Are you looking for the top April thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of April.
For each April thematic unit we will first, begin with the topic. Second, a literature list that relates to the topic choice. And finally, centers and activities that can be developed to use throughout the themed unit.
1. Easter Thematic Unit
Sometime in the month of April, or March if it is early, we have the holiday of Easter. There are so many thematic units or topics you could choose from that deals with Easter. From the Easter bunny to counting Easter Eggs this holiday is a fun one to explore.
Easter Literature:
- The Golden Egg Book: Margaret Wise
- Happy Easter, Mouse: Laura Numeroff
- The Easter Egg: Jan Brett
- How to Catch the Easter Bunny: Adam Wallace
- Pete the Cat Big Easter Adventure: James Dean
Easter Themed Centers & Activities
- How to Make an Easter Egg: Classroom Book
- How Many Easter Eggs? Student Booklet
- The Easter Egg Art Project
- Easter Make a Short Vowel Word Center
- Easter Bunny & Easter Eggs Counting Game
2. Ladybug Thematic Unit
The ladybug is a great unit of study in the springtime. This is topic can cover so many cross-curricular areas that can include science and social studies. There are so many fiction and nonfiction books about the wonderful ladybug.
Ladybug Literature:
- Ladybugs: Gail Gibbons
- The Grouchy Ladybug: Eric Carle
- What the Ladybird Heard Next: Julia Donaldson
- The Very Lazy Ladybug: Isabel Finn & Jack Tickle
- Are You a Ladybug: Judy Allen
Ladybug Themed Centers & Activities
- All About Ladybugs: Classroom Book
- The Life Cycle of a Ladybug Student Informational Text Writing
- Fact Family Ladybug Art Project
- Ladybug Real or Nonsense Word Sort
- Ladybug Addition & Subtraction Math Facts Clip Game
3. Earth Day Thematic Unit
April 22nd is the National holiday for Earth Day! Why not celebrate the earth we live on with a thematic unit of study. From studying the importance of protecting our environment to learning how to conserve earth’s resources this is a great topic to explore with your students.
Earth Day Literature:
- The Earth Book: Todd Parr
- Earth Day Every Day: Lisa Bullard
- The Earth ad I: Frank Asch
- Earth Day: Clara Cella
- Earth Day: Trudi Strain Trueit
Earth Day Centers & Activities
- Our Recycling Classroom Book
- I See Earth Counting & Color Student Booklet
- Earth Day Story Organizer for The Earth Book
- Earth Day Letter & Sound Match Game
- Earth Day Recycling Counting
4. Baseball Thematic Unit
Baseball season is in full swing in the month of April. There are so many books and activities that can be explored on the topic of baseball. Even if it is not your favorite game you may want to share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Baseball Literature:
- Goodnight Baseball: Michael Dahl
- Player in Pigtails: Shana Corey
- Brothers at Bat: Audrey Vernick
- The Kid Who Only Hit Homers: Matt Christopher
- Catching the Moon: Crystal Hubbard
Baseball Themed Centers & Activities
- Baseball Work Bank for Writing Station
- Venn Diagram Comparing Baseball & Football
- Baseball Senses Student Booklet
- Baseball Acrostic Poem Art Project
- Baseball Roll & Cover Math Games
5. Bug Thematic Unit
For the curious bug lovers, a thematic unit about bugs will fascinate them. From beautiful butterflies to creepy daddy longlegs insects are an exciting topic for kids. There are so many fiction and nonfiction books about a variety of bugs!
Bugs Literature:
- Ladybugs: Gail Gibbons
- Bee & Me: Elle J. McGuinness
- In the Tall, Tall, Grass: Denise Fleming
- Bugs A to Z: Carolne Lawton
- Diary of a Fly: Doreen Cronin
Bugs Themed Centers & Activities
- Our Favorite Bugs Classroom Book
- “I See Bugs” Student Counting & Coloring Booklet
- Something that Bugs Me! Student Story
- Bugs Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences Game Cards
- Bugs Roll & Bump Math Game
Grab your Free, Bugs Roll & Bump Math Games Here!
In summary, this month is filled with many engaging April thematic units to celebrate. 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 with 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?”
