INTEGRATED THEMATIC UNIT, GRADES 3-4

                                                    By Sally Smith

Professor Sally Smiths workshop, Explorations of the Unknown, revolved around a discussion of an integrated thematic unit for grades 3-4, incorporating language arts, social studies and science content. Professor Smith spoke about the importance of having thematic units developed to meet the teachers goals as well as the interests of the children. Because the students are a very important element in creating units, teachers should always share the theme of the unit with the students and have them generate questions and areas of research that interest them. The best learners are those who are engrossed and engaged in the topic they are studying.      Professor Smith also mentioned the importance of using the New York State Teaching Standards and current events when planning lessons for thematic units. If children are able to make text-to-self connections between what they are studying and the world around them, they will be better able to conceptualize and link the information together.

Children need to be guided through the unit with individual projects and small group assignments, which encourage participation from all members of the class. Using professional texts such as An Integrated Language Perspective, by Pappas, Kiefer and Levstik and other professional journals such as Booklinks will aid in creating and implementing the unit.

Professor Smiths endearing tone and engaging manner were genuine as she read Starry Messenger, by Peter Sis, the book she referred to as the backbone and basis of this particular thematic unit. Participation was encouraged and the group brainstormed possible sub-topics in the unit, including solar systems, geography, biography, and religion versus government, and a variety of activities, including making journal observations and timelines. Professor Smith also distributed useful materials to all members on how to go about choosing a theme and planning for a thematic unit.  Attending this session has expanded my awareness and understanding of thematic units and I plan on using these techniques in my classroom to engage and motivate my students.

By: Catherine Titone