Are you looking for the top January thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list out for some wonderful January celebrations.
January has some holidays and many learning opportunities for children. It just may be impossible to pick just one thematic unit for this month!
First, let’s begin the thematic unit journey 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. New Year’s Thematic Unit
What a great way to start out the new year! There are so many New Year books and activities to do with children. Here are just a few!
New Year’s Literature:
- The Night Before New Year’s: Natasha Wing
- Bringing in the New Year: Grace Lin
- Happy New Year: Dee Smith
- Happy New Year, Everywhere! Arlen Erilbach
- Happy New Year Around the World: Sylvia Walker
New Year’s Themed Centers & Activities
- Our New Year’s Resolutions: Classroom Book
- How Many Party Hats? Student Booklet
- New Year’s Resolutions Art Project
- New Year Letter & Sound Match Game
- New Year’s Roll & Bump Dice Math Games
2. Winter Thematic Unit
Winter is a beautiful time of year to explore. Children just love this time of year, especially if you live where you see and feel snow. The books and activities about winter are plentiful.
Winter Literature:
- The Mitten: Jan Brett
- The Snowy Day: Ezra Keats
- Animal in Winter: Henrietta Bancroft
- Dream Snow: Eric Carle
- The First Day of Winter: Denise Fleming
Winter Themed Centers & Activities
- In Winter: Classroom Book
- Winter Senses Student Booklet
- Hat & Mitten Tissue Paper Art Project
- Winter Build a CVC Word Game
- Counting Snowflakes Math Game
3. Martin Luther King Jr. Thematic Unit
There are many books that detail Dr. King’s life, birth to his tragic death. They pay tribute this American hero and celebrate his message of bringing peace to all people.
Martin Luther King Jr. Literature:
- Happy Birthday Martin Luther King: Jean Marzollo
- Martin Luther King, Jr.: Marion Dane Bauer
- My Dream of Martin Luther King: Faith Ringgold
- My Uncle Martin’s Big Heart: Angela Farris Watkins
- I am Martin Luther King Jr.: Brad Meltzer
Martin Luther King Jr. Centers & Activities
- All About Martin Luther King Jr.: Classroom Book
- Martin Luther King Jr. Student Booklet
- I Have a Dream Mobile Art Project
- Martin Luther King Jr. Roll It! Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
- King Roll & Bump Math Games
4. Snowmen Thematic Unit
Who doesn’t love to build a snowman during the winter? There are many wonderful books about snowmen adventures. Kids just love to imagine what it would be like if their snowman could come alive!
Snowmen Literature:
- Snowmen at Night: Caralyn Buehner
- The Biggest Snowman Ever: Steven Kroll
- Sneezy the Snowman: Maureen Wright
- The Best Snowman Ever: Stephanie Stahl
- How to Build a Snowman: Jo Moon
Snowmen Themed Centers & Activities
- How to Build a Snowman: Classroom Book
- My Snowman Student Story
- Snowmen at Night Art Project
- Snowmen Make a Word Family Game
- Build a Snowman 2 Addend Addition Game
5. Penguins Thematic Unit
A penguin thematic unit is a wonderful way to celebrate the month of January. There are so many books that study these cute little creatures. The activities and centers that can be done around the penguin theme are endless.
Penguin Literature:
- Tacky the Penguin: Helen Leister
- If You Were a Penguin: Wendell and Florence Minor
- The Emperor’s Egg: Martin Jenkins
- A Penguin Year: Bonner
- Penguins, Penguins Everywhere: Bob Barner
Penguin Themed Centers & Activities
- The Penguin: Classroom Book
- All About Penguins Student Booklet
- Penguin Facts Art Project
- Penguin Venn Diagram: Choose two kinds of Penguins to Compare
- Penguin Addition & Subtraction Slide Math Games
Grab your free, How To Build a Snowman Classroom Book Here!
In summary, the month of January is filled with many engaging thematic units to celebrate the month. You and your children can explore with several 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 check out my blog, “January Celebrations Children’s Books With Literacy Extension Activities”.
