What is thematic instruction?Thematic instruction is a method of teaching

in which learning is centered around one unifying theme or topic.

natural way for students to learnpre-kindergarten through 12th gradetime-consuming to organizeA Thematic Unit is a series of lessons that

integrate subjects across the curriculum, that all tie into the main theme of the unit.

Why Use a Thematic Unit approach1. Students interest2. Keeps students engaged 3. Connections from the real world and life

experiences4. Interdisciplinary nature of learning. 5. Collaborative and cooperative learning. 6. Integrates students’ skills into creative activities. 7. Assessment strategies8. Teacher can be creative, authentic, and original9. Different ways of learning10. Effective use of technology

Self-directed learning Thematic units do not depend on textbooks

and worksheets, but require students to gather information in a variety of ways:

Students may interview people Read from a number of non-fiction and fiction

books Find relevant information online Carry out surveysExpress themselves using their talents

Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsFind an engaging theme Select a theme appropriate for the grade

level. Themes can be planned around books

(textbooks, fiction etc)skills students need to develop, or just from student interest.

Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsSet goals and objectives for the thematic

unit. Decide what it is that you want your students

to learn about the chosen theme and how the theme can be brought across the curriculum to teach content specific skills and concepts.

Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsMaterials Realia

PicturesStorybooksSongsPoemsVideos

Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsCreate fun activities - The activities you

choose are the heart of the unit. These activities need to cross the curriculum and keep students interest.

Learning centers are a great way for students to get hands-on experience while learning important skills.

Final touchIncorporate a culminating activity at the end

of the unit to tie everything together, revisit the theme and increase comprehension of the unit.

Introducing the themeCreate a question or topic.Decorate the classroom acc. to the theme.Read a text relevant to the theme.Play a film or film clip, YouTube video or song that

addresses the theme.Discuss a concept integral to your thematic unit as a

class.Visit a place connected to the theme.Ask students to interview their family or friends or

search the Internet or magazines to gather popular opinion on a particular issue.

Working on the theme of TravellingDo some research (how did people travel in

the past- how do people travel in other countries)

Find storybooks or non-fiction books on travelling

Travel brochuresPostcards-photos-souvenirs

Interesting ways to introduce the theme of TRAVELLING

MYSTERY word cloud

A suitcace in class (sts guess from t contents where the owner must have travelled)

Photos of places or postcardsTravel brochures for different destinations

Introducing the theme of travellingBrainstorm Why ,when and how we travel (means of

transportation)How did people travel in the pastWhat do we need to take with us (weather-clothes

map, books etc)How we plan a trip (reasoning)How we book a hotel room (roleplay)How we book a flight, a train ticket etc (roleplay)How much money will we need (math)What sights will we visit (reading comprehension)

Activities to exploreRead a storyUse http://storybird.comAdvertising poster for your cityCreate a LapbookDrama activity :’’The Underground’’Travelling journalCrossword puzzleTravel proverbs-quotes

Creating a Travel BrochureSelect a country/city to create a travel brochure

about.Research information and pictures about it

Design a cover that is going to catch people's eyes and stimulate their imagination.

WHAT TO INCLUDE in your brochure: Inside: On the inside cover is where you should provide some basic

facts like the:Population Capital city or well known places Important historical facts or sights Geography (you may include a map) Climate (advice on clothes) Language Currency (money)  Attractions (interesting places-buildings-landmarks) Recreational or Outdoor Activities (parks-sport-beaches) Accommodation (where to stay-hotel info) Transport (ways to travel-commute) Food (restaurants-Specialities) Arts and Culture(museums –theatres) Additional information

WHAT TO INCLUDEin your brochure:Describe as many attractions as possible

mention things that may appeal young childrenRecreational or Outdoor Activities

Entertainment is an important part of travel, so be sure you include all the fun things tourists will experience with your travel product.

Use photographs, pictures or graphics to give teasing glimpses of the enjoyment the reader can hope to have. You may use computer pictures , magazine photos or drawings.

WHAT TO INCLUDE in your brochure:On the Back Cover: Close and give contact

information: tel., website. This can all be either typed or hand written,

but please make it as neat as possible!DO NOT copy-paste directly from the

internet. You may fold your brochure like a trifold or any way you like.

 

AssessmentWays to assess student learning in thematic units. Projects (lapbooks-minibooks-dioramas)PresentationsSlide showsSpeeches Essays Posters Journals

offer truer assessments of what students learn when working thematically.

ResultsEven the most reluctant learner gets

motivated when using the thematic unit approach

Learners with special difficulties also respond positively

High achievers excell Everybody is happy (students-teacher-

parents)