Thematic Units

When planning instruction for young children, it is important to think about ways to engage them in hands-on learning. One effective way to do this is by planning for thematic units (Bolak, Bialach & Dunphy). A thematic unit is a series of lessons that are connected by a central theme or topic. The 12 thematic units for the year are as follows:

January: New Year’s Resolutions, Winter Animals, and how to stay healthy in the winter.

February: Valentine’s Day, Friendship, and Dental Health.

March: St. Patrick’s Day, Leprechauns, and Clovers.

April: Springtime, Easter, and Renewal of Nature

May: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day

June: Father’s Day, Summertime Fun, and the Beach

July: America’s Birthday, Patriotic Songs and Symbols, and the Solar System

August: Back to School/New Beginnings, Apples/Johnny Appleseed, and Harvest Time

September: Fall Leaves, Pumpkins, and Thanksgiving

October: Halloween, Ghosts, and Goblins

November: Veteran’s Day, Giving Thanks, and Turkeys

December: Winter Holidays Around the World, Santa Claus/Christmas worldwide, and Hanukkah/Kwanzaa.

The above are some examples of the many different thematic units that could be taught throughout the year. It is important to remember that each unit should be designed to engage young children in hands-on learning. By incorporating interesting and relevant themes for young children, a teacher can create a series of lessons that are both enjoyable and educational.

Works Cited

Bolak, K., Bialach, D., and Dunphy, M. “Standards-based, thematic units integrate the arts and energize students and teachers”. Middle School Journal, 36(5) 2018: 9-19.

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Weekly Assignment #5: Thematic Units

During this module you read and learned about planning instruction. An effective, hands-on, engaging method for teaching young children is planning for thematic units.

Thematic Units

Create a list of thematic units that could be taught throughout the year when working with young children. Your list will need to be numbered from 1 to 12 and labeled for each month, and you will need to include at least 2 thematic unit ideas for each month.