LGA3101Week 17

Tutorial:Discuss1) Why is using an integrated curriculum beneficial? When is it not recommended?2) What is the difference between a literature web, a single book web, and an integrated curriculum?Beneficial of integrated curriculumIntegration acknowledges and builds on the relationships which exist among all things. An integratedcurriculum implies learning that is synthesized across traditional subject areas and learningexperiences that are designed to be mutually reinforcing. This approach develops the childs abilityto transfer their learning to other settings.Research also suggests that an integrated approach to learning is brain compatible. The brain learns best in real-life, immersion-style multi-path learningfragmented, piecemeal presenting can forever kill the joy and love of learning (Jensen, 1996). The more connections made by the brain, the greater the opportunity for making high level inferences.Integrating the curriculum is also reflective of developmentally appropriate practice. The curriculum is integrated so that childrens learning occurs primarily through projects, themes, or topics that reflect childrens interests and suggestions.Projects and themes are valuable instructional tools for accommodating all learners in the classroom.Skills are taught as needed to accomplish projects (Bredekamp, 1992).

The Literature WebThe Literature Web is a model designed to guide interpretation of a literature selection by encouraging a reader to connect personal response with particular elements of the text. The web may be completed independently and/or as a tool for discussion. Recommended use is to have students complete the web independently and then share ideas in a small group, followed by a teacher-facilitated debriefing. The web has five components:Key Words: interesting, unfamiliar, striking, or particularly important words and phrases contained within the textFeelings: the reader's feelings, with discussion of specific text details inspiring them; the characters' feelings; and the feelings the reader infers the author intended to inspireIdeas: major themes and main ideas of the text; key conceptsImages and Symbols: notable sensory images in the text, "pictures" in they reader's mind and the text that inspired them, symbols for abstract ideasStructure: the form and structure of the writing and how they contribute to meaning; may identify such features as use of unusual time sequence in narrative, such as flashbacks, use of voice, use of figurative language, etc.; style of writingAn integrated curriculum allows children to pursue learning in a holistic way, without therestrictions often imposed by subject boundaries. In early childhood programs it focuses upon theinter-relatedness of all curricular areas in helpingchildren acquire basic learning tools. It recognizesthat the curriculum for the primary gradesincludes reading, writing, listening, speaking,literature, drama, social studies, math, science,health, physical education, music, and visual arts.The curriculum also incorporates investigativeprocesses and technology. It emphasizes theimportance of maintaining partnerships withfamilies; having knowledge of children and howthey learn; and building upon the community andcultural context. Integrated teaching and learningprocesses enable children to acquire and use basicskills in all the content areas and to developpositive attitudes for continued successfullearning throughout the elementary grades.

ISL:Read Elementary childrens literature: the basics for teachers and parents. By Anderson, N. A. Chapter 14.