With everything we are supposed to teach every day it often seems as though we can never fit it all in. However, by integrating subject matter, concepts, and skills, we can not only cover everything we need to, but also help our students make important connections. Below are some tips to help you with integrating your curriculum. Please remember, though, that these are tips to help you get started. It is important that you read all the research and strategies available!
Brainstorm immediate connections
The first thing you can do to begin integrating is to brainstorm the whole picture of what you are teaching. For elementary teachers it is often easier to start with a Social Studies or Science topic and work from there.
For example, let's say that you have an upcoming unit on Volcanoes. Take a few minutes to brainstorm social studies, math, and language arts connections with volcanoes.
Have students locate volcanoes along the ring of fire using latitude and longitude (Social Studies). This could even include a video about the ring of fire.
Students can read about or research famous historical events surrounding volcanoes such as Mt. St. Helens or Vesuvius (Language Arts).
A study of landforms could also arise since many mountains began as volcanoes. In addition, students can learn how new islands are created (which goes well with the ring of fire study). With the study of islands students can also do mapping by creating their own "island" and using a grid to create a map of cities, rivers, etc. on this island (Social Studies).
Additionally, there is a very definite sequence to what happens when a volcano erupts and when it creates an island over time. This works well for including the reading concept of sequencing (Reading).
Students can also study the geometry of volcanoes by bringing in connections to cones and triangles. Students can also study how seismic instruments work to measure pressure, etc. (Math).
Now, within one unit you've covered several concepts for different subject areas.
Use a Graphic Organizer
Using a graphic organizer such as a web really helps keep your thoughts organized when trying to integrate your subject matter. Place the initial topic of study in the center circle and set aside different corners of the page for various subject areas. Not everything has to be integrated all the time. What you want to do with this organizer is to simply find the connections which already exist. It doesn't help you or the students to try to force a connection when there isn't one.
Start Small
If you jump in with both feet, you will more than likely meet with disappointment. Not only does it take a while to get used to a new idea, but it also takes some time to implement a new type of strategy in the classroom. Just like our students, we all have different ways of learning. Some of us need to go for the gusto, but others need more of a trial period before being ready to undertake a project like this. Integrating takes experience and it takes logical thinking. It works best when you have two or more teachers working together to brainstorm the connections and make them work in a lesson or unit.
For those of you who read the above tips and examples and thought immediately, "That is way too much work for me right now," I'm here to tell you that you don't need to start out that big. You are probably already integrating without even realizing it. Every time you use a teachable moment to help students reach and understanding, whether it relates to your subject matter or not, you are integrating.
Secondary teachers may find this concept especially difficult. Therefore, it is best to start out with small steps. Here are a few ideas:
English teachers who are reading novels with the class - Research a little information about the author and the time period in which he/she lived. Provide students with a time line of interesting events that occurred during the time the author either wrote the novel or during their lifetime. A neat way to do this might be to create a "In the Year Of" poster that shows the prices of everyday items, popular music, famous people, etc.
Social Studies teachers - Historical events happen in specific places around the Earth. While discussing or reading about a historical event, talk about how the environment might have played an important role. This includes landforms, temperature or seasons, climates, and/or animal and insect life.
Science teachers - Many secondary science teachers are already integrating math and science, but another way to integrate is through research projects. Allow students to research and write essays about different topics studied in Science class. Take some time to review effective note-taking and organizational skills with students in class.
Math teachers - When teaching a concept you know has practical applications, try to either show or discuss these applications with students. The concepts of algebra and geometry are used highly in Science class and also with Technical courses including shop and mechanics. One way to integrate writing into the math class is to have students write a How-To essay explaining the steps for solving a specific math problem.
