WHAT IS CURRICULAR INTEGRATION?

Curricular integration is an educational process in which two or more subject areas are integrated with the goal of fostering enhanced learning in each subject area.  Implementing an integrated curriculum brings teachers together to create exciting learning experiences for students and to discover new ways of delivering the curriculum.  The concept of this interdisciplinary approach to learning acknowledges the integrity and uniqueness of each subject area, yet recognizes the interrelationships among subjects.
 
 

LANGUAGE ARTS COMPONENTS

“The language arts are an integral part of education at the elementary level.  They are the abilities that enable one to think logically and creatively; express ideas; understand and participate meaningfully in spoken, written, and non verbal communications; formulate and answer questions; and search for organize, evaluate and apply information”  (New Jersey Department of Education, 1996).  A comprehensive language arts program is characterized by an integration of the skills and concepts in reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing.  These skills and concepts are essential for communication and learning in all disciplines.
 
 

LANGUAGE ARTS CONCEPTS TAUGHT IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• READING: Reading for Different Purposes; Literature Study; Conventions of Language; Vocabulary; Comprehension; Reading Strategies ;Story Structure

• WRITING: Writing for a Variety of Purposes; Composition; Handwriting; Spelling; Mechanics

• SPEAKING: Speaking for Different Purposes and Audiences; Questions and answers; Oral Presentations; Group discussions; Directions or instructions

• LISTENING: Listening for a Variety of Purposes; Oral directions; Questions and Answers; Note taking; Music and sounds; Critical

• VIEWING: Viewing for a Variety of Purposes; Personal interactions, live performances; Visual arts involving oral and/or written language; Print media; Electronic media; Factual and fictional representations

SAMPLE ACTIVITIES

1. GAMES, SPORTS, MANIPULATIVES ACTIVITIES

• Alphabet tag

• Word toss

• Tossing tricks

2. EDUCATIONAL GYMNASTICS

• Base of Support Detective

• Alphabet gymnastics

3. DANCE

• Rhyming words

• Dessert Dance

• Fancy dive

• Label equipment
• Write your lesson/outline on the board
• Make a list of vocabulary words appropriate to the activity
• Display children’s writing about your lesson
• Ask questions that require explanation other than one word answers
• Use short answer and essay questions on tests
• Emphasize journal writing regarding student physical education experiences
• Develop a word wall
• Encourage students to read directions, poems, or stories that are being used in class

• Cone et al.  (1998).  Interdisciplinary Teaching Through Physical Education.  Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.
• Children’s Literature web site: (http://www.acs.ucalgary.ca/~dkbrown/)
• Gilbert, A. (1977). Teaching the 3 Rs through movement experiences. New York: MacMillan.
• ISLMC Children's Literature & Language Arts Resources  (http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/childlit.htm)
• National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association.  (1996).  National standards for the english language arts.  Newark, DE: Author.
• New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards for Language Arts Literacy (http://www.state.nj.us/njded/cccs/08langintro.html)
• Silverstein, S.  (1981).  A light in the attic.  New York: Harper & Row, Publishers