Thematic teaching units involve a group of correlated act. that are designed around topics or themes and cross several aras of curriculum
* provides a way to "integrate" new ideas with already effective teaching units
* address diverse learning styles or students we serve
* planned around a book theme, an author study, or any topic that has interest for students
*connections can be made among different subject areas, including math, science, social studies, and literacy as well as art, music, dramatic play and physical activities
Ten Reasons to use Thematic Units
* Increase effective use of computers and technology
* compacts the curriculum
* demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of learning
* increase student interest in learning and time engaged
* expands your assessments strategies
* utilizes collaborative and cooperative learning
* focuses the learner on the mastery of objectives
* integrates word processing skills into creative activities
* models for students the resources used in research
* can safely control web access for students
THEME
* select a theme reflecting topics, student interests, experiences, issues, or problems
* grade level appropriateness
**FOCUS** Develop a one-sentence focus statement
*Objective--identify or four specific objectives you wish students to master by the completion
* Materials and Resources--have these ready after writing the unit
* General Activities--broad-bases, covering the range of curricular ares and reflecting elements of a literature-based program
* Discussion Questions:
Need a variety of open-ended questions that help students think about the topic
Literature Selections--varied
Culminating Activity--a project or activity that engages students in meaningful summarization of their discoveries and leads to new ideas, understandings, and connections
Evaluation--throughout the unit. Don't rely only on pencil/paper tests; select criteria to measure growth
* provides a way to "integrate" new ideas with already effective teaching units
* address diverse learning styles or students we serve
* planned around a book theme, an author study, or any topic that has interest for students
*connections can be made among different subject areas, including math, science, social studies, and literacy as well as art, music, dramatic play and physical activities
Ten Reasons to use Thematic Units
* Increase effective use of computers and technology
* compacts the curriculum
* demonstrates the interdisciplinary nature of learning
* increase student interest in learning and time engaged
* expands your assessments strategies
* utilizes collaborative and cooperative learning
* focuses the learner on the mastery of objectives
* integrates word processing skills into creative activities
* models for students the resources used in research
* can safely control web access for students
THEME
* select a theme reflecting topics, student interests, experiences, issues, or problems
* grade level appropriateness
**FOCUS** Develop a one-sentence focus statement
*Objective--identify or four specific objectives you wish students to master by the completion
* Materials and Resources--have these ready after writing the unit
* General Activities--broad-bases, covering the range of curricular ares and reflecting elements of a literature-based program
* Discussion Questions:
Need a variety of open-ended questions that help students think about the topic
Literature Selections--varied
Culminating Activity--a project or activity that engages students in meaningful summarization of their discoveries and leads to new ideas, understandings, and connections
Evaluation--throughout the unit. Don't rely only on pencil/paper tests; select criteria to measure growth