The integrated approach: Giving kids a
meaningful learning experience

The integrated approach helps pupils get a unified view of reality, and enhances their capability to acquire real-life skills. It does this by linking learning content between and among subject areas. There is integration when pupils are able to connect what they are learning in one subject area to a related content in another subject area. For instance, topics learned in Math or Social Studies may be used by the pupils with related concepts and skills in Reading and Language. The quality of learning outcomes improves as pupils are able to integrate information across disciplines instead of acquiring them in isolation.

An integrated approach has roots in early childhood education, where a hallmark for quality is the seamless interconnection of development domains and content areas. John Dewey claimed that learning could be more meaningful if content areas are blended for curriculum and instruction. The use of unifying themes and real-life activities could lead to more relevant learning (Dewey, 1938; New, 1992).

In Kindergarten of the new K to 12 Curriculum, the use of unifying themes to achieve an integrated approach is emphasized. Through meaningful activities, the themes connect the different learning domains such as Music, Arts, Physical Education and Health, Language and Literacy, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Values Education.

With the desired outcomes that are developmentally appropriate for preschoolers in mind, Diwa’s JUMPSTART Integrated Workbook Series helps educators accomplish challenging but achievable goals of child development and learning.

JUMPSTART is a three-level integrated preschool workbook series anchored on the competencies of the K to 12 Curriculum set by the Department of Education. Since it uses multi-disciplinary connections that allow each workbook to integrate its lessons with other subjects, pupils become well-rounded learners. The coverage of Nursery and Kinder 1 is based on the existing scope and sequence for ages 3 and 4 and other research-based sets of competencies for young pupils. The scope of Kinder 2 is based on the mandated Kindergarten competencies. All workbooks contain activities based on real-life situations that develop 21st century skills such as higher-order thinking, sound reasoning, creativity, and effective use of real-world tools.


Here are some practices you may use when implementing the integrated approach:

1. Incorporate the thematic and integrated curriculum in the daily schedule and daily or weekly lesson plan. Start by adapting lesson plans for diversity by modifying the projects, lessons, and activities for children. Think of new interdisciplinary ways to present old topics. In Diwa’s JUMPSTART, a short story for language comprehension could also have mathematical elements. Present math problems in the form of limericks or poems, or combine math and art by using numbers while finger painting. The possibilities are limitless once the integrated curriculum is embedded into the classroom routine.

2. Foster an atmosphere that welcomes and encourages creativity in the classroom. Create activities that require students to discover, manipulate, combine, and transform objects. Teach shapes through crafts making, or animals through clay molding. Or how about a multi-discipline project such as a DIY marble run? To take it a step further, give the children freedom to choose their own activities. It will make them more interested in the subject and help them develop individual goals.

3. Use age-appropriate materials and techniques in teaching. Facilitate learning through play and child-centered activities. Interrelate the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains. In December 2016, a video showing the long division song of a school in Florida went viral on social media. For the pre-school level, why not try the same approach by creating a dance routine that helps children learn the alphabet? The more they are engaged, the more children are likely to absorb new information and experiences.


The integrated approach is a vehicle that allows teachers to design lessons and activities that meet preschool children’s developmental needs. It makes it possible for the curriculum to be child-centered, be responsive to cultural differences, and accommodate multiplicity, individuality, varying interests, and differing creative expressions. An integrated approach is important to ensure that pupils learn more and are fully prepared for the next steps in the education ladder.





References

Bago, A. (2008). Curriculum development, the philippine experience. C & E Publishing, Inc. Quezon Ave., Philippines,

Wynn, M. (2009). Strategies for teaching in the content areas. Pearson Education Inc. New Jersey, USA.

Wortham, S. (2009). Early childhood curriculum developmental bases for learning and teaching. Pearson Education Inc. New Jersey, USA.