ABSTRACT
Content is present in literacy, ESL, social studies or science, and sometimes even math. Integrating the content has helped build a launching pad for fresh, interesting, and surprising inquiry projects by the students. The kindergarten teacher, Kristen, hangs an orca that stretches the length of the cafeteria during their unit on Antarctica. Content time can be a great time to work on physical geography, build schema through journals or mind maps, or take field trips. During the sharing of their research and explorations they step over to the map to emphasize and clarify their thinking to the group. Integrating themes throughout the day helps the kids get really excited about their learning. They are able to construct meaning with greater ease, and they are engaged, even if they don't understand every word the people say.
