Outlines 39 multidisciplinary learning activities about the circus, 19 for the primary grades and 20 for the middle grades. (SJL)

This learning center for six- and seven-year olds presents language, math, science, and study skill activities about peanuts. (SJL)

Part of the larger Informal Education Series, this publication brings together many of the materials prepared by Rosanne Kessens for teachers and parents involved in Follow Through settings. Contents first explore theme development as an integrated approach to learning and then describe strategies for planning themes. Subsequent materials offer…

Intended as a response to recent developments in reading research and a demand by primary-grade teachers for a comprehension-based instructional framework, this book adapts the Guided Comprehension Model introduced in the author/educator's book "Guided Comprehension: A Teaching Model for Grades 3-8." According to the book, the Guided…

Many teachers who begin to implement the Project Approach are already familiar with a learning center or theme approach to teaching, but there are some important differences of which to be aware. Noting that projects are especially valuable for children in undertaking in-depth study of real-world topics, this paper presents the reflections of…

Describes and outlines dramatic elements (character, character objectives, conflict, costumes, and "performance" rather than "production") that help students gain understanding of historical, social, and literary content. (SR)

One of the greatest values of literature is its power to help children understand change as a natural way of life and adjust to the different situations it brings. This paper presents an annotated bibliography of eighteen children's books that deal with change: "Wilson's World,""The Only Earth We Have,""Hills End,""The Little Fishes,""Two on an…

Presents theoretical assumptions and a practical guide to creating a reading program based on thematic units. (FL)

Describes an integrated-thematic curriculum for gifted students in the context of assumptions about learning and characteristics of gifted learners. Specific strategies and steps in curriculum development are explained and applied to a year-long focus on the theme of "evidence" in a multiaged primary classroom with curriculum units on dinosaurs,…

Presents guidelines for developing thematic units for primary students (pick broad-based themes, gather resources, avoid time traps, let student interests guide the themes, create interactive bulletin boards, and organize materials). The article offers ideas, activities, and experiences for beginning a color unit and maintaining thematic teaching…

Describes a second-grade classroom activity in which children took photographs of their school while focusing on common themes generated by their teacher. Includes discussion of materials and costs for the activity, children's expectations, parental help, class sessions involved (instructions, taking pictures, developing photographs, sharing…

Puts movement in the context of "thematic learning" and "thematic learning" in the context of a general approach to education. For a fuller picture readers are referred to his book, "Children and Themes." (Editor/RK)

This comprehensive encyclopedia of children's literature for the lower grades aims to inspire teachers, librarians, and students to delve into picture books and find ways to integrate books into the curriculum. The encyclopedia offers information on themes, focus picture books, and author studies to help educators become familiar with specific…

Describes a procedure used with second graders which teaches analogies and analogic thinking to aid in reading instruction tied to a thematic unit. (SR)

Using a literature-based thematic unit to teach language arts in concert with science, social studies, mathematics, and art, a Scottish teacher instilled in her 6- and 7-year-old pupils an understanding of their own lives, a love for language, and a feeling of satisfaction and pride in their accomplishments. The teacher developed a topic based on…