The Gee Theory of
Wholistic Education (WE)
Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
(CIA) Model
Wholistic Education (WE) Curriculum
Model
WE Curriculum Model FIVE Critical Attributes
1. Intellectually Engaging
2. Highly varied, Multi- dimensional
3. Requires Active Engagement
4. Collaborative
5. Personally Meaningful
Wholistic Education (WE) Curriculum
Model Thematic Multi-genre Approach
There are a multitude of research based benefits including;
• Using a thematic approach to teach literature provides a conceptual
framework for exploring essential questions and enduring understandings
(i.e., the logic at the heart of the discipline) and promotes studentcentered inquiry.
• Using a thematic approach to teach literature affords opportunities to
make interdisciplinary connections to the concepts of other disciplines.
• The multi-genre approach will provide a variety of reading experiences for
students, afford opportunities for synthesis of ideas across several texts
and genres, and provide various points of entry into the essential questions
and enduring understandings.
• Using a thematic, multi-genre approach will allow us to collaboratively
develop annotated bibliographies of novels, plays, short fiction, poetry,
nonfiction, and text which are personally meaningful to the student/
learner.
The WE Curriculum Model follows the
WE Weekly Curriculum Map
The WE Curriculum Model applies the two
WE Core Classroom Components (CCC)
1) Established Routines (classroom norms) and
2) Daily Protocol
Core Classroom Components
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms) &  Daily
Protocol
Wholistic Education (WE) Core Classroom Components are the
“non- negotiable” aspects of the WE Curriculum Model.
Established Routines and Daily Protocol are the two key concepts
which distinguish the Wholistic Education CIA model of transformative
engagement from other models. The WE curriculum model follows a
repeated daily & weekly format. The benefit of a repeated themed
daily/ weekly format is that it creates a pattern of structure yet it still
allows for teacher flexibility. These two components provide the
structure and the format for presenting the Wholistic Education (WE)
Curriculum Model which employs a thematic, multi-genre approach.
The WE Core Classroom Components provides multi- various
benefits for the teacher and the student/ learner.
Core Classroom Components
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms) &  Daily
Protocol
The WE Core Classroom Components provide multi- various
benefits for the teacher and the student/ learner. The WE
methodology embeds personal meaning, cultural relevance, active
engagement, collaboration, and real- world connection. The
components create a pattern of structure yet it still permits flexibility.
This format will help to facilitate teacher planning and instruction
which models copious educational best practices such as;
Inclusion
Enrichment/ Rigor
Differentiation
Learning Styles
Core Classroom Components
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms) &  Daily
Protocol
The Wholistic Education Core Classroom Components have a
plethora of positive outcomes which are specifically designed for the
maximal development of all students/ learners.
Students know what to expect on a daily and weekly basis
Reduces stress and anxiety
Reinforces consistency
Creates a safe learning environment
Cultivate habits of a self- directed learner
Core Classroom Components
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms) &  Daily Protocol
 Established Routines
(Classroom Norms)
 Established Routines: This
is the format for the daily
classroom agenda. These six
daily norms can use as a
template for lesson
planning.
 Daily Protocol
 Daily Protocol: The daily format is
repeated weekly. The content changes
based on the multi-genre, standards
based unit focus. The Daily/ Weekly
format is ALWAYS followed, hence the
term, Protocol.
Wholistic Education (WE) Weekly
Curriculum Map: Day(s) 1-5 Essential
Questions (EQ) focus *Uses 8 Elements of
Reasoning- Paul/ Elder Model
Introduce “Logic Wheel” as the KEY TOOL
that drives critical thinking in the WE
Curriculum Model and as the primary
means of implementing the Core
Classroom Components.
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
This is the format for the daily classroom agenda. These six daily norms can use
as a template for lesson planning.
 Pre- opening
 Opening
(Prior to start of class)
(3-5 minutes)

Arouse Curiosity (AC)

Art & Science of Literary Enrichment (ASLE)
(5-10 minutes)
(5-10 minutes)
 Intellectually Engaging Interactions (IEI) & Art of Body Movement (ABOMO) (20-25 minutes)
 Closing (3-5minutes)
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Pre- Opening
*Greet learners with a smile and a positive word.
‘Come On In Song’ inviting, positive, inspiring music that is
related to learning focus or theme.
–Post Lyrics or pass out lyric sheet
– Can be the same song daily, weekly, or throughout the quarter
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Opening
3-5min.
Space needs to be inviting i.e. calm, clean,
organized, structured, accessible & prepared.
Read and Review Class Agenda
Time For Reflection (TFR)
No Teaching/ No Talking
Come In, Get Settled, BE SILENT
Things to do: breathe, reflection, journal writing, read,
meditate, be still, get focused, review, study, prepare.
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Arouse Curiosity
5-10 min
HOOK/ ENROLL- Be Relevant. Be visual. Be Creative. Be Humorous or
Interesting.
Essential Question (EQ) focus: Present in a variety of mediums
*Key Focus on Generating NON- linguistic representations.
1) Questions/ Ideas 2) Discussion/ Dialogue
3) Video/ Illustration 4) Media/ Technology
Daily Essential Questions (EQ) focus follow a weekly repeated format
using resources from The Foundation for Critical Thinking.
*Use Elder/ Paul Model of “Elements of Thoughts” / “Logic Wheel”
defined time limit clear focus & task thinking is valued & required
brain is respected note taking is highly recommended
Speaking and Listening
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Art & Science of Literary Enrichment (ASLE) (5-10 min)
Introduction of daily content focus. Present instruction based in Reading Standards
for Literature and Informational Text, Writing Standards, Speaking and
Listening, and Language Standards. Bank of Activities rooted in the Wholistic
Education (WE) three core building blocks (3CB’s) which are critical thinking,
problem solving, and decision making.
Teacher- led instruction
PowerPoint Presentation
 Lecture / Discussion
 Note- taking (Cornell notes, metacognitive notes, double- entry journal notes, etc.)
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Intellectually Engaging Interactions (IEI)
&
Art of Body Movement (ABOMO) 20-25min.
Movement/ Kinesthetics
-Break-out work- Labs- Field Work
- Outdoor activities/ Service Learning
-Project & Group Activities
-Hands- on activities
–Rotation Stations
**CREATE/ GENERATE
 Established Routines (Classroom Norms)
Closing
3-5min.
**Critical Reflection
**Closing discussion
**Review, Reflection, Continued building (connections)
 Daily Protocol
The daily format is repeated weekly. The content changes based on
the multi-genre, standards- based unit focus. The Daily/ Weekly format
is ALWAYS followed, hence the term, Protocol.
Wholistic Education (WE) Weekly Curriculum Map: Day(s) 1-5/ M-F
Essential Questions (EQ) focus
*Uses 8 Elements of Reasoning- Paul/ Elder Model
Introduce “Logic Wheel” as the KEY TOOL that drives critical thinking
in the WE Curriculum Model and as the primary means of
implementing the Core Classroom Components (CCC).
The Weekly Format is repeated and uses resources from the
Foundation of Critical Thinking to formulate the daily essential
questions.
 Daily Protocol
Essential Questions (EQ) Day 1 = Monday(s) Focus:
Purpose & Questions
Essential Questions (EQ) Day 2 = Tuesday(s) Focus:
Information & Point of View (POV)
Essential Questions (EQ) Day 3 = Wednesday(s) Focus:
Concepts/ideas & Assumptions
Essential Questions (EQ) Day 4 = Thursday(s) Focus:
Implications & Consequences
Essential Questions (EQ) Day 5 = Friday(s) Focus:
Interpretations & Inferences
 Daily Protocol
The daily essential question focus is based in the eight
elements of reasoning and serve as a framework to
examine the curriculum content which is presented using a
thematic, multi-genre approach. The daily element focus is
also meant to drive the lessons and activities to be used in
the Intellectually Engaging Interaction (IEI) and the Art
of Body Movement (ABOMO) sections of the Established
Routines i.e. Classroom Norms.
WE Weekly Curriculum Map
Monday(s) Day 1 of
Week
*WE Essential Facts protocol to begin
Tuesday(s) Day 2 of
WE Week
Wednesday(s) Day 3 of
WE Week
Day One EQ Focus: Purpose &
Questions
Day Two EQ Focus: Gather
Information & Point of View
Day Three EQ Focus:
Concepts & Assumptions
Sphere 1- Self/ Self- Actualization
Overall focus on Mon. is on the
individual (learner) in all lessons,
activities, discussions will be selffocused i.e. learner- centered
Sphere 2- Community/Partner
Work
Teach & Model Critical
Attributes of Socratic Seminar
* re-teach when necessary
U.S.S.R. (Uninterrupted, Silent,
Sustained, Reading)
Independent/Individual Work
Journal Reflection
Planning/ Preparation
HOM (Habits of Mind)
Study Skills
-Cornell Notes
-Graphic Organizer
Grammar & Vocabulary
Cornell Notes
Think/ Pair/ Share
Technology/Media
Planning/ Preparation
Writing & Reflection
Metacognitive Work
Sphere 3- World/ Global
Issues
Intellectual Standardsclarity, accuracy, precision,
relevance, depth, breadth,
significance, fairness, &
logic
Socratic Seminar
Literature Circles
Novel Study
Independent Projects
* Time for one-on-one w/ teacher
*Prep for Socratic Seminar
Thursday(s) Day 4 of
WE Week
Friday(s) Day 5 of
WE Week
Day Four EQ Focus:
Implications &
Consequences
Sphere(s) 1,2,3
Group Work
Day Five Focus:
Interpretations& Inferences
Collaborative Groups
Making Connections
Project Work
Teacher/ Group Interaction
Technology/ Media
Study Skills
-Cornell Notes
-Graphic Organizer
Presentations
Projects
Assessments
Enrichment
Field Trips
Guest Speakers
Action Oriented Activities
Assessments
Collaborative Activities
Individual Projects
Socratic Seminar
Remediation & Enrichment Remediation & Enrichment
Examples: self- reflection, selfTHINK about goals, plans, and
directed, self- identity, self- monitoring, objectives for Day 4- Thurs. &
self- concept, self- modifying, selfDay 5- Fri.
managing
-Respectful Lang
-Dialogue v. debate
-Positive Paraphrase
Review Progress
Set / Review Goal
Be Creative & Critical
Rubric: Develop & Review
Review HOM Progress
Notes
Notes
Elements of Thought/ “Logic Wheel”- Used with sensitivity to 9
Target Notes
Universal Intellectual Standards
Paul & Elder Model
*Foundation for Critical Thinking
Notes: Unlimited access to
the most current media and
technology for EVERY
student is ideal
Notes: Mandatory Daily
Literacy Component
Notes: Incorporate Sensory
Learning in EVERY Lesson
**Adapted for AIG Education
WE Weekly Curriculum Map
Monday(s) Day 1 of
Week
*WE Essential Facts protocol to begin
Tuesday(s) Day 2 of
WE Week
Wednesday(s) Day 3 of
WE Week
Day One EQ Focus: Purpose &
Questions
Day Two EQ Focus: Gather
Information & Point of View
Day Three EQ Focus:
Concepts & Assumptions
Sphere 1- Self/ Self- Actualization
Sphere 2- Community
Pair/ Partner Work
Newspaper/ Current Events
(locally/ nationally)
Nine Areas of People Activities *
The Isis Papers
Think/ Pair
Technology/Media
Planning/ Preparation
Sphere 3- World/ Global
Issues
Sebekian SeminarEducation Through
Communication (ETC)
A WE Model
Literacy Component
*Prep for Sebekian Seminar
NO EXCEPTIONS
Intellectual Standards- clarity,
accuracy, precision, relevance,
depth, breadth, significance,
fairness, & logic
Thursday(s) Day 4 of
WE Week
Friday(s) Day 5 of
WE Week
Day Four EQ Focus:
Implications &
Consequences
Sphere(s) 1,2,3
Group Work
Collaborative Groups
Making Connections
Project Work
Teacher/ Group Interaction
Technology/ Media
Day Five Focus:
Interpretations& Inferences
Teach & Model Critical
Attributes of Sebekian
Seminar
* re-teach when necessary
Learner Input Highly
Valued
Learner Input Highly Valued
Examples: self- reflection, selfTHINK about goals, plans, and
directed, self- identity, self- monitoring, objectives for Day 4- Thurs. &
self- concept, self- modifying, selfDay 5- Fri.
managing
-Respectful Lang
-Dialogue v. debate
-Positive Paraphrase
Review Progress
Set / Review Goal
Be Creative & Critical
Rubric: Develop & Review
Review HOM Progress
Notes
Notes
Elements of Thought/ “Logic Wheel”- Used with sensitivity to 9
Target Notes
Universal Intellectual Standards
Paul & Elder Model
*Foundation for Critical Thinking
Notes: Unlimited access to
the most current media and
technology for EVERY
student is ideal
Notes: Mandatory Daily
Literacy Component
Notes: Incorporate Sensory
Learning in EVERY Lesson
Identity Frames
Independent/Individual Work
Journal Reflection
Technology/ Media
Planning/ Preparation
Metacognitive Work
HOM (Habits of Mind)
Study Skills
-Cornell Notes
-Graphic Organizer
* Time for one-on-one w/ teacher
Overall focus on Mon. is on the
individual (learner) in all lessons,
activities, discussions will be selffocused i.e. learner- centered
Action Oriented Activities
Presentations
Projects
Assessments
Enrichment
Field Trips
Guest Speakers