"Deep Dive into Creating Thematic Units" Professional Development

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore impactful strategies to elevate your teaching practice. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode is all about one of the most dynamic and engaging approaches to teaching—Creating Thematic Units.

We’ll explore how this strategy works across elementary, middle, and high school levels, delve into the benefits and challenges, and share some powerful examples to inspire your classroom. Stick around for two additional segments on how to integrate thematic units with other educational approaches and how to assess student learning within these frameworks.

Plus, we’ll cap things off with a special bonus segment answering a parent question related to thematic units.

Show Notes

For more information on this topic check out the following resources:

• Drake, S. M., & Burns, R. C. (2004). Meeting Standards Through Integrated Curriculum. ASCD.
• Fogarty, R. (2009). How to Integrate the Curricula. Corwin Press.
• Beane, J. A. (1997). Curriculum Integration: Designing the Core of Democratic Education. Teachers College Press.
• Jacobs, H. H. (1989). Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Design and Implementation. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
• Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by Design. ASCD.

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:08

Welcome back to the Teaching with Valor Podcast, where we explore impactful strategies to elevate your teaching practice. I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today’s episode is all about one of the most dynamic and engaging approaches to teaching: Creating Thematic Units. We’ll explore how this strategy works across elementary, middle, and high school levels, delve into the benefits and challenges, and share some powerful examples to inspire your classroom. Stick around for two additional segments on how to integrate thematic units with other educational approaches and how to assess student learning within these frameworks. Plus, we’ll cap things off with a special bonus segment answering a parent question related to thematic units. So, let’s dive in! We will look at the Power of Thematic Units in Elementary School. Thematic units at the elementary level are like building a bridge between subjects that allows students to walk seamlessly from one idea to another. Imagine teaching a unit on“Weather.” You could integrate science by discussing the water cycle, math by calculating temperature changes, and literacy by reading weather-related stories or writing weather forecasts. Each of these subjects feeds into a larger, cohesive understanding of the theme. But why do thematic units work so well with younger students? Children are naturally curious, and thematic units tap into this curiosity by providing a unified context for learning. Instead of learning math in isolation or reading about unrelated topics, students see how different subjects connect. This holistic approach not only makes learning more meaningful but also helps students retain information because it’s tied to a larger, memorable context. For example, a second-grade class might spend an entire month on a“Community Helpers” unit. They could learn about different professions, role-play various jobs, and even invite local community members to speak about their work. This isn’t just about filling time; it’s about making learning relevant and real, something students can see and understand in the world around them. Thematic units also provide opportunities for differentiation. In our“Community Helpers” example, while some students might focus on reading simple texts about firefighters or police officers, others could research more complex topics like the economic impact of these roles. Thematic units allow you to meet students where they are, offering both challenges and support as needed. Not lets look at Thematic Units in Middle School: Connecting Complex Ideas. As students move into middle school, thematic units take on a different form, becoming more sophisticated and interdisciplinary. Here, the focus shifts to connecting complex ideas and fostering critical thinking. Take a unit on“Identity and Society.” This theme could tie together literature, social studies, and even art. Students might read a novel that explores personal identity, study historical figures who challenged societal norms, and create art projects that express their own identities. Middle school is a time when students are starting to question the world around them, and thematic units give them a framework to explore these questions. They learn to see connections between different subjects and to apply their knowledge in new, creative ways. For instance, in the“Identity and Society” unit, a student might write a persuasive essay on the importance of embracing diversity, using examples from history and literature to support their argument. One of the key challenges at this level is ensuring that thematic units are both rigorous and engaging. Middle school students can be a tough crowd—they’re too old for simple, surface-level activities but too young for the deep, independent inquiry expected in high school. Thematic units need to strike a balance, offering depth without overwhelming students. Take a unit on“Sustainability,” for example. This could involve science lessons on ecosystems, social studies discussions about environmental policies, and math activities calculating carbon footprints. The theme of sustainability is not only timely but also allows students to see how their actions impact the world, encouraging them to think critically about their role in society. Now lets look at: Thematic Units in High School: Preparing for the Real World. By the time students reach high school, thematic units can become a powerful tool for preparing them for the complexities of the real world. Here, themes can be more abstract and challenging, such as“Justice and Ethics.” This theme could span subjects like government, literature, philosophy, and even science. Students might explore the concept of justice through Supreme Court cases, ethical dilemmas in literature, and discussions on scientific responsibility. High school students are capable of deep, independent thought, and thematic units give them the opportunity to explore topics that are both intellectually challenging and personally meaningful. In a unit on“Justice and Ethics,” for instance, students might debate the morality of certain laws, analyze how different cultures view justice, or write a research paper on ethical issues in technology. Thematic units at this level also prepare students for college and career by encouraging skills like research, critical analysis, and synthesis of information. For example, a senior class might engage in a thematic unit on“Globalization,” where they examine economic trends, cultural exchanges, and political issues. This kind of integrated learning mirrors the complexity of real-world problems, giving students a taste of what they’ll encounter beyond high school. Lets look at Integrating Thematic Units with Other Educational Approaches. Now that we’ve explored how thematic units work at different levels, let’s discuss how they can be integrated with other educational approaches like Project-Based Learning or Inquiry-Based Learning. Thematic units are not standalone—they can be the backbone of a larger instructional strategy. For instance, a thematic unit on“Innovation and Technology” could easily be transformed into a project-based learning experience. Students could work in groups to design their own technological solutions to real-world problems, using their knowledge from science, math, and social studies to inform their projects. The theme provides a unifying context, while PBL adds an element of hands-on, experiential learning. Similarly, thematic units can complement inquiry-based learning by giving students a guiding question or problem to explore. In a unit on“The Human Experience,” students might investigate how different cultures express emotions through art, literature, and music. The thematic unit provides the framework, while Inquiry Based Learning encourages students to take ownership of their learning by asking questions, conducting research, and drawing conclusions. Finally we will look at Assessing Student Learning in Thematic Units. Assessment is a crucial part of any educational strategy, and thematic units are no exception. However, assessing student learning in a thematic unit can be more complex than in traditional units. The goal is not just to evaluate knowledge in individual subjects but to assess how well students can connect and apply their learning across disciplines. One effective approach is to use performance-based assessments. For example, at the end of a thematic unit on“Cultural Identity,” students might create a portfolio that includes a research paper, an art project, and a reflective essay. This allows you to assess their understanding of the theme from multiple perspectives and to see how they’ve integrated their learning across different subjects. Rubrics can also be useful in assessing thematic units. A well-designed rubric can help you evaluate not just subject knowledge but also critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to make connections between different subjects. For example, in a thematic unit on“Environmental Stewardship,” a rubric might assess students on their understanding of ecological principles, their ability to apply these principles in a real-world context, and their creativity in proposing solutions to environmental problems. Now, let’s move on to our special bonus segment, where we address a common question from parents:“How do thematic units benefit my child?” Thematic units offer several key benefits. First, they make learning more engaging and relevant by showing students how different subjects connect. Instead of learning isolated facts, students see the bigger picture and understand why what they’re learning matters. This relevance can increase motivation and help students retain information. Second, thematic units promote critical thinking by encouraging students to explore complex topics from multiple angles. For example, in a unit on“Global Citizenship,” students might study geography, history, and economics to understand the interconnectedness of the world. This not only deepens their understanding but also helps them develop important skills like problem-solving and analysis. Finally, thematic units allow for more personalized learning. Because they’re interdisciplinary, thematic units offer opportunities for differentiation, allowing students to explore topics at their own level and in their own way. Whether your child is a budding scientist, an aspiring writer, or a creative artist, there’s a place for them in a thematic unit. As we wrap up today’s episode, I hope you’ve gained a deeper understanding of how thematic units can transform teaching and learning at all levels. Whether you’re working with elementary students who are just beginning to explore the world around them, middle schoolers who are starting to make connections between different ideas, or high schoolers who are preparing for the complexities of the real world, thematic units offer a powerful framework for meaningful, integrated learning. Remember, thematic units are not just about covering content—they’re about creating rich, engaging experiences that help students see the connections between what they’re learning and the world around them. They’re about fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime. Thank you for joining me on this deep dive into thematic units. Be sure to check out the resources and references linked in the episode notes if you’d like to learn more or start creating your own thematic units. And as always, if you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out. Until next time, keep teaching with valor.