Are you looking for the top May thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of May.
For each May 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. Flowers Thematic Unit
In the wonderful month of May we see beautiful flowers begin to bloom. This is a great topic that can span across so many curricular areas. It can be worked into your Science units if you are working on life cycles and there are so many informational texts that have written about what one little seed can develop into.
Flower Literature:
- The Tiny Seed: Eric Carle
- Ten Seeds: Ruth Brown
- Sunflower House: Eve Bunting
- Lola Plants a Garden: Anna McQuinn
- One Bean: Anne Rockwell
Flower Themed Centers & Activities
- How to Plant Flowers: Classroom Book
- How Many Flowers? Student Booklet
- Flower Paper Plate Art Project
- Flower Beginning Sound Capital & Lowercase Letter Math Game
- Flowers & Petals Counting Game
2. Cinco de Mayo Thematic Unit
May 5th is the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. This annual celebration is observed to honor the Mexican’s Army’s victory of the French on May 5, 1862. There are many stories and informational texts to help younger students understand this important celebration.
Cinco de Mayo Literature:
- Cinco de Mayo: Mary Dodson Wode
- Marco’s Cinco de Mayo: Lisa Bullard
- Mouse-O: Judy Fox
- Celebrating Cinco de Mayo: Fiesta Time!: Sandi Hill
- Chicks & Salsa: Aaron Reynolds
Cinco de Mayo Themed Centers & Activities
- All About Cinco de Mayo: Classroom Book
- Cinco de Mayo Fact Student Booklet
- Sombrero Art Project
- Cinco de Mayo Sight Word Match
- Cinco de Mayo Math Dice Games
3. Mother's Day Thematic Unit
In the United States we celebrate Mother’s Day on the second Sunday in the month of May. It is a special day in which we honor our mothers, grandmothers or those that have provided us with their maternal wisdoms. There is an abundance of literature and activities to do to honor these very special people in our lives.
Mother’s Day Literature:
- Are You My Mother?: D. Eastman
- A Chair for My Mother: Vera Williams
- Have You See My Duckling: Nancy Tafuri
- Always Listen to Your Mother: Kyle M. Stone
- Ramona and Her Mother: Beverly Cleary
Mother’s Day Centers & Activities
- “My Mom Can” Classroom Book
- “My Mom Book” Student Booklet
- Mother Acrostic Poem Flower
- Mother’s Day Make a Word Center
- Mother’s Day Roll & Cover Math Game
4. Soccer Thematic Unit
Soccer season is in full swing in the month of May. There are so many books and activities that can be explored on the topic of soccer. Even if it is not your favorite game you may want to share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Soccer Literature:
- Froggy Plays Soccer: Johnathan London
- Dino-Soccer: Lisa Wheeler
- K is for Kick: A Soccer Alphabet: Brad Herzog
- Saving the Team: Alex Morgan
- My First Book of Soccer: Beth Bugler & Mark Bechtel
Soccer Themed Centers & Activities
- Soccer Work Bank for Writing Station
- Venn Diagram Comparing Soccer & Football
- Soccer Senses Student Booklet
- Soccer Acrostic Poem Art Project
- Soccer Roll & Bump Math Games
5. Memorial Day Thematic Unit
This is an American holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is to honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. There are many books for children that explain the meaning behind this special day and why it is important to honor those who sacrificed their life to give us our freedom.
Memorial Day Literature:
- Let’s Celebrate Memorial Day: Babrbara deRubertis
- F is for Flag: Wendy Cheyette Lewison
- Memorial Day Surprise: Theresa Martin Golding
- Memorial Day: Karen Latchana Kenney
- Memorial Day: Connor Dayton
Memorial Day Themed Centers & Activities
- Why We Celebrate Memorial Day Classroom Book
- “All About Memorial Day” Student Booklet
- Memorial Day Star Wreath Art Project
- Memorial Day Words & Sentences Game Cards
- Memorial Day Symbols Match Game
Grab your Free, Memorial Day Symbols Match Game Here!
In summary, the month of May 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?”
