Why should you use thematic units in your classroom or home school? Because it is has many important learning practices. First, let’s start out with the definiton of a themed unit. After that, let’s explore why we should use them? In addition, how to create a meaningful thematic unit. And in conclusion, some themed unit ideas for you learners are provided.
Definition of Thematic Units
A thematic unit is the organization of many subject areas around a central theme. In addition to others, it may include any of the following concepts:
- Connects many subjects together
- Hands-on learning activities
- Units of study
- Combines learning skills
- Different from traditional school day
- Supports student language
- Creates real-world concepts
- Allows higher level thinking
- Promotes a search for meaning and understanding
Why Use Thematic Units
Thematic units are used in a variety of school, in addtion to home settings for many reasons. For example:
- Increase child’s interest
- Keeps child involved in learning
- Allows for many types of sensory learning
- Helps child understand connections
- Saves educators time by combining all subject areas
- Connects real world and life experiences
- Increases assessment strategies
How to Create a Thematic Unit
There are many things to consider when making thematic unit lessons, for instance:
- Theme or Topic Choice: Select theme of unit based on: grade level standards; student interests; and student background.
- Grade Level or Age: Select the appropriate level for grade or age of child.
- Standards and Objectives: Identify the specific standards and objectives that you would like to be learned.
- Time: Decide how much time will be needed to begin and complete this thematic unit: one week; two weeks; or more.
- Environment: Determine whether areas needs to be changed to implement thematic unit.
- Materials & Environment: Look for and list materials needed to complete unit.
- Centers & Activities: Make activities and centers in all subject areas.
- Literature List: Select a variety of books that links to the theme. Consider your centers and activities.
- Discussion Points & Questions: List a variety of talking points and questions. Helps children think about the theme of the unit and how it relates to them.
- Assessments: Build testing pieces that will evaluate the learner’s progress in all subject areas. Use a variety of testing tools.
Thematic Unit Ideas
Units of study or thematic units are a fun way to bring learning topics to life. Therefore, here are some unit suggestions:
- Seasons: fall, winter, spring, summer
- Animals: bugs, whales, penguins, dinosaurs
- Habitats: ocean, deserts, forest, artic
- Holidays: Groundhog’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Halloween, Earth Day
- Food: popcorn, pizza, s’mores, ice cream
- Sports: football, soccer, basketball, baseball
- Nature: flowers, trees, camping, gardens
To kick start your learning activities, find some more theme ideas in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen!
Grab your Free, Pumpkin Themed Mini Unit Here!
Why Use Thematic Units
In conclusion, why should you use thematic units? First, a thematic unit of study is a structure for teaching. It is centered around a specific theme. Moreover, they allow educators to include all subject areas throughout the unit. And above all, these hands-on units help the learner relate to real-life concepts and ideas.
To read about a simliar topic, check out my blog post, “Creating Memorable Literacy Units“.
