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Integration or infusion is an approach to curricular organization
in which the lines separating subject matter areas from one another are
erased and distinct and discrete subject matter areas disappear.
This Seamless combination of subject areas can be accomplished by:
- Thematic Units
- Literature Circles
- Investigative Reports
- Journal Writing
- Writing from another’s perspective
- Argument/Editorial
- Developing cross-curriculum sub-objectives within a given curriculum
guide
- Developing model lessons that include cross-curricular activities and
assessments
- Developing enrichment or enhancement activities with a cross-curricular
focus including suggestions for cross-curricular "contacts"
following each objective
- Developing assessment activities that are cross-curricular in nature
- Including sample planning wheels in all curriculum guides.
Taken from http://suzyred.com/integratedcurriculum.html
- Unless you have 50 hours a day to teach, you'll never get it all in.
- An integrated curriculum allows science and social studies to frame
your reading, writing, and math.
- The brain thrives on connections.
- Life is not divided into neat little blocks of time called science,
math, reading, writing, social studies, and recess.
- Problem solving skills soar when all of our knowledge and higher level
thinking from all curriculum areas are tapped.
- Real literature in real books provides an authentic diving board into
learning all subjects. Award-winning literature provides models for problem
solving, peer relationships, character development, and skill building
as students are captivated by exciting adventures with realistic characters
who go through problems very much like their own or problems (like war)from
which they will learn historical truths.
- School's got it backwards! In real life you are tested with a problem
and then must scramble for answers, but in traditional school you are
given the answers and asked to... regurgitate them.
- Group interaction and team building inherent in an integrated curriculum
depend on using various strengths and skills to create bridges to understanding.
- Your standardized test scores will hit the top! By inspiring students
to think, to love learning, and to put their learning to work in authentic
ways, your kids will be equipped for whatever curves they might be thrown...on
standardized tests and in life!
- Students LOVE an integrated curriculum and thrive on its challenges!
It is taken for granted, apparently, that in time students
will see for themselves how things fit together. Unfortunately, the reality
of the situation is that they tend to learn what we teach. If we teach connectedness
and integration, they learn that. If we teach separation and discontinuity,
that is what they learn. —
Integration/Infuse
Fall 2003
