Are you looking for the top September thematic units to use in your classroom? Check this list to explore some wonderful topics for the month of September.
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. Back to School Thematic Unit
Starting school for the first time, or even going back to school after summer break can be very scary for some kids. A thematic unit about coming back to school could be a great stress reliever for kids. There are some wonderful books and activities you can do with this theme.
Back to School Literature:
- First Day Jitters: Julie Danneberg
- Splat the Cat-Back to School, Splat!: Rob Scotton
- This School Year Will be the Best: Kay Winter
- First Day of School: Anne Rockwell
- Amelia Bedelia First Day of School: Herman Parish
Back to School Themed Centers & Activities
- Our First Day Jitters: Classroom Book
- Back to School Senses Student Booklet
- “All About Me” Art Project
- Back to School Roll It & Read It! Short Vowel Words & Sentences
- Back to School Counting Games
2. Apples Thematic Unit
Apples are a great September thematic unit and offer many cross-curricular activities to do with your students. There is a variety of fiction and nonfiction literature about apples. Along with book, there are numerous activities that include reading, writing, math, science and social studies skills.
Apple Literature:
- I Am an Apple: Jean Marzollo
- Ten Red Apples: Pat Hutchins
- The Biggest Apple Ever: Steven Kroll
- Our Apple Tree: Gorel Kristina Naslund
- Apples A to Z: Margaret McNamara
Apple Themed Centers & Activities
- Classroom Book: “All About Apples”
- “Apple Senses” Student Booklet
- How Does an Apple Tree Look? Seasons Worksheet
- Apple Core Art Project
- Apple Roll & Bump Math Dice Games
3. Seasons Thematic Unit
The study of the seasons are part of many state’s science curriculum. Therefore, there are numerous books about the seasons and a variety of activities to investigate the seasons. Children can learn all about the seasons through many cross-curricular activities.
Seasons Literature:
- The Seasons of Arnold’ Apple Tree: Gail Gibbons
- Four Seasons Make a Year: Anne Rockwell
- A Tree for All Seasons: Robin Bernard
- The House of Four Seasons: Roger Duvoisin
- What Makes the Seasons: Megan Montague Cash
Seasons Centers & Activities
- “The Four Seasons” Classroom Book
- “Seasons Senses” Student Booklet
- The Four Seasons Informational Text Writing
- Seasons Letter & Sound Match Game
- Seasons Roll & Cover Math Game
4. Fall Thematic Unit
Fall season is begins in the month of September, so why not 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 game you may want to share and enjoy this wonderful theme with your students.
Fall Literature:
- Autumn is Here: Heidi Pross Gray
- Mouse’s First Fall: Lauren Thompson
- Animals in the Fall: Martha E. H. Rustad
- Hello, Fall: Deborah Diesen
- Let It Fall: Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Fall/Autumn Themed Centers & Activities
- Autumn/Fall Writing Station Words
- “I See Fall” Student Counting & Color Booklet
- Fall Tree Art Project
- Fall Sight Word Games
- Fall Roll & Bump Math Games
5. Leaves Thematic Unit
Along with the season of Autumn, the study of leaves and their changing colors are a great thematic unit for the month of September. Children love this time of year, especially if they live in a state where the leaves change color. There are so many books and activities that can be used with this thematic unit.
Leaves Day Literature:
- Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf: Lois Ehlert
- Why Do Leaves Change Color: Betsy Maestro
- Autumn Leaves: Ken Robbins
- Fletcher and the Falling Leaves: Julia Rawlinson
- Look What I Did With a Leaf!: Morteza E. Sohl
Leaves Day Themed Centers & Activities
- “All About Leaves” Classroom Book
- “Fall Senses” Student Booklet
- Seasons of a Tree Student Worksheet
- Fall Build a Word Game
- How Many Leaves? Game
Grab your Free, Fall Roll & Cover Dice Game Here!
In summary, there are many engaging September 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?”
