Mapping the Big Picture (Jacobs) Teachers have always used the school calendar to plan instruction. Using a standard word-processing program, they can now collect real-time information about what is actually taught to create "curriculum maps." These maps provide a clear picture of what is happening in their classes at specific points during the school year. The benefits of this kind of mapping are obvious for integrating curriculum: When curriculum maps are developed for every grade level, educators see not only the details of each map but also the "big picture" for that school or district. They can see where subjects already come together--and where they don't, but probably should. in Books & Videos/DVDs: Professional Development > Aligning Programs to Assessmentswith benefitscalendarclassescurriculummappingmapsteachersword-processing