Chapter 32

1. Chapter 32 Integrating the Skill Theme Approach across the Curriculum

2. Chapter 32 Key Points • Movement seems to help make learning more relevant and meaningful to some children (especially kinesthetic learners), enabling them to see the connections between what is being taught and the real world • Integration of subject content / Interdisciplinary teaching approaches have goal of enhancing learning in more than one area simultaneously • Interdisciplinary learning experiences require a combined effort by both physical education teachers and classroom teachers to provide opportunity for physical activity

3. Chapter 32 Key Points • Integrating physical education into the elementary curriculum is two directional • Teachers can integrate other subject matter into the physical education curriculum • Movement concepts, skill themes and fitness concepts can be integrated into other curriculum areas • There are a number of benefits to integrating physical activity and other subject area content, from both the physical education and the classroom perspective

4. Benefits of Integration Integrating Other Subjects into PE Class • Kinesthetic learning helps some children better grasp concepts in other subjects where they might otherwise struggle • Some children who are not as proficient in movement but who excel academically will find the connection to be motivating and enjoyable • Physical education will have a newfound importance to other teachers in the school

5. Benefits of Integration (cont) Integrating Physical Education Skills/Concepts into the Classroom • Recommended 60 minutes of physical activity daily can only be met if classroom teachers also provide opportunities for children to move • Children can simultaneously practice subject area skills while also gaining the benefits of being physically active • The "active" rather than "passive" involvement in learning most often makes children excited and motivated to learn

6. Chapter 32 Key Points • Successful integration across the curriculum requires teachers to: • Show reciprocal respect for all subject areas • Be prepared to devote extra time and effort • Keep in sight the educational goals and objectives to be accomplished in our content area • Three interdisciplinary approaches combine the teaching of skills and concepts from at least two subject areas • Content Linkage Approach • Shared Integration Approach • Thematic Approach

7. Comparing the Content Linkage and Shared Integration Approaches

8. The Thematic Unit Approach • Choose a theme (with the help of students and other teachers) • Garner school support • Form a teaching team and develop the unit • Inform parents and seek their involvement • Involve the community and its resources • Implement the unit and assess its success

9. Chapter 32 Key Points • Effective Integration requires teachers to be : • Knowledgeable in the scope and sequence of the subjects being integrated • Aware of research focusing on the connection between physical activity, physical fitness and/or physical education and academic performance • Aware of brain based research that is providing evidence that physical activity contributes to optimal brain functioning and therefore optimal learning. Integration and skill themes readily lend themselves to “brain activities” and promoting both cognitive and psychomotor learning

10. Increasing "Brainpower" in Physical Education • Include brain enhancing activities such as tracking activities, cross lateral movements, and rhythmic movement • Use music •  Teach personal goal setting •  Reinforce good eating habits •  Reinforce water consumption •  Remember the importance of first and last in presenting new information •  Provide a fun learning environment