THEMATIC PLANNING

Core cross disciplinary concepts taught by connecting outcomes to a unifying theme

Students in integrated programs demonstrate academic performance equal to or higher than students in discipline-based programs

BENEFITS

• Student engagement
• Teacher collaboration
• Differentiation opportunities
• At-risk students
• Multiage classrooms

Four essential questions in unit planning

What do all students need to know and be able to do?

How do we teach so that all students learn?

How will we know if they have learned it?

What will we do if they don't know it or if they come to us already knowing?

BIG THEMES

• Circle of life
• Water
• Human rights
• Celebrations

LITTLE THEMES

• The Middle Ages
• Weather
• Vikings
• Rainforest

Are all stages of the teaching unit focused on curricular goals?

Outcomes must be assigned to categories

Build on your experience

See the big picture

Make connections that are natural, not forced

Think literacy across the curriculum

Think real-world math