experiences.
Customization: Adapt the pacing and depth of the curriculum based on the child's learning speed and interests, taking advantage of Fishtank’s adaptable lesson plans.
Interactive Learning: Engage in the interactive projects and discussions provided by Fishtank to encourage deeper understanding and critical thinking.
Community Engagement: Connect with other homeschooling families using Fishtank Learning for shared learning sessions or co-op classes, which can provide social learning opportunities and collaborative problem-solving experiences.
Ideal and Non-Ideal Fits Fishtank Learning is best suited for educators and families seeking a rigorous, comprehensive curriculum that encourages critical thinking and social awareness. It may be less suited for those looking for a high degree of structure with minimal adaptation required.
Grades Covered: Kindergarten through 12th Grade
Cost: Basic access is free; Fishtank Plus offers additional features for a subscription fee.
Ways to Get It: Accessible online through the Fishtank Learning website, with resources available for direct download or interactive use.
Fishtank Learning excels in providing a curriculum that not only meets educational standards but also prepares students toengage thoughtfully with the world around them. The addition of the Social Studies program further enhances this capability, offering students a structured path to understanding historical contexts and current events through a critical and inclusive lens.
Top Secular Alternatives for All-in-One Curriculum:
Here are our favorite other all-in-one options for different types of learners.
Book Lovers, Gifted and Profoundly Gifted Learners: Torchlight Curriculum
For Gifted, Workbook-Lovers: Critical Thinking Co
Nature-Based Curriculum for creative, Hands-On Learners: Blossom and Root
Adaptive learning app for kids who love video games : BrainPOP Homeschool
For Middle and High School Students: Build Your Library
For kids who love watching videos, here are highly Engaging Free YouTube videos for middle and high school: Crash Course
For Project-Based, Standards-Aligned Curriculum and Online School: Oak Meadow
For Free or Freemium online curriculum: Khan Academy Kids, Khan Academy or FishTank Learning
For more Traditional/schoolish Standards-aligned adaptive online learning: Time4Learning
