Are you looking for some Desert thematic unit ideas to use in your classroom? Create a thematic unit about Deserts across all the curricular areas.
From a literature list to art projects, have your students explore the theme of Deserts. Check this list to explore some wonderful Deserts unit ideas that can be used with this exciting theme.
1. Desert Themed Literature Lists
A Desert thematic unit has so many wonderful choices for literature. You could create a literature-based thematic unit based on one of the numerous Desert themed stories. Here are just a few Desert books.
Deserts Literature List
- Desert Night Desert Day by Anthony D. Fredericks
- The Tortoise and the Jack Rabbit by Susan Lowell
- Why Oh Why Are Deserts Dry? By Tish Rabe
- Cactus Hotel by Brenda Z. Gutberson
- How to Survive the Desert by Angela Royston
- Way Out in the Desert by T. J. Marsh
- The Night Flower by Lara Hawthorne
- Here Is the Southwestern Desert by Madeleine Dunphy
- Over On a Desert by Marianne Berkes
- Coyotes All Around by Stuart J. Murphy
- A Desert ABC by Blake Hoena
- What Is the Sahara Desert by Sara Fabiny
- Cactus and the Flower by Sarah Williamson
2. Desert Language Arts Centers & Activities
There are numerous language arts centers and activities that can be used with a Desert thematic unit. From classroom made books to phonic games students will enjoy the variety of centers and activities while learning about Deserts. Check out this list!
Deserts Themed Language Arts Centers & Activities
- Deserts Writing Word Bank
- “Into The Desert” Classroom Book
- “Deserts Senses” Student Booklet
- Deserts Student Story
- Deserts Story Elements Graphic Organizers
- Deserts Beginning, Middle & Ending Story Graphic Organizers
- Deserts Sequence Story Retelling Graphic Organizers
- Deserts Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Match Games
- Deserts Make a Short Vowel Word Family Game
- Deserts Short Vowel Sounds Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences
- Deserts Word Games
- Deserts Build a Word Game
3. Desert Mathematics Centers and Activities
Let us look at some Desert mathematics centers and activities that you could use with your students. These activities could be used by lower elementary students, along with special education students depending on their skill level. Try one of these Desert thematic unit math activities with your students!
Deserts Themed Math Centers & Activities:
- Deserts Counting Student Booklet
- Deserts Ten Frame Roll & Cover Game
- Deserts Number & Number Word Match Game
- Deserts Counting Games
- Deserts Number & Ten Frames Matching Game
- Deserts Roll & Cover Math Games
- Deserts Addition & Subtractions Facts Clip Game
- Deserts Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Deserts Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtractions Sentences with Ten Frames
- Deserts Build 3-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Deserts 5 In a Row Math Game Cards: 2 & 3 Addends
- Deserts Roll & Bump Math Games: 2 & 3 Addends
4. Desert Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
Deserts are a great theme to do investigations in science and social studies. There are several Desert activities that you can do with your students that promote learning in these areas. Here are some suggestions for you!
Deserts Themed Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
- Deserts Writing Word Bank
- “Desert Senses” Student Booklet
- “Our Favorite Desert Animals” Classroom Book
- Deserts Venn Diagram Deserts vs Rainforest
- Deserts Story
- Cucumber Desert Scenes
- Sand Foam
- Desert Dough
- Mapping Deserts Around the World
- Desert Animal Reports
5. Desert Art & Technology Centers & Activities
Who does not love to see beautiful Desert art projects? Students would love to create Desert themed art projects along with using technology to work on learning skills in this theme. Look at these ideas for you!
Deserts Themed Art & Technology Centers & Activities
- Paper Plate Desert Snake Art Project
- Desert Cactus Art Project
- Desert Silhouette Art Project
- Saguaro Cactus Art Project
- Popsicle Stick Lizard Art Project
- Desert Camels Art Project
- Deserts Counting Google Slides
- Deserts Build a Word BOOM Cards
- Deserts Number & Ten Frame Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Deserts Patterns BOOM Cards
In summary, there are many engaging Desert thematic unit ideas. You and your children can explore the units with books, centers, and activities. Whatever theme you choose, your students will have a wonderful time discovering the literature and activities you choose.
To read more topics about thematic units check out my blog, “Why Use Thematic Units In Your Classroom or Home School?”
