Creating Thematic Units

Creating Thematic UnitsCreating Thematic UnitsOh so many ways….Oh so many ways….

So many ideas….So many ideas….So many topics! So many topics!

Considerations & of course the “Expectations”

• Curriculum that is challenging• Assessment & Evaluation that promote

learning• Varied teaching and learning approaches• Flexible organizational structures• Comprehensive guidance & support

continued…• A shared & agreed upon vision• High expectations for all• Positive DMS climate• Educators committed to MS Students• Programs & policies that foster health, wellness & safety Parent participation & our Culminating event

Standards

• GLE – Grade Level Expectations• DOK – Depth of Knowledge• Show Me Standards• MoStep – Missouri Standards• Thorough Lesson Plans!!!

Selecting a Theme• Begin by identifying a title or theme to

acknowledge a content area of study. This is the “hook” for your students to engage in meaningful activities.

1- Centers• Computer center features software

of the week or the day• Teacher demonstrates the skill and

activity prior to student use at center• Students work with aide, peer tutor,

or partner

Structure/sequence of Unit

2- Daily Lessons• Daily lessons must focus on OUR

theme• Progressive activities that build on

the skill from the day before.• Activities that are related and

sequential

Structure/sequence of Unit

3- Thematic across content• Thematic activities for each content area• (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social

Studies)• Activities do NOT have to be progressive• Related in “theme” but not necessarily in

skills• Activity for each content area: Math,

language arts, social studies, science, health, art, music, PE

Structure/sequence of Unit

4- Theme to learn technology

• Theme is the source to focus all activities when learning new technology

• Works well in a middle school, when the focus is actually focusing on productivity skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, research skills, presentation program

• Technology skills build sequentially

Structure/sequence of Unit

5- Semester Unit• Semester unit with weekly lessons• Integrate functional skills in order to

build for a high school setting• Focus on life, vocational, and

community skills such as money management, getting a job, health care, shopping

Structure/sequence of Unit

6- Activities related to reading• Activities to accompany reading text• Resource teachers with not enough time

to integrate units with daily reading instruction

• Focus instructional time on remediation • Use technology to relate stories in

reading text to “big ideas” in science or social studies.

Structure/sequence of Unit

7- Focus on Basic Skills• Units on specific skills or group of

standards– Math problem solving– Reading comprehension

Structure/sequence of Unit

Incorporating Technology and all our staff:

• Word processing for content and skill• Web activities for information and HOTS• Graphics and text for desktop publishing• Spreadsheets to contrast and compare• Software for enhancing concepts• Multimedia for presentation or concepts• SPED for adaptations/accommodations

Software, Web and Lessons• Incorporating technology-based

activities• Locating and selecting software• Creating web-based learning

Putting it all together• Use your lesson plan outlines, rubric &

make the lesson student centered• 88% of the time – teachers are talking. STUDENT LED!!!

continued

• Write up an annotated list of lessons and use of technology.

• Be creative on use of space and formatting.

• Don’t wait until the last minute to put it all together

Our Semester Theme…

Culminating project…• Continuous Positive Attitudes• Parents consistently informed• Parents & Student Involvement• Walking & Talking museum