Whenever possible LJA teachers integrate one subject with another. For example, in Language Arts students may write a poem about kindness while in Bible class they study the character of Dorcas. A major driving force behind integrated teaching and learning is the belief that when themes, subjects, or projects are combined students begin to see meaningful connections be-tween subject matter.

During a recent class, LJA students integrated the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and American Pop Art. They learned how Dr. King first became involved in the modern Civil Rights Movement. It was in Montgomery, Alabama that Dr. King lent his strong commitment for fair and equal treat-ment to the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 and 1956.

In addition, they were learning about American Pop Art which is an art form depicted in popular culture such as ad-vertising or news. Students perused several Pop Art exam-ples of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on their Chromebooks. Next, it was the student’s turn to make a Pop Art image of Dr. King. Come take a look at their drawings that are dis-played on the wall in the school hallway.

LJA school curriculum serves as a vehicle for learning rather than simply gathering pieces of information. We believe that an integrated curriculum helps the students learn and retain academic concepts. Learning comes in many forms.

Susan Zimmermann