Thematic Units - A Highly Effective Way to Engage Learners
Have you ever walked into a classroom but felt like you were in the forest, the ocean, outer space, or on a farm? If so, that teacher was likely using thematic units to bring the curriculum to life.
Thematic units are when a teacher uses a theme to teach across multiple classroom disciplines. In early childhood, this is a highly effective way to engage learners. Since the brain naturally looks for patterns and connections, we learn more effectively when learning topics are not segmented, but grouped together and based on our current knowledge (Moyer, 2016). Thematic units increase student motivation and academic achievement (Tuffelmire, 2017).