In today's school environments, many times thematic units are prohibited, looked down on, and even laughed at. I have even had friends that teach 1st and 2nd grade laugh at me when I tell them what I am teaching. I say to them, "you have no idea how to implement a thematic unit, if you don't know you can meet all goals and objectives that the state or district sets upon you as you integrate a thematic unit". Many times thematic units are called "cute" or "fun". I call them engaging, creative, and meaningful to the children in your classroom.
When using a thematic unit:
Identify what goals and learning standards and objectives you need to address.
What considerations about your student's needs will you need to address.
Select at topic (usually one that students will find engaging and meaningful to them))
Brainstorm ideas on how to use this theme for each subject.
Create and schedule when you will use this theme during the day and or week.
Plan for small-group, one on one and large group activities.
Plan for accomodations for all students
How will you assess what the children are learning?
Arrange the environment (how do you want it set up?)
Remember to think about your goals and objectives but think about the learning interests of your students also :)
Plan a thematic unit and use it! I used one every single week that I taught. Does it take a lot of planning? YES, but it is so worth it.
When using a thematic unit:
Identify what goals and learning standards and objectives you need to address.
What considerations about your student's needs will you need to address.
Select at topic (usually one that students will find engaging and meaningful to them))
Brainstorm ideas on how to use this theme for each subject.
Create and schedule when you will use this theme during the day and or week.
Plan for small-group, one on one and large group activities.
Plan for accomodations for all students
How will you assess what the children are learning?
Arrange the environment (how do you want it set up?)
Remember to think about your goals and objectives but think about the learning interests of your students also :)
Plan a thematic unit and use it! I used one every single week that I taught. Does it take a lot of planning? YES, but it is so worth it.