Looking back through the first four chapters in "Curriculum 21" by Heidi Hayes Jacobs I am reminded of the process of developing a curriculum. She talks about how we need to change our mindset about curriculum before we change it. We need to realize that we are teaching students during a new time of innovation, and we need to make sure that is evident in the curriculum. In order to do that she suggests we look into curriculum mapping, thinking about assessments, and giving time for professional development.
I enjoyed reading Ch. 3, Jacobs focus's on the content areas, and ways to improve the content within them so they become more relevant and students will be able to gain lifelong skills from it. Things as simple as using different types of maps, and using them in other content areas, not just Social Studies. Chapter 4 wraps is up with different ways we can use time and space to best benefit the students. I believe this book as taught me to think outside the box a little bit when it comes to teaching. We need to change things, and know that sometimes the way things are happening isn't the best for students. I feel that I've been given some ideas of how I will be able to at least update my own curriculum, and be able to deliver it to students in a more meaningful way.
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