6.4: Integrated Curriculum / Themes
It is common for many programs to integrate many aspects of learning with the use of “themes” as a way to weave learning together for children. For some learners, the connection of several learning experiences all related to a common concept can support deeper learning. The most successful themes are those that emerge out of the children’s interest (often called “ emergent curriculum ” ). Common themes include:
- My family
- Friendship and caring
- Community Helpers
- Animals
- Activities (camping, …)
- Transportation
- Locations (oceans, mountains, farms,…)
What other themes can you think of?
Often when planning a theme, teachers will use the concept of a curriculum “web” to begin to plan their ideas. Like a list, but in a different format, a web allows teachers to brainstorm related ideas and then to choose the ones that make the most sense to more thoroughly plan for. This process uses both a teacher’s divergent and convergent thinking skills.
A basic web diagram will look like this:
Here is a sample of a curriculum web using this format. Can you think of activities to add?
What advantages can you find in creating a planning web? How might you incorporate children into helping you web ideas?