A Model Unit for Grade 5: Aboriginal Innovation is one book in the series Tools for Instruction and Reading Assessment. The series consists of twenty-four companion documents to Teaching to Diversity: The Three Block Model of Universal Design for Learning by Jennifer Katz.

The model unit integrates major themes from Manitoba's curricula for the first term of the grade 5 school year. The topics are "First Peoples" from the social studies curriculum and "Simple Machines" from the science curriculums. These are brought into other disciplines: mathematics, physical education and health, language arts, and fine arts — particularly through the lens of the multiple intelligences (MI). Differentiated activities based on MI approaches inspire diverse students and accommodate their individual learning styles. MI activity cards are included, as well as planners that outline the essential understandings, essential questions, and final inquiry projects for the unit. Rubrics, based on Bloom’s taxonomy, show a progression of conceptual thinking from rote, basic understanding to synthesized, higher-order analysis. Teachers can use this model unit as a template for planning subsequent thematic units for the rest of the school year.

Jennifer Katz, PhD, taught for 16 years in diverse classrooms from K to 12, including special education and inclusive classrooms in Winnipeg and Vancouver. She has also served as a resource teacher and counselor. In addition, she has been a sessional lecturer at the University of British Columbia, educational consultant, editor, and presenter. Her work as an advocate of inclusive education has spanned several provinces and territories, and multiple audiences – university courses, academic conferences, parent advocacy groups, professional development workshops, and educational conferences. She continues to work closely with students and teachers who are living and learning in inclusive classrooms across Canada and internationally. Dr. Katz is currently an assistant professor in faculty of education at the University of Manitoba.

Jennifer Katz's profile page