Integrated Thematic Planning for Curriculum, Unit and Lesson Design
Meaning is necessary for effective language learning. This chapter talks about the way it which thematic planning and instruction fosters meaning-contingent learning which activates the pattern-making functions of the brain. Thematic instruction allows for narrative structure and task-based organization of content. This is effective in part because of the way in which the brain is structured: narratives are used to organize memory and to order task-based learning.
Relevance = motivation factor. This is clear as I observe my teacher at Monticello High School. It's amazing to see how much more motivated, on-task and generally attentive they are when their teacher relates something relevant to them.
Some things I'll take away from this reading:
- avoid isolated grammar structures
- narrative = important "cognitive tool" (natural way brain organizes our experiences and related to emotions!
- use prediction to focus attention
- work toward a performance or product (visual display, book...) to give PURPOSE to unit
- Kiergan Egan Frameworks: organizing "Story Form Framework"
- Story Form Frameworks: mythic layer (younger grades) and romantic layer (older grades)
- balance of routine and variety--each lesson should have a balance of active and quiet, large and small group, one- and two-way communication
- interactive homework
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