The Parallel Curriculum in the Classroom, Book 2

Book excerpt: Learn to design exemplary Parallel Curriculum Units from the experts—classroom teachers! What is the best way to incorporate the four parallels into your Parallel Curriculum Unit? How do teachers using the Parallel Curriculum Model (PCM) craft units based on the PCM and why do they utilize certain elements and downplay others? What does a complete Parallel Curriculum Unit look like? This compilation of Parallel Curriculum Units provides a close-up look into the development of PCM units and how those units work in actual classroom settings. The Parallel Curriculum in the Classroom, Book 2 reflects a variety of Parallel Curriculum units spanning primary, elementary, middle, and high school levels of instruction and encompassing the disciplines of social studies, science, art, math, and language arts. Across each unit, the authors present a framework of three essential components in an effective Parallel Curriculum Unit: The big picture of grade level, subject, goals, and standards The unpacking, or step-by-step explanation of the unit The reasoning behind the unit design Whether using each parallel independently or combining all four parallels into curriculum design, teachers will find the units included here are exemplary models for creating their own parallel curriculum units. Use them as professional development tools to help plan thoughtful curriculum based upon the Parallel Curriculum Model!