Single Subject Integration (Follow Up Reflection By Classroom Teachers)

As mentioned in previous blogs here and here, for single subject integration to be successful classroom teachers also have a big role and responsibility in doing their part to support the efforts of specialist teachers trying to make important links to the UoI. Often times this can be achieved through whole group discussions and by allowing students to do written reflections once they return from their single subject class. There is no doubt that the learning taking place in the unit of inquiry is greatly enhanced by taking this route and is necessary in order to deepen the students' conceptual understanding that the teachers are focusing on. 


My last blog was about the students creating a 22-second dance routine to Shakira's Waka Waka  using the 'Creative Cycle' that was introduced to them in week one of their 'How we express ourselves' unit in the classroom. It was decided in our collaborative planning last week that the grade 3 teachers would have follow up discussions and reflective writing sessions once their students returned from having created their short dance routines in PE. We took video and photos from their dance sessions and the classroom teachers used these as tools to initiate discussion and reflection with their students as an important follow-up. 


Marina Gijzen was recording her students feedback and reflections on a Keynote presentation during this activity and shared this with me immediately at the end of the day. For me it was an excellent indicator that we are on the right track in PE with the 'How we express ourselves' integration and that the kids were able to demonstrate important conceptual understanding related to this unit of inquiry. I have attached photos below of what Marina sent back to me. As you can see, some excellent learning had taken place and will serve as a visual tool when we take the unit further this week.