Are you looking for the top five August thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list of units to explore some wonderful topics for the month of August.
For each August 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. Camping Unit
Grab your gear and head out to the great outdoors! A camping thematic unit is a great way to celebrate the summer or it is a great beginning of the year theme. Kids love to learn about the outdoors and the camping theme.
Camping Literature:
- A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee: Chris Van Dusen
- Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping: Peggy Parish
- Bailey Goes Camping: Kevin Henkes
- Curious George Goes Camping: Margaret & H.A. Rey
- Fred and Ted Go Camping: Peter Eastman
Camping Themed Centers & Activities
- Classroom Book: “Going Camping”
- “I See Camping Trip” Student Counting Booklet
- Campfire Art Project
- Camping Gear Match Game
- Camping Number & Ten Frame Match
2. S’mores Thematic Unit
S’mores are a delicious camping treat, why not do a thematic unit on these tasty treats. There are so many books and activities that are centered around the delightful s’mores!
S’mores Literature:
- S is for S’mores: A Camping Alphabet: Helen Foster James
- S’mores Indoors: Eric Robertson & Linda Sing
- 1 2 3 a S’more with Me: Elizabeth Gauthier
- Indoor S’mores: Nick Fauchal
- So Much S’more to Do: Beth Clark
S’mores Themed Centers & Activities
- S’mores: Classroom Book
- “S’more Senses” Student Booklet
- S’more Paper Plate Art Project
- S’mores Beginning Sound & Letters Match Game
- S’mores Roll & Cover Math Games
3. Sunflowers Thematic Unit
The sunflower is a wonderful thematic unit to explore in the month of August. These beautiful flowers are a great topic for students to learn about what plants need to thrive and grow. There are a number of fiction and non-fiction books related to the topic of sunflowers.
Sunflowers Literature:
- S Is for Sunflower: Devin Scillian
- Sunflower House: Eve Bunting
- Camille and the Sunflowers: Laurence Anholt
- This is the Sunflower: Lola M. Schaefer
- From Seed to Sunflower: Mari Schuh
Sunflowers Centers & Activities
- “How to Grow a Sunflower” Classroom Book
- Sunflower Sequencing Student Page
- Sunflower Art Project
- Sunflower Make a Short Vowel Word Family
- Sunflower Counting Games
4. Back to School Thematic Unit
Starting school for the first time, or even going back to school after summer break can be very scary for some kids. A thematic unit about coming back to school could be a great stress reliever for kids. There are some wonderful books and activities you can do with this theme.
Back to School Literature:
- First Day Jitters: Julie Danneberg
- Splat the Cat-Back to School, Splat!: Rob Scotton
- This School Year Will be the Best: Kay Winter
- First Day of School: Anne Rockwell
- Amelia Bedelia First Day of School: Herman Parish
Back to School Themed Centers & Activities
- Our First Day Jitters: Classroom Book
- Back to School Senses Student Booklet
- “All About Me” Art Project
- Back to School Roll It & Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
- Back to School Counting Games
5. School Thematic Unit
It doesn’t have to be just a back to school thematic unit, just reading and doing activities centered around the school theme would be great! The literature and activities on this topic are endless!
School Literature:
- If You Take a Mouse to School: Laura Numeroff
- Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?: Eric Carle
- Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes: Eric Litwin
- Mouse Loves School : Laura Thompson
- The Berenstain Bears Go to School: Jan Berenstain
- David Goes to School: David Shannon
School Themed Centers & Activities
- “School Counting” Student Booklet
- School Story Graphic Organizer
- School & Kids Number & Number Word Match Game
- School Build A Word Game
- School Roll & Cover Math Game
Grab your Free, School Rhyming Match Game Here!
In summary, the month of July is filled with many engaging thematic units to celebrate this month. 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?”
