1. Integrating the Skill Theme Approach across the Curriculum
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
Comparison of Content Linkage and Shared Integration
Approach
Number of Subject Areas
Number of Teachers Needed
Time
Focus
Content linkage
2 or more 1
Usually during 1 lesson
Primary focus on 1 content area, with another subject area used to enhance
Shared integration
Could be for 1 lesson, but often extends over a longer period
Equal focus on shared concepts from 2 distinct disciplines

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