PLANNING FOR CURRICULUM INTEGRATION

Why would you want to integrate?

Some reasons might include:• To help students make

connections among ideas.• To support the

undertaking of large, time consuming culminating tasks.

• To save time.• To create interest in

expanding ideas.

When do you integrate?

• This is your choice.• It should be made with

knowledge of where “natural” fits and opportunities exist in the curriculum.

• Fits need to be made at both the unit level and the expectation level.

CAUTION AHEAD!!!

• When you choose to integrate, you still need to ensure that all expectations of all integrated units are met.

What makes this easy to do?• Achievement charts are

designed to reflect the four categories of EXPECTATIONS in each unit in all guidelines in Ontario.

• SO…every unit will be focusing on some knowledge dependent on the unit topic

• BUT…every unit also has the categories of expectations that are cross-curricular (Thinking, Communication, Application)

In the Early Grades…

• Integration often is approached by use of activity centers to Consolidate and Apply new learning.

• Teachers need to decide on what types of centers to use when.

An Unfortunate Trend…

• Centers tend to be used less frequently in Grades 3-8 than in the earlier grades.

• Space to set up centers is often cited as a reason ( e.g., bigger bodies in the classroom equals less space for movement and students need to move around to get to do center work.)

TYPES OF CENTERS• There are 4 main types of centers: 1. Permanent ( e.g., computers,

painting, reading) 2. Generic (e.g., cutting, tying,

keyboarding, handwriting) 3. Thematic Integration ( e.g.,

designed to reflect expectations of an integrated unit; Consolidation and Application of expectations)

4. Unit or Lesson ( e.g., designed to reflect the expectations of a single unit from a single guideline for Consolidation or Application purposes.

How do you go about integration planning?1. Pick your grade.2. Identify the time of year.3. Pick a theme ( e.g.,

Leaves, Heroes, Challenges, Family, Celebrations, etc.

4. Adjust the theme to reflect local and school culture.

5. Survey guidelines to find grade units that fit your theme.

6. Record unit titles under subject headings.

7. Develop a concentric circle planning web:

* Theme * Expectations * Activities * Culminating Task(s)

Then…

8. Consult Bloom’s Taxonomy verb and product lists to guide activity design.

9. Plan a culminating task(s) that reflects overall expectations from all units.

Setting Up Activities for Centers• Maintaining centers will

be your biggest challenge!

• Centers can be portable to save space…Plastic bins with lids will save you space, time and resources!