Weaving the Tapestry - (Key Points)

 Integrated curriculum refers to an approach to teaching that ties multiple subject

areas. (E.g. math, literacy, and art or social studies, literacy, and art) to a central
theme.

 This integrated approach usually starts with teacher direction but offers many
opportunities for children to follow their own interests and work at their own
level.

 The teacher offers authentic and meaningful learning experiences for all children.

 The teacher also can document students learning. (e.g.) each child owns a binder
containing his or her drawings and written work. The children write about their
field trips, nature walks, assemblies, and weekend news from home. (this can also
serve as authentic assessment)

 Offers weekly communication and involvement with the students’ families.

Families can provide information about their home culture and traditions, share
resources and stories, or come to the classroom to help with a cooking project,
science experiment, or art activities.

Quote:

 “Children need to connect new information to existing knowledge in order for it

to have meaning and be stored for later retrieval” (Shonkoff & Phillips 2000).