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 learn pre-kindergarten through 12th grade time-consuming to organize A 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 approach

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Students interest Keeps students engaged Connections from the real world and life experiences Interdisciplinary nature of learning. Collaborative and cooperative learning. Integrates students skills into creative activities. Assessment strategies Teacher can be creative, authentic, and original Different ways of learning 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 surveys Express themselves using their talents

Tips for Creating Thematic Units

Find 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 Units

Set 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 Units

Materials

Realia Pictures Storybooks Songs Poems Videos

Tips for Creating Thematic Units

Create 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 touch
Incorporate a culminating activity at the end of

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

Introducing the theme

Create 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 Travelling

Do 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 brochures Postcards-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 postcards Travel brochures for different destinations

Introducing the theme of travelling

Brainstorm Why ,when and how we travel (means of transportation) How did people travel in the past What 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 explore
Read a story
Use http://storybird.com Advertising poster for your city Create a Lapbook Drama activity :The Underground Travelling journal Crossword puzzle Travel proverbs-quotes

Creating a Travel Brochure

Select 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 INCLUDE in your brochure:

Describe as many attractions as possible

mention things that may appeal young children Recreational 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.

Assessment
Ways to assess student learning in thematic units. Projects (lapbooks-minibooks-dioramas) Presentations Slide shows Speeches Essays Posters Journals offer truer assessments of what students learn when working thematically.

Results
Even 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)