Central Park: A Humanities Curriculum for Children with Learning Disabilities.

This manual reflects the highlights of an urban park study developed and tested over a 6-year period at the Churchill School, an elementary school for children with learning disabilities. This book makes possible an integrated study that develops understandings in natural science and the social studies along with reading, writing, and language skills. It can be used as a core curriculum for a time, or for supplemental activities throughout a school year. Because it is based on experience, the park study makes possible extensive and sophisticated learning without dependence on written texts. The plan draws on the widest possible variety of modes of learning and expression. In this study, learning can be a social as well as an intellectual experience. Reliance on observation and joint experience rather than print materials helps to develop group cooperation and interdependence. The statement of main ideas for each section provides a simple, usable intellectual organization. Building on experience, children will gradually develop important generalizations about change, adaptation, social patterns, and human needs. The book contains 7 chapters: (1) adopt a park; (2) mapping and orienting; (3) parkworks or design; (4) nature study; (5) park study or history; (6) design; and (7) parks for people. A teacher summary sums up some general principles of the park study and suggests activities that can be used in any part of a study. It lists academic skills, thinking skills, attitudes, and values. A bibliography includes entries on biographies, ecology and conservation, animals, birds, insects, plants, trees, water, and winter. (DK)