Integration in the Second Grade Classroom

“Integrating subject areas is one of my favorite parts of teaching in a Christian classical school.  I have countless opportunities to do this throughout the day.  For example, one week we studied Nebuchadnezzar’s dream where he saw an image that was made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron.  We learned how the different metals represented four kingdoms.  I said, ‘I wonder if Babylon is the kingdom represented by the gold in the image?’, one by one students raised their hands to connect that the other three kingdoms must be the kingdoms of Persia, Greece, and Rome. (All of which are empires we study in 2nd grade history!)  Another example of integrating faith into our daily learning, occurred recently when we were studying Julius Caesar. I merely said that Caesar was betrayed.  Students made the connection to Christ, who was betrayed by Judas.  The connection launched us into a grand conversation.  In second grade science we study human anatomy and botany. It is an automatic reaction to praise our Maker when we witness his glory in creation and the intricacies of the human body.  I have taught on various occasions how man is not just another member of the animal kingdom, but distinct in that we are made in God’s image. I am extremely thankful for this curriculum in 2nd grade and daily enjoy teaching this subject matter, inspiring wonder of God’s world in my students!”