Are you looking for the top July thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list of units to explore some wonderful topics for the month of July.
For each July 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. 4th of July Thematic Unit
July 4th is America’s birthday and is celebrated in so many ways. There are many books to explain the importance of this day and what Americans do to celebrate.
4th of July Literature:
- America is…: Louise Borden
- America: A Patriotic Primer: Lynne Cheny
- The 4th of July Story: Alice Dalgliesh
- America the Beautiful: Katharine Lee Bates
- Happy 4th of July Jenny Sweeney!: Leslie Kimmelman
4th of July Themed Centers & Activities
- Classroom Book: “All About the 4th of July”
- “All About the 4th of July” Facts Student Booklet
- Uncle Sam Art Project
- Symbols of America Match Game
- 4th of July Math Dice Games
2. Summer Thematic Unit
Everyone gets so excited for the summer months, so why not prepare a unit of study about the summer. The summer literature and activities are endless! Why not get outside and find out all about this wonderful time of year.
Summer Literature:
- Summer is Here!: Heidi Pross Gray
- Mama, Is It Summer Yet?: Nikki McClure
- Summer Days and Nights: Wong Herbert Yee
- The Night Before Summer Vacation: Natasha Wing
- I See Summer: Charles Ghigna
Summer Themed Centers & Activities
- Summer: Classroom Book
- “My Summer Book” Student Booklet
- Summer & Winter Venn Diagram
- Summer Beginning Sound & Letters Match Game
- Summer Roll & Cover Math Games
3. Beach Thematic Unit
The beach is a great unit of study in the month of July. You can find many fiction and nonfiction books and activities to study all about beaches. It may also be great to take a field trip to a beach near your home.
Beach Literature:
- Beach: Elisha Cooper
- Good Night Beach: Adam Gamble
- Ladybug Girl at the Beach: David Soman
- Harry by the Seas: Gene Zion
- Science in Seconds at the Beach: Jean Potter
Beach Centers & Activities
- “At the Beach” Classroom Book
- Beach Day Graphic Organizer
- Beach Ball Art Project
- Beach Make a Short Vowel Word Family
- Beach Ball Counting Games
4. Octopus Thematic Unit
If you are studying the beach or ocean, a great animal to focus on is the octopus. Octopus can be found in all the world’s seas and oceans. There are many fiction and nonfiction books about this amazing creature along with some wonderful activities.
Octopus Literature:
- Tickly Octopus: Ruth Galloway
- Angry Octopus: Lori Lite
- Lily and the Octopus: Steven Rowley
- How to Hide an Octopus: Ruth Hellers
- An Octopus is Amazing: Patricia Lauber
Octopus Themed Centers & Activities
- Octopus Writing Station
- The Octopus: Classroom Books
- Octopus Facts Student Booklet
- Octopus Roll It & Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
- Octopus in The Ocean Number & Number Word Counting Game
5. Garden Thematic Unit
Many families plant gardens during the summer months so it would be a great thematic unit to study. There are many fiction and nonfiction books about gardens. Why not start a little garden of your own and have your kids learn how to take care of it?
Garden Literature:
- The Curious Garden: Peter Brown
- The Tiny Seed: Eric Carle
- Growing Vegetables: Lois Ehlert
- Up in the Garden & Down in the Dirt: Kate Messner
- From Seed to Plant: Gail Gibbons
Garden Themed Centers & Activities
- My Garden Classroom Book
- “How to Plant a Garden” Student Booklet
- Plant a Small Garden
- Garden Word Match Game Cards
- Garden Roll & Cover Math Game
Grab your Free, Summer Roll & Bump Math Dice Games 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?”
