Are you looking for the top October thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of October.
For each September 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. Fall Thematic Unit
The Fall season continues through the month of October, so you could choose a thematic unit to study this beautiful time of year. There are so many books and activities that can be explored on the topic of fall. Even if it is not your favorite season you may want to share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Fall Literature:
- Why Do Leaves Change Colors: Betsy Maestro
- Autumn Leaves: Ken Robbins
- Apples and Pumpkins: Anne Rockwell
- Hello, Fall: Deborah Diesen
- We’re Going on a Leaf Hunt: Steven Metzger
Fall/Autumn Themed Centers & Activities
- “All About Fall” Classroom Book
- “Fall Senses” Student Booklet
- Leaf Poem & Art Project
- Fall Letter and Sound Match Game
- Fall Counting Math Games
2. Pumpkins Thematic Unit
Pumpkins are a great October thematic unit and offer many cross-curricular activities to do with your students. There is a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature about pumpkins. Along with book, there are numerous activities that include reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills.
Pumpkin Literature:
- The Runaway Pumpkin: Kevin Lewis
- From Seed to Pumpkin: Wendy Pfeifer
- How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?: Margaret McNamara
- The Pumpkin Book: Gail Gibbons
- The Very Best Pumpkin: Mark Moulton
Pumpkin Themed Centers & Activities
- Classroom Book: “All About Pumpkins”
- “Pumpkin Senses” Student Booklet
- Pumpkin Nonfiction Graphic Organizer Worksheet
- Pumpkin Poem & Art Project
- Pumpkin Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Monsters Thematic Unit
A thematic unit about monsters is a fun way to introduce cross-curricular objectives and skills. Kids love to read and sing about monsters, so why not introduce reading and math skills with this wonderful theme. Your students won’t even realize they are learning so many skills when you use a fun unit like monsters.
Monsters Literature:
- The Monster at the End of This Books: Jon Stone
- Where the Wild Things Are: Maurice Sendak
- My Monster Mama Loves Me So: Laura Leuck
- If You’re a Monster And You Know It: Ed Emerley
- Go Away, Big Green Monster! Ed Emberley
Monsters Centers & Activities
- “My Monster and Me” Classroom Book
- “I See Monsters Book” Student Booklet
- Monster Poem & Art Project
- Monster Build a Word Game
- Monsters Roll & Cover Math Game
4. Ghosts Thematic Unit
Ghosts are another fun thematic unit for children. Who doesn’t love to read ghost stories? You can introduce a lot of literature, songs, reading and math skills using this fun thematic unit.
Ghosts Literature:
- The Ghost of Mill House: Margriet Ruurs
- Ghosts Don’t Ride Bikes, Do They?: Victor Rivas
- Ghosts Patrol: Andres Miedoso
- Boo Who? Ben Clanton
- Five Silly Ghost: Hilli Kushner
Ghosts Themed Centers & Activities
- Ghost Writing Station Words
- “If I Were a Ghost” Classroom Book
- “I See Ghosts” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Paper Plate Ghost Art Project
- Ghost Sight Word Match Games
5. Halloween Thematic Unit
At the very end of the month of October is the holiday of Halloween. You can create so many cross-curricular activities that are in the theme of Halloween. Students will love to listen to stories, work at centers, and play reading and math games all with the wonderful theme of Halloween!
Halloween Day Literature:
- Clifford’s Halloween: Norman Bridwell
- The Haunted Old House: Helen Ketteman
- The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat: Stan & Jan Berenstain
- Halloween: Arnie Lightning
- Spooky Pookie: Sandra Boynton
Halloween Day Themed Centers & Activities
- “Our Halloween Costumes” Classroom Book
- “Halloween Senses” Student Booklet
- “ On Halloween” Student Story
- Halloween Roll It! Read It! Short Vowels Game Cards
- Halloween Addition & Subtraction Math Games
Grab your Free, Ghost Roll & Bump Math Games Here!
In summary, there are many engaging October thematic units to celebrate in the 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?”
