Are you looking for some Circus thematic unit ideas to use in your classroom? Create a thematic unit about Circus across all the curricular areas.
From literature list to art projects, have your students explore the theme Circus. Check this list to explore some wonderful Circus unit ideas that can be used with this exciting theme.
1. Circus Themed Literature Lists
A Circus thematic unit has so many wonderful choices for literature. You could create a literature-based thematic unit based on one of the numerous Circus themed stories. Here are just a few Circus books.
Circus Literature List
- If I Ran the Circus by Dr. Seuss
- My Special Circus by Emily Ashcroft
- Clifford at the Circus by Norman Bridwell
- Harold’s Circus by Crockett Johnson
- Peter Spier’s Circus by Peter Spier
- Circus Caps for Sale by Esphyr Solobodkina
- Sandy’s Circus by Tanya Lee Stone
- Circus by Charles Sullivan
- Circus by Lois Ehlert
- Painted Circus by Wallace Edwards
- Paddington Bear at the Circus by Michael Bond
2. Circus Language Arts Centers & Activities
There are numerous language arts centers and activities that can be used with a Circus thematic unit. From classroom made books to phonic games students will enjoy the variety of centers and activities while learning about Circus. Check out this list!
Circus Themed Language Arts Centers & Activities
- Circus Writing Word Bank
- “All About the Circus” Classroom Book
- “Circus Senses” Student Booklet
- Circus Student Story
- Circus Story Elements Graphic Organizers
- Circus Beginning, Middle & Ending Story Graphic Organizers
- Circus Sequence Story Retelling Graphic Organizers
- Circus Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Match Games
- Circus Make a Short Vowel Word Family Game
- Circus Short Vowel Sounds Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences
- Circus Rhyming Word Games
- Circus Build a Word Game
3. Circus Mathematics Centers and Activities
Let us look at some Circus 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 Circus thematic unit math activities with your students!
Circus Themed Math Centers & Activities:
- Circus Counting Student Booklet
- Circus Ten Frame Roll & Cover Game
- Circus Number & Number Word Match Game
- Circus Counting Games
- Circus Number & Ten Frames Matching Game
- Circus Roll & Cover Math Games
- Circus Addition & Subtractions Facts Clip Game
- Circus Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Circus Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtractions Sentences with Ten Frames
- Circus Build 3-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Circus 5 In a Row Math Game Cards: 2 & 3 Addends
- Circus Roll & Bump Math Games: 2 & 3 Addends
4. Circus Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
Circus is a great season to do investigations in science and social studies. There are several Circus activities that you can do with your students that promote learning in these areas. Here are some suggestions for you!
Circus Themed Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
- Circus Writing Word Bank
- “Circus Senses” Student Booklet
- “Circus Traditions” Classroom Book
- “Circus Around the World” Informational Writing Text
- Circus Slime
- Cotton Candy Experiment
- Elephant Toothpaste Explosion
- History of the Circus?
- Circus Acts Reports
- Circus Student Story
5. Circus Art & Technology Centers & Activities
Who does not love to see beautiful Circus art projects? Students will love to create Circus themed art projects along with using technology to work on learning skills in this theme. Look of these ideas for you!
Circus Themed Art & Technology Centers & Activities
- Circus Elephant Art Project
- Circus Clown Art Project
- Tissue Paper Lions
- Clown Cupcakes
- Circus Tents
- Circus Letter & Sound Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Circus Counting Google Slides
- Circus Build a Word BOOM Cards
- Circus Number & Ten Frame Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Circus Patterns BOOM Cards
In summary, there are many engaging Circus 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.
Find some more Thematic Units and ideas in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more topics about thematic units check out my blog, “Why Use Thematic Units In Your Classroom or Home School?”
