Conquering the Crowded Curriculum: Classroom Practice

This practical book explores innovative ways for teachers to "conquer" the many curricular challenges they face in diverse, contemporary classrooms. It encourages teachers to work collaboratively to tease out the big ideas that are always present in the curriculum-and then weave an authentic teaching tapestry where content knowledge and understanding are drawn from one subject discipline and used to enrich and apply to others. The book builds on the four principles of inquiry, innovation, identity, and integration that form a framework for delivering curriculum in creative ways. It introduces ten comprehensive planned projects that carefully and skillfully integrate curriculum areas. It provides a helpful framework for teachers and students to imaginatively "connect the curriculum dots" so that teaching works and learning matters. Conquering the Crowded Curriculum will help teachers: find "THE BIG PICTURE" in the curriculum; provide relevant contexts for learning in integrated ways; invent fresh ideas and new strategies that transform learning; explore project-based learning in junior, intermediate, and secondary classrooms; explore precise and proven ways of teaching and assessing; face challenges and advocate for meaningful change The ten projects encourage students to see different perspectives, think critically and imaginatively about ideas, work with new material in various contexts, and represent their new knowledge in precise and profound ways. Based on the author's extensive classroom experience, the book suggests meaningful ways of working with all in the education community to develop effective ways to teach students and deliver a curriculum that is relevant and engaging. Teachers will find useful techniques for working collaboratively with colleagues to augment their teaching repertoires and learn from each other. This comprehensive resource includes relevant templates, BLMs, and webs that are ready to use in busy classrooms.