Using patterns and themes to integrate curricula

What is the webbed model?

generally begins with a theme
represents the thematic approach to integrating subject matters
uses the theme as an overlay to the different subject areas
What does it look like?
fairly generic but fertile theme- such as patterns or cycles
reaches across disciplines- very generalizable
conceptual themes provide rich possibilities for the diversities of various disciplines
elementary models can use a genre of books as the topic to thematically organize their curricula
What does it sound like?
interactive and integrative
searching for a theme requires an idea gathering session with genuine interactions and lots of questions
explore the depth and breadth of a theme- should encompass a kid friendly tagline

Advantages:
visible and highly motivational
umbrella for students- easy to see the
connections
straightforward curriculum planning modelgood for master teachers and beginning
teachers
keeps an overall focus and pattern
multidisciplinary units make it easy to
address various content standards
facilitates teamwork
easy to brainstorm activities, projects, and
products that mirror the selected themes
creative process that energizes teachers and
students

Disadvantages:
takes a lot of time to connect themes,
subjects and activities
choosing a theme
tendency to focus on activities rather
than concept development
hard to keep the content relevant and
rigorous
time consuming if theme cannot be
recycled year to year
tendency to grab at shallow themes that
are superficially useful in curriculum
planning

When is the webbed model useful?

summer curriculum planning time
coordinating among various departments and special subject areas
great model to use when trying a 2 - 4 week interdisciplinary pilot unit
Tips to integrate curricula using the webbed model
1.
create a list of themes within a grade level or department team
2.
select a theme that meets the criteria for fertile themes, such as:
applies broadly and pervasively
discloses fundamental patterns
reveals similarities and differences
fascinated both students and teachers
3.
add a kid friendly tagline for more focus
4.
work around the web labelling various disciplines or grade level subject matter
5.
insert learning experiences for each subject or discipline
6.
add spokes to each subject area to indicate target standards and assessment
* Provided on the backside of this handout is a blank template of the
webbed model for your use or to photocopy for future use! *

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Theme
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Tag Line