Applying Cross-curricular Approaches Creatively: The Connecting Curriculum

Applying Cross-Curricular Approaches Creatively explores the relevance and effectiveness of cross-disciplinary and project-based teaching. With a focus on personal reflection and discussion, it offers educators inspiration, guidance and resources to deliver a truly integrated curriculum creatively. Exploring how we can make connections in the classroom through our own lives and those of our children, it supports teachers in becoming more personally involved in decisions about the style of teaching and substance of curriculum in schools. Applying Cross-Curricular Approaches Creatively examines key topics such as:

• Educationalists with an interest in cross-curricular and creative approaches

• Planning for and provoking creativity
• Choosing cross-curricular themes
• Mind-full approaches to teaching and learning
• Assessing creative and integrated learning
• Teachers as researchers in the classroom

Applying Cross-Curricular Approaches Creatively is an essential text for those wishing to plan a coherent curriculum with cross-curricular elements. It places the 'basics' of knowledge, genuine motivation, engagement and participation at the core of its arguments for meaningful learning for all children. Filled with autobiographical accounts and case studies, and with ready-to-use ideas for creative lessons, this uplifting book challenges us to return to curriculum breadth and balance and away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach.

Jonathan Barnes is Visiting Senior Research Fellow in Education at Canterbury Christ Church University, UK.