INTEGRATED THEMATIC CURRICULUM

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The Learning First curriculum follows a Thematic Integrated Approach to learning. This approach allows for learning to take place in a seamless manner without being bound by compartments of subjects. It allows literacy to grow progressively, with vocabulary linked and with spelling and sentence writing being frequently, yet smoothly, reinforced. It guides connected ideas to follow on easily. It is, after all, how we, as adults, learn new things. Don’t we start at a point of interest and branch out from it like ripples from a stone thrown in the water? Research has shown that this greatly enhances learning because it integrates different intelligences and topics into a single lesson which mirrors how children actually learn. It meaningfully links different disciplines so that students can develop deeper knowledge about a few ‘big ideas’ rather than a superficial knowledge of several topics learnt in isolation. A common theme keeps students focused on a broad concept while touching on specific knowledge and skills throughout. Thematic units, very simply, integrates content areas in a way that makes sense to children and helps them establish connections of the knowledge they acquire and apply it in a meaningful way. Themes chosen are those which are very close to children and with which they can easily relate to.