FGCU: TSL4344

Professor Osceola

By: Jenny Welton

Integrated Curriculum

 

1.  Matrix

 

Supports main objective:

§         Contextualized language

§         Increased verbal interaction

§         Comprehensible input

 

Supports secondary objectives:

§         Promotes active learner participation

§         Increases verbal interaction

 

2.  Name of the Strategy:  Integrated Curriculum

 

3.  Description of the strategy:

§         The integrated curriculum is a way to teach students by breaking down barriers between subjects and making learning more meaningful to the students.  The idea is to teach around themes that students can identify with.  The reinforcement helps all children learn.

 

4.   Step by step procedure of how this strategy can be implemented in a learning activity, how it can be used, and specific application and examples:

1.      Choose a topic area (ex: weather, jungle, ocean).

2.      Find books that fit your chosen topic to use for a Reading lesson.

3.      Implement the chosen topic into Math (ex: for an ocean theme; “A dolphin swam 20 feet and a manatee swam 10 feet.  How much further did the dolphin swim?”).

4.      Using the “ocean” theme for Social Studies, the teacher could also map where the different dolphin populations live.

5.      The teacher could also implement the theme in Art, having the students create an underwater scene from the perspective of a diver wearing a mask. 

6.      The teacher can use this topic through any of the subject areas to integrate the curriculum.

 

5.      Specific Classroom Application:

 

 

 

6.  Conclusion:

§         Integrating the curriculum is a great way to motivate the students.  Teachers could also have the students help in choosing a topic.  This way the lessons are of personal value and really make learning fun for the students.  The curriculum integration can also be team-taught in all grade levels.  It would be very beneficial for teachers to team teach this integration because they could share ideas and help each other.

 

7.  References and Suggested Web Sites:

 

“Integrated Curriculum” (2000). Online:  www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/8/c/016.html

 

“Integrated Curriculum” (1998). Online:   www.b.shuttle.de/wifo/key/int-h.htm

“From the Classroom” (2002).    Online:   www.teachlearning.com

 

 

8.  Suggested Readings:

 

Fisher, B.  (1991). Joyful Learning, Publisher, City.

 

Avery, C. & Graves, D. And With a Light Touch: Learning About Reading, Writing, and Teaching With First Graders. Publisher, City

 

 Fisher, B. (date). Inside the Classroom. Publisher, City.

 

 

 

 

Lesson Plan:

 

Sunshine State Standards:

 

§         LA.B.2.2.3.5.1- Writes for a variety of occasions, audiences, and purposes.

§         LA.B.2.2.4.5.1- Uses electronic technology to create, retrieve, and verify information.

§         LA.D.2.2.4.5.1- Uses appropriate technologies to enhance communication.

 

Goal 3:

§         Information Managers

§         Cooperative Workers

§         Technology

 

Objectives:

§         The learner will use math skills, technology, writing, and discussions to learn about natural disasters.

§         Evaluation

§         Purpose

§         Materials

§         Set/Focus

 

Content:

§         First, the class takes turns reading paragraphs from the story, “The Fury of a Hurricane,” in their Reading textbooks until the story has been completed.  (Auditory, Visual, Guided Practice)

§         Then, the teacher begins a Science lesson in which the students work in small groups and use multiple library resources to find out about the effects of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, or hurricanes. (Kinesthetic, Independent Practice, Visual)

§         The students then summarize and organize what they learn on a class chart. (Kinesthetic, Independent Practice, Visual)

§         After the Science, the teacher begins a class discussion on emergency drills, such as tornado and fire drills, for Social Studies. (Auditory, Guided Practice)

§         The teacher then moves on to writing and has the class write brief legends or myths that describe the origin of hurricanes.  The stories can feature angry giants, sneezing sea serpents, or other powerful creatures.  (Kinesthetic, Independent Practice). 

§         Students can illustrate their stories and create a classroom anthology.  (Kinesthetic, Visual, Independent)

§         For Math, the students can create a graph depicting the average number of hurricanes from the year 1980 and 1985.  (Visual, Independent Practice)

§         Then, for Technology, students research a famous natural disaster in history, such as the eruption of Mt. St. Helens.  (Individual Practice, Visual, Kinesthetic)

§         Each student can use Multimedia Studio to create a research project, including visuals to support meaning.  (Auditory, Independent Practice)

§         Procedures

§         Checking for Understanding

§         Learning Aid

§         Integration with other subjects

§         Technology Links

§         ESOL Modifications and Strategies

§         Special Needs Accommodations

§         Alternative Assessments

§         Community Involvement