Task One (Article Reflection)

Since entering the undergraduate program at NKU I have heard the word curriculum. As I took more classes I began to understand what curriculum really was. It wasn't until I began teaching when I felt I fully understood the meaning of curriculum. I found these articles insightful and was surprised to read how in-depth curriculum actually is. We need to consider curriculum because I feel it is the basis of any meaningful education program. Without curriculum educators do not have a "guide" to lead his or her instruction. The type of curriculum is also important and as we know, varies from district to district; state to state. One curriculum may not be better than the other. However, after reading these articles it appears that curriculum should never be left unexamined. In other words, a curriculum can always be improved upon, just like the teacher themselves. I feel that a fused curriculum fits my current role best (as a second grade teacher). As we all know, there is never enough time in the day. In order to get Science or Social Studies in every day (or close to it) I integrate it into my Reading Centers each week. I also try to intertwine (or fuse) reading and writing as well. I try to find a common theme among the subjects each week. Something as simple as: "This week our story is about a little girls who draws pictures of winter to cool her neighbors down in the hot summer weather." So, in Science this week we will be learning about....you guessed it....weather! I am most attracted to this model I would say but I also enjoyed reading about an open curriculum. I try to engage my students in conversations often and try to allow them to generate as many of their own questions as possible. It's limited of course with 2nd graders. I can imagine how interesting this type of curriculum is in a high school or even middle school classroom. It seems that an open curriculum would create excitement about learning. A "modern" curriculum appears to be one that is hands-on. One that allows for higher-level thinking and going beyond the text book. I have to say that I do like this approach. I have always felt that teaching should be student centered. Kids/young adults need to get "their hands in it", I feel, in order to truly understand the concept being taught. That in addition to the building of questions. Meaning, the teacher asks a question that in-turn triggers another, and that another, and so on. As a teacher there is nothing more exciting than seeing your students excited. The "modern" approach, I think, would be a way to make that happen.