Most Enjoyable Thematic Units

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Upper Elementary Teachers Chatboard

Most Enjoyable Thematic Units

by Michelle

Feb 7, 2009

What thematic units do you teach in grades 3-5 that your students seem to enjoy the most?

I was thinking of doing something new in both science and social studies and am looking for a jumping off point.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Michelle

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Jen in NY 5th grade in NY we have to study Mexico and Latin America. We have chosen to study Mexico and its people through chocolate. Students study chocolate, it's origins, history, production and economics. Them they create a poster to show what they have learned. At the end we hae a choclate festival with center activites around chocolate.

Here's...See More

Feb 7, 2009

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Lisa We don't have a lot of choice in what we teach in Science and Social studies, but a few that have been a success have been medieval times and ancient egypt. Both topics fascinate the kids and there are lots of ways to tie in other subjects to these topics.

> What thematic units do you teach in grades 3-5 that your > students seem t...See More

Feb 7, 2009

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Linda/OH My favorite to teach and the students respond well to is our biography unit that integrates some social studies-important OHioans. It's a 6 week unit that starts with lots of picture book read alouds , charting qualities of important people's and their contributions, then students reading in lit circles, finally choosing an Ohioan to research. it c...See More

Feb 8, 2009

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Erin Linda, What a great idea....I was curious as to what picture books you use...are they just general biography picture books or are they ones that have to do with important people from Ohio....is there any way you could give me like a week by week general layout to look at...I teach in Tennessee but think this would be a fabulous idea to do. :)
<...See More

Feb 9, 2009

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Linda/OH Of course this original idea was not mine, so thanks to whoever created this (I think I got it from this board!) Here's an outline that may help you get started: 1. Build background knowledge about biographies through read alouds (Wilma Unlimited, Rachel Carson, Teammates, Snowflake Bentley, A Boy Called Slow to name a few) over 1-2 weeks We make a...See MoreOf course this original idea was not mine, so thanks to whoever created this (I think I got it from this board!) Here's an outline that may help you get started: 1. Build background knowledge about biographies through read alouds (Wilma Unlimited, Rachel Carson, Teammates, Snowflake Bentley, A Boy Called Slow to name a few) over 1-2 weeks We make a big class chart with columns for accomplishments & contributions, important lessons we can learn, other interesting facts about the person.

2. Lit circles (Rachel Carson:LIstening to the Crickets, George Wahsington Carver, and others I can't think of titles...) 1-2 weeks They add to the class chart.

3. Students choose their Ohioan from a long list. Research begins and this whole process is another 2 weeks or so.They focus on the contributions and accomplishments of the person as well as just cool interesting facts about him/ her!. (I have gathered many books on the well known ones). I help them gather materials from the internet and our school library too.

4. Get ready for the Wax Museum-mostly done in class and finished at home. students create timelines, color code a map to show where they're from, gather pictures/photos/illustrations of the person, props (when appropriate-Edison always has to have a lightbulb!), ans write a short speech as if they were the person.

On 2/09/09, Erin wrote: > Linda, > What a great idea....I was curious as to what picture books > you use...are they just general biography picture books or are > they ones that have to do with important people from Ohio....is > there any way you could give me like a week by week general layout > to look at...I teach in Tennessee but think this would be a > fabulous idea to do. :) > > Erin > > On 2/08/09, Linda/OH wrote: >> My favorite to teach and the students respond well to is our >> biography unit that integrates some social studies-important >> OHioans. It's a 6 week unit that starts with lots of picture >> book read alouds , charting qualities of important people's and >> their contributions, then students reading in lit circles, >> finally choosing an Ohioan to research. it culminates with our >> Ohiobio Wax Museum-where classes and families come to tour. >> Students prepare a speech, make a trifold display and dress as >> the person-loads of learning and fun! >> >> On 2/07/09, Jen in NY wrote: >>> 5th grade in NY we have to study Mexico and Latin America. >>> We have chosen to study Mexico and its people through >>> chocolate. Students study chocolate, it's origins, history, >>> production and economics. Them they create a poster to show >>> what they have learned. At the end we hae a choclate >>> festival with center activites around chocolate. >>> >>> Here's a site to get you started... >>> [link removed];

Feb 10, 2009

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