Bridging the Gap Integrating Curriculum in Upper Elementary and Middle Schools

Bridging the Gapis a book about making connections that make learning meaningful for students and teachers. It details a unique collaboration between an elementary and a middle school teacher as they introduce broad themes in their classrooms. Together, they worked to bridge the gap between subjects in their students' learning and the gap that existed in their understanding of each other's teaching situations. Cora Lee Five describes in detail how she immersed her fifth graders in colonial life and the Revolutionary War through the creation of a "Discoveries" theme. She relates how her students become partners in the planning process, develop their own theme within the theme, and follow their own inquiries. Reading, writing, art, simulations, and debates bring the colonial mind to life, allowing each student to "become" a colonist and make present-day connections. Marie Dionisio describes how her middle school language arts classes explored point of view within a theme entitled "Trying on Someone Else's Skin." These classes become an adventure in self discovery, perception, and empathy as her students explore what it feels like to be someone different and ask serious questions about stereotype and prejudice. Examples of student journal entries and classroom discussions recount their experiences. Throughout the book, Five and Dionisio support inquiry and validate risk taking for both students and teachers. They walk readers through their own processes of experimentation and discovery, providing: suggestions for developing a theme and integrating the prescribed curriculum recommendations for dealing with the typical strains and stresses of teaching ways to support students in their own inquiries rich classroom anecdotes specific minilessons, book talks, and handouts authentic methods of assessment examples of student work ways to promote collaboration among students and teachers. Bridging the Gap'ssolid theoretical grounding and practical advice have much to offer pre- and inservice teachers, curriculum coordinators, and administrators.Five, Cora L. is the author of 'Bridging the Gap Integrating Curriculum in Upper Elementary and Middle Schools' with ISBN 9780435088538 and ISBN 043508853X.