Introduction & Background:

For a Kindergarten literacy program, a Whole-Language or Holistic program with literacy

integrated into every subject has shown to be effective. An integrated curriculum refers to an approach
to teaching that ties multiple subject areas to a central, meaningful theme (Hurless & Gittings, 2008).
The classroom or school will pick a unit every 4-6 weeks and base the day and content areas around the
topic. An enjoyable and engaging theme is based on students’ needs and interests and can include: a
place (farm, restaurant, or school), fruits (berries, apples, or lemons), a color, a culture (Puerto Rican,
African-American, or that of a student in the class), a holiday, and more. Additionally, thematic units
can allow cooperation of community and school resources including field trips and family and
community members.

High quality children’s literature, including both fiction and nonfiction trade books, should be
used as the basis of the program (Moss, 1991). The literature will provide the initial experience needed
for the class to gain and activate background knowledge and will connect to all the content areas. A
focus on vocabulary, emergent literacy skills, and experiences with reading show improved skills among
Kindergarten students. “Children need to connect new information to existing knowledge in order for it
to have meaning and be storied for later retrieval” (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). All instruction needs to
be driven by authentic assessments and adapted to previous literacy experiences (Strasser, 2009).

Key Questions:

How is Whole Language Theory integrated into a Kindergarten literacy program?

What is an integrated curriculum?