Are you looking for some Polar thematic unit ideas to use in your classroom? Create a thematic unit about the Polar region across all the curricular areas.
From literature list to art projects, have your students explore the theme of the Polar or Arctic habitat. Check this list to explore some wonderful Polar unit ideas that can be used with this exciting theme.
1. Polar Themed Literature Lists
A Polar thematic unit has so many wonderful choices for literature. You could create a literature-based thematic unit based on one of the numerous Polar themed stories. Here are just a few Polar books.
Polar Literature List
- Ten Animals in Antarctica by Moira Court
- Penguins Don’t Wear Sweaters by Marikka Tamura
- Artic Aesop’s Fables by Susi Gregg Fowler
- Polar Bear Babies by Susan Ring
- The Three Snow Bears by Jan Brett
- Amazing Artic Animals by Jackie Glassman
- All About the North and South Poles by Christina Mia Gardeski
- Polar Bears Past Bedtime by Mary Pope Oborne
- North by Nick Dowson
- Antarctica by Mario Cuesta Hernando
- Where Is Antarctica by Sarah Fabiny
- Polar Regions by Cathryn Sill
- Polar Animals by Deborah Hodge
- Just Beyond the Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el
2. Polar Language Arts Centers & Activities
There are numerous language arts centers and activities that can be used with a Polar thematic unit. From classroom made books to phonic games students will enjoy the variety of centers and activities while learning about Polar. Check out this list!
Polar Themed Language Arts Centers & Activities
- Polar Writing Word Bank
- “Into the Arctic” Classroom Book
- “Polar Senses” Student Booklet
- Polar Student Story
- Polar Story Elements Graphic Organizers
- Polar Beginning, Middle & Ending Story Graphic Organizers
- Polar Sequence Story Retelling Graphic Organizers
- Polar Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Match Games
- Polar Make a Short Vowel Word Family Game
- Polar Short Vowel Sounds Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences
- Polar Rhyming Word Games
- Polar Build a Word Game
3. Polar Mathematics Centers and Activities
Let us look at some Polar 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 Polar thematic unit math activities with your students!
Polar Themed Math Centers & Activities:
- Polar Counting Student Booklet
- Polar Ten Frame Roll & Cover Game
- Polar Number & Number Word Match Game
- Polar Counting Games
- Polar Number & Ten Frames Matching Game
- Polar Roll & Cover Math Games
- Polar Addition & Subtractions Facts Clip Game
- Polar Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Polar Build 2-Addend Addition & Subtractions Sentences with Ten Frames
- Polar Build 3-Addend Addition & Subtraction Sentences
- Polar 5 In a Row Math Game Cards: 2 & 3 Addends
- Polar Roll & Bump Math Games: 2 & 3 Addends
4. Polar Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
Polar are a great theme to do investigations in science and social studies. There are several Polar activities that you can do with your students that promote learning in these areas. Here are some suggestions for you!
Polar Themed Science & Social Studies Centers & Activities
- Polar Writing Word Bank
- “Polar Senses” Student Booklet
- “Our Favorite Polar Animals” Classroom Book
- Venn Diagram Two Different Polar Animals
- Polar Story
- Polar Animals Water Beads
- Design a Polar Bear Den
- Build an Igloo
- Arctic and Antarctic Animals
- Polar Animal Report
5. Polar Art & Technology Centers & Activities
Who does not love to see beautiful Polar art projects? Students would love to create Polar themed art projects along with using technology to work on learning skills in this theme. Look at these ideas for you!
Polar Themed Art & Technology Centers & Activities
- Paper Plate Arctic Fox Art Project
- Paper Plate Penguin Art Project
- Puffy Plate Polar Bear
- Heart Penguin Art Project
- Handprint Walrus Art Project
- Polar Letter & Sound Match BOOM & Task Cards
- Polar Counting Google Slides
- Polar Build a Word BOOM Cards
- Polar Number & Ten Frame Match BOOM & Task Cards
In summary, there are many engaging Polar 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?”
