Integrating the Curriculum

Theme TeachingPlay

Authentic Assessments

Benefits of Theme Teaching

• Helps children develop concepts• Addresses individual needs• Helps them become mentally

absorbed• Promotes group cohesiveness• Accommodates children’s changing

interests• Motivates children & Teachers

Students of Theme Teaching

• Learn in-depth factual information• Become physically involved with

learning• Learn process skills• Learn “how to learn”• Integrates learning in a holistic

way

Problems with Theme Teaching

• Poor implementation• Developmentally inappropriate• Too narrow a topic/no meaning• Value content over process• Limited factual information that

children are learning• Limited skills taught

Creating Thematic Units: Resources & Criteria

• Children’s Interests• Special Events• Unexpected

Happenings• Program Mandated

Content• Teacher/ Parent

Interests

• Relevant & Meaningful

• Hands-on Activities• Diversity• Balance across

curriculum• Plentiful resources• Project potential

Getting Started

• Select book/author• Search references• Brainstorm ideas• Work on web• Assign at least 2

activities to each domain

• Vary instruction

• Commit ideas to paper• Minimum of 2 theme

based activities/day• One literacy/day• Consider classroom

management• Detail your activities• Plan learning centers

Five day Teaching Unit

• Unit Summary & Goals

• Integrative Activities– Title, curricular area,

objective, skills & concepts taught, methods of instruction (strategies), assessment of activity

• Learning Centers• Materials• Unit Plan for

Assessment• Bibliography• Appendix for

patterns, songs, etc.

Implementing Themes- p. 521

Group Work: Go over steps of implementing themes - come up with 3 ideas to help you with your unit.

Discussion Questions for YOU!

• Must every activity relate to a theme?• How long does a typical unit last?• What is the difference between theme

planning for 3 & 4 years olds and 6-8 year olds?

• How do I fit in Theme Teaching with so much required content to cover?

MORE Discussion

• Aren’t themes too time consuming for teachers to prepare?

• Can I change my mind about my unit topic?

• Why repeat a theme?• What about themes revolving around the

holidays?• How do I individual instruction in

themes?