Integration of Multiple Subjects

How does integration of multiple subjects benefit teachers and students?

START

Subject integration builds on the strengths of preschool and elementary teachers

Early childhood educators, especially in self-contained classrooms, manage all subjects. While reading, writing, and math are core focuses, you already integrate science concepts naturally. For example, a question about the pigs' house materials in a story becomes an opportunity to explore properties of matter and how structure impacts function. This is science integration in action!

Subject integration can help address the problem of limited instructional time

While reading and math are crucial in early education, science and engineering often get less time. However, strategically integrating these subjects can address this time crunch. By connecting content across areas, teachers can use class time more effectively without sacrificing core subjects.

Subject integration can motivate and support learners with different strengths and needs

By integrating science and engineering with ELA and math, students don't just practice these skills in isolation. The science content provides a real-world context and motivation for reading, writing, and calculations, while also offering alternative ways for students to showcase their strengths and learn (like a student struggling with math who shines while designing a bridge).

Click the icons to learn more about each principle.

rise and thrive with science pg. 183