180 likes | 347 Views
Creating Thematic Units. Oh so many ways…. So many ideas…. So many topics! . Considerations & of course the “Expectations”. Curriculum that is challenging Assessment & Evaluation that promote learning Varied teaching and learning approaches Flexible organizational structures
E N D
Creating Thematic Units Oh so many ways…. So many ideas…. So many topics!
Considerations & of course the “Expectations” • Curriculum that is challenging • Assessment & Evaluation that promote learning • Varied teaching and learning approaches • Flexible organizational structures • Comprehensive guidance & support
continued… • A shared & agreed upon vision • High expectations for all • Positive DMS climate • Educators committed to MS Students • Programs & policies that foster health, wellness & safety Parent participation & our Culminating event
Standards • GLE – Grade Level Expectations • DOK – Depth of Knowledge • Show Me Standards • MoStep – Missouri Standards • Thorough Lesson Plans!!!
Selecting a Theme Solar System Civil War • Begin by identifying a title or theme to acknowledge a content area of study. This is the “hook” for your students to engage in meaningful activities. Rainforest Insects Explorers Weather Making Breakfast
Structure/sequence of Unit 1- Centers • Computer center features software of the week or the day • Teacher demonstrates the skill and activity prior to student use at center • Students work with aide, peer tutor, or partner
Structure/sequence of Unit 2- Daily Lessons • Daily lessons must focus on OUR theme • Progressive activities that build on the skill from the day before. • Activities that are related and sequential
Structure/sequence of Unit 3- Thematic across content • Thematic activities for each content area • (Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies) • Activities do NOT have to be progressive • Related in “theme” but not necessarily in skills • Activity for each content area: Math, language arts, social studies, science, health, art, music, PE
Structure/sequence of Unit 4- Theme to learn technology • Theme is the source to focus all activities when learning new technology • Works well in a middle school, when the focus is actually focusing on productivity skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, research skills, presentation program • Technology skills build sequentially
Structure/sequence of Unit 5- Semester Unit • Semester unit with weekly lessons • Integrate functional skills in order to build for a high school setting • Focus on life, vocational, and community skills such as money management, getting a job, health care, shopping
Structure/sequence of Unit 6- Activities related to reading • Activities to accompany reading text • Resource teachers with not enough time to integrate units with daily reading instruction • Focus instructional time on remediation • Use technology to relate stories in reading text to “big ideas” in science or social studies.
Structure/sequence of Unit 7- Focus on Basic Skills • Units on specific skills or group of standards • Math problem solving • Reading comprehension Outlining skills Reading for Meaning Creative Writing
Incorporating Technology and all our staff: • Word processing for content and skill • Web activities for information and HOTS • Graphics and text for desktop publishing • Spreadsheets to contrast and compare • Software for enhancing concepts • Multimedia for presentation or concepts • SPED for adaptations/accommodations
Software, Web and Lessons • Incorporating technology-based activities • Locating and selecting software • Creating web-based learning
Putting it all together • Use your lesson plan outlines, rubric & make the lesson student centered • 88% of the time – teachers are talking. STUDENT LED!!!
continued • Write up an annotated list of lessons and use of technology. • Be creative on use of space and formatting. • Don’t wait until the last minute to put it all together
Culminating project… • Continuous Positive Attitudes • Parents consistently informed • Parents & Student Involvement • Walking & Talking museum