Are you looking for the top March thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of March.
For each 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. Dr. Seuss Unit
March is reading month! So, a wonderful way to celebrate is with Dr. Seuss. His birthday happens to be March 2nd. Kids love to read his whimsical books and read about the adventures of his unusual characters.
Dr. Seuss Literature:
- The Cat in the Hat
- Green Eggs and Ham
- One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish
- Fox in Socks
- Hop on Pop
Dr. Seuss Themed Centers & Activities
- If the Cat in the Hat Came to My House: Classroom Book
- How Many Fish? Student Booklet
- Cat in the Hat Rhyming Art Project
- Cat in the Hat Short Vowel Switch Word Game
- Fish Number Match Game
2. Butterfly Unit
March 14th is National Butterfly Day! Why not celebrate with a thematic unit about butterflies. 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 wonderful butterflies.
Butterfly Literature:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Eric Carle
- Caterpillar to Butterfly: Laura Marsh
- Born to Be a Butterfly: Karen Wallace
- From Caterpillar to Butterfly: Deborah Heilligman
- A Butterfly’s Life: Ellen Lawrence
Butterfly Themed Centers & Activities
- A Butterflies Life: Classroom Book
- The Life Cycle of a Butterfly Student Informational Text Writing
- Colorful Butterfly Art Project
- Butterfly Sight Word Match
- Butterfly Counting Math Game
3. St. Patrick’s Day Thematic Unit
St. Patrick’s Day is a special holiday especially for the Irish. The books about St. Patrick’s Day are numerous, as are the activities that you could do with your students.
St. Patrick’s Day Literature:
- How to Catch a Leprechaun: Adam Wallace
- The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day: Natasha Wing
- The Luckiest St. Patrick’s Day Ever: Teddy Slater
- The Leprechaun’s Gold: Pamela Duncan Edwards
- Ten Lucky Leprechauns: Kathryn Heling
St. Patrick’s Day Centers & Activities
- How to Catch a Leprechaun Classroom Book
- How Many Shamrocks? Counting & Color Student Booklet
- Tissue Paper Shamrock Art Project
- Patrick’s Day Letter & Sound Match Game
- Patrick’s Day Roll and Bump Game Cards
4. Basketball Thematic Unit
If you are into college basketball, you know all about March Madness! There are so many books and activities that can be explored on the topic of basketball. Even if your favorite college team is not in the sweet sixteen share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Basketball Literature:
- J is for Jump Shot: Michael Ulmer
- Little Basketball: Brad Herzog
- My First Book of Basketball: Sports Illustrated
- The Boy Who Never Gave Up: Stephen Curry
- The Million Dollar Shot: Dan Gutman
Basketball Themed Centers & Activities
- When I Play Basketball: Classroom Book
- Venn Diagram Comparing Basketball & Baseball
- Basketball Word Bank & Story
- Basketball Build a Word Game
- Basketball Roll & Cover Math Games
5. Spring Thematic Unit
In some place it may not feel like it, but Spring begins in the month of March. There are many books about this beautiful time of year that explain the awakening that happens during the month of March.
Spring Literature:
- It’s Spring: Linda Glaser
- And Then It’s Spring: Julie Fogliano
- Spring is Here!: Heidi Pross Gray
- Everything Spring: Jill Esbaum
- Hello, Spring!: Shelly Rotner
Spring Themed Centers & Activities
- Spring: Classroom Book
- “I See Spring” Student Booklet
- Spring Student Story
- Spring Roll It! Read It! Words & Sentences Game Cards
- Spring Number & Ten Frame Match Game
Grab your Free, I See Spring! Number & Coloring Student Booklet Here!
In summary, the month of March 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?”
