Curriculum for a multiage classroom

1
Curriculum for a multiage classroom

• A modified curriculum should be organized around
  broad themes in order to dissolve barriers
  between content subjects. This allows teacher to
  focus on topics of interest while having each
  student work toward different outcomes in all
  subjects.

• Integrated Themes
• break down the walls that separate content
  subjects by integrating all subjects into a
  general theme.
• Samples of themes

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Curriculum for a multiage classroom

• Learning Centers
• Project Approach
• Print Rich Environment
• Manipulatives and Real Objects
• Broad goals focus on end result for the student
  not grade level results.
• Variety of literature from all genres.

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Materials to teach the curriculum

• A compressive list of materials to support the
  multiage curriculum can be found starting on page
  215, in Exploring the Multiage Classroom by Anne
  A. Bingham. These resources include a list of
  math manipulatives, reading and writing
  materials, computers, arts and crafts supplies
  and a large range of exploration materials for
  all subjects including science and social
  studies.
• In addition to this list Chapter 3 in Creating
  the Multiage Classroom by Sandra J. Stone lists
  several suggested supplies need to create an
  effective multiage environment. Since many
  multiage classes are designed around broad
  themes, a variety of books covering a range of
  levels and genres are also part of the curriculum
  materials need to support the learning in the
  classroom.

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Facilitating Learning Through Centers

• Learning centers are an effective teaching
  strategy for many reasons.
• Centers promote active student involvement
• Students have the flexibility to move at their
  own rates and at their own levels of ability.
• Students have the opportunity for choice with the
  use of centers.
• Centers are flexible they provide opportunities
  for students to work independently or
  cooperatively with other students.
• Centers can be incorporated into thematic
  studies.
• Multiple suggestions for designing centers for
  the multiage classroom can be found in Chapter 3
  of Creating the Multiage Classroom by Sandra J.
  Stone.

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Teachers Role with Learning Centers

• Prepare the center The teacher plans the
  activities that are developmentally and
  educationally appropriate. They may relate to the
  theme under investigation. All equipment and
  tools need to be gathered and tasks should be
  planned as close to real life as possible.
• Introduce the center The teacher must introduce
  the center. The students must know what is
  expected, and how the activity is to be played or
  completed. They must also know where the
  materials for the activity are located and what
  to do with the finished product. This can be done
  whole group or during work time with small groups
  of students.

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Teachers Role with Learning Centers

• Encourage students The teacher needs to keep
  materials and activities at the centers fresh so
  the children do not get bored. The teacher might
  encourage the students to create different
  activities or games that can be used in specific
  learning centers. The teacher will want to
  encourage the students to produce quality work
  and ensure that student pieces are shared with
  the entire class.
• Evaluate the growth The teacher needs to
  evaluate the growth of the students in using the
  materials independently and their ability to work
  cooperatively with others. The teacher needs to
  have the students reflect of what they have done
  and share what they have learned. Evaluations can
  be simple observations and checklists or more
  involved depending on the product and task of
  the center.

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Learning with a Project Approach

• Project Approach can be used as an alternative to
  learning centers. Projects can integrate the
  curriculum and provide students with the
  opportunity for a deeper understanding of a
  topic. The teacher and students come up with a
  project plan together, but the teachers role is
  a facilitator and the project should be lead by
  the direct interest of the student of group.
• Sample of Project Approaches