Welcome to Seminar 8: Integrating Curriculum “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Mark Twain

Looking back to Units 5, 6, & 7 share what you recall about the following domains of the Children’s Comprehensive Curriculum : Aesthetic Domain Affective Domain Cognitive Domain Language Domain Physical Domain Social Domain

Unit 8 Project Lesson Plans that Integrate Curriculum In this project you will create two lesson plans that address the integration of content areas and learning domains through a theme based approach. This project has two parts.

Part 1 The first is the selection of an age appropriate, meaningful topic; one that represents both the interests of the children and the educational goals of the educator. Select a topic to use as the focus of your lesson plans. The topic should be one that is of interest to children; something in their everyday experience that invites exploration. It should also be a topic that fits with learning standards created by government or professional organizations. That children can interact over time and engage in multi-sensory experiences is essential to the selection of a good topic of study.

PART 1 is represented by an introductory page ( words); naming and defending a topic of study; the topic you will base your lesson plans on.

Part 2 Write 2 Lesson Plans; each based on a different domain from the Children’s Comprehensive Curriculum model. Each lesson plan, though from a separate domain, will be focused on the same topic. The domains are: –The Aesthetic Domain –The Affective Domain –The Cognitive Domain –The Language Domain –The Physical Domain –The Social Domain

Your lesson plans must be presented in the template provided. Two plans from two different domains; both focused on the same topic. Note: There are examples in Appendix A of your text Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum, 5 th ed., pp. 488 – 494, however they are not presented in the same template form you will be using.

Integrated Curriculum Play (pretend & constructive), themes, and projects are among the best approaches to integrate curriculum. Integrating curriculum enables children to expand their thinking; make meaningful connections; express creativity; and most importantly master learning standards. What are differences in types of play; between themes & projects; and how can you effectively plan for play, themes, and projects.

PLAY Early Childhood Professionals have long recognized the value of play as a primary teaching tool. Play, however, is only as valuable as the preparation that has preceded it. The quality of the materials, the availability of the materials, the educational value of the materials, the arrangement of the materials, the atmosphere of the classroom, and so much more; determine if play will in fact lead to meaningful learning.

How can you utilize ‘play’ as a teaching strategy? Share your ideas on the following: What should you consider when setting up ‘play’ areas in the classroom? How does pretend play help the development of cross-curricular skills? How can you maximize play activities to support learning?

Seminar Discussion: Cross-Curricular Plans Creating lesson plans that are multi- dimensional make it more likely all students will learn; as they tend to address multiple intelligences and multiple learning styles. Discuss the following: –Explain different ways to integrate curriculum. –Point out ways to accommodate special needs children in their play and/ or participation in project work.

Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project Learning Take time to view one of a selection of videos on student-driven class activities, enhanced by technology, launch kindergartners on a journey of lifelong learning. Then return to discuss your thoughts. Link inside box or conduct a search by entering Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project Learning (YouTube/ edutopia).

Wrap Up “Children have real understanding only of that which they invent themselves, and each time we try to teach them too quickly, we keep them from reinventing it themselves.” Jean Piaget