Summers-Knoll uses school-wide monthly themes as a way to integrate content areas in a way that makes sense to children. We hope to foster process learning and active involvement for ALL students with diverse learning styles. Thematic units involve activities designed to cross several areas of curriculum, and build on students’ prior knowledge and interests. Plus, it is a way for us to build relationships between all of the classrooms, as there are usually one or two opportunities each month to gather meaningfully in larger groups.
Other benefits:
Learning in-depth factual information
Becoming physically involved with learning
Learning process skills
Learning "how to learn"
Integrating learning in a holistic way
Promoting group cohesiveness
Addressing individual needs
Motivating children and teachers
(Kostelnik, M.J., Soderman, A. K., & Whiren, A. P., 2004)
You can see the 2012/13 themes for the year listed on your right.
Our first theme of the 2012-2013 school year is Farm to Table. This will be revisited in the spring.
You can imagine all of the great learning opportunities from this first theme. Of course, we will travel to the Farmers Market to learn about where our local food comes from first hand. We will research how various foods found at the supermarket end up on the shelves. And - my favorite - will we definitely be cooking and celebrating the harvest.
Other benefits:
Learning in-depth factual information
Becoming physically involved with learning
Learning process skills
Learning "how to learn"
Integrating learning in a holistic way
Promoting group cohesiveness
Addressing individual needs
Motivating children and teachers
(Kostelnik, M.J., Soderman, A. K., & Whiren, A. P., 2004)
You can see the 2012/13 themes for the year listed on your right.
Our first theme of the 2012-2013 school year is Farm to Table. This will be revisited in the spring.
You can imagine all of the great learning opportunities from this first theme. Of course, we will travel to the Farmers Market to learn about where our local food comes from first hand. We will research how various foods found at the supermarket end up on the shelves. And - my favorite - will we definitely be cooking and celebrating the harvest.
If you have any questions about using a thematic approach to teaching, please don’t hesitate to ask!
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