using thematic unit activities with young learners 16-2-13 lastppt
DESCRIPTION
A presentation of classroom EFL activities based on themesTRANSCRIPT
What is thematic instruction?Thematic instruction is a method of teaching
in which learning is centered around one unifying theme or topic.
natural way for students to learnpre-kindergarten through 12th gradetime-consuming to organizeA Thematic Unit is a series of lessons that
integrate subjects across the curriculum, that all tie into the main theme of the unit.
Why Use a Thematic Unit approach1. Students interest2. Keeps students engaged 3. Connections from the real world and life
experiences4. Interdisciplinary nature of learning. 5. Collaborative and cooperative learning. 6. Integrates students’ skills into creative activities. 7. Assessment strategies8. Teacher can be creative, authentic, and original9. Different ways of learning10. Effective use of technology
Self-directed learning Thematic units do not depend on textbooks
and worksheets, but require students to gather information in a variety of ways:
Students may interview people Read from a number of non-fiction and fiction
books Find relevant information online Carry out surveysExpress themselves using their talents
Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsFind an engaging theme Select a theme appropriate for the grade
level. Themes can be planned around books
(textbooks, fiction etc)skills students need to develop, or just from student interest.
Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsSet goals and objectives for the thematic
unit. Decide what it is that you want your students
to learn about the chosen theme and how the theme can be brought across the curriculum to teach content specific skills and concepts.
Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsMaterials Realia
PicturesStorybooksSongsPoemsVideos
Tips for Creating Thematic UnitsCreate fun activities - The activities you
choose are the heart of the unit. These activities need to cross the curriculum and keep students interest.
Learning centers are a great way for students to get hands-on experience while learning important skills.
Final touchIncorporate a culminating activity at the end
of the unit to tie everything together, revisit the theme and increase comprehension of the unit.
Introducing the themeCreate a question or topic.Decorate the classroom acc. to the theme.Read a text relevant to the theme.Play a film or film clip, YouTube video or song that
addresses the theme.Discuss a concept integral to your thematic unit as a
class.Visit a place connected to the theme.Ask students to interview their family or friends or
search the Internet or magazines to gather popular opinion on a particular issue.
Working on the theme of TravellingDo some research (how did people travel in
the past- how do people travel in other countries)
Find storybooks or non-fiction books on travelling
Travel brochuresPostcards-photos-souvenirs
Interesting ways to introduce the theme of TRAVELLING
MYSTERY word cloud
A suitcace in class (sts guess from t contents where the owner must have travelled)
Photos of places or postcardsTravel brochures for different destinations
Introducing the theme of travellingBrainstorm Why ,when and how we travel (means of
transportation)How did people travel in the pastWhat do we need to take with us (weather-clothes
map, books etc)How we plan a trip (reasoning)How we book a hotel room (roleplay)How we book a flight, a train ticket etc (roleplay)How much money will we need (math)What sights will we visit (reading comprehension)
Activities to exploreRead a storyUse http://storybird.comAdvertising poster for your cityCreate a LapbookDrama activity :’’The Underground’’Travelling journalCrossword puzzleTravel proverbs-quotes
Creating a Travel BrochureSelect a country/city to create a travel brochure
about.Research information and pictures about it
Design a cover that is going to catch people's eyes and stimulate their imagination.
WHAT TO INCLUDE in your brochure: Inside: On the inside cover is where you should provide some basic
facts like the:Population Capital city or well known places Important historical facts or sights Geography (you may include a map) Climate (advice on clothes) Language Currency (money) Attractions (interesting places-buildings-landmarks) Recreational or Outdoor Activities (parks-sport-beaches) Accommodation (where to stay-hotel info) Transport (ways to travel-commute) Food (restaurants-Specialities) Arts and Culture(museums –theatres) Additional information
WHAT TO INCLUDEin your brochure:Describe as many attractions as possible
mention things that may appeal young childrenRecreational or Outdoor Activities
Entertainment is an important part of travel, so be sure you include all the fun things tourists will experience with your travel product.
Use photographs, pictures or graphics to give teasing glimpses of the enjoyment the reader can hope to have. You may use computer pictures , magazine photos or drawings.
WHAT TO INCLUDE in your brochure:On the Back Cover: Close and give contact
information: tel., website. This can all be either typed or hand written,
but please make it as neat as possible!DO NOT copy-paste directly from the
internet. You may fold your brochure like a trifold or any way you like.
AssessmentWays to assess student learning in thematic units. Projects (lapbooks-minibooks-dioramas)PresentationsSlide showsSpeeches Essays Posters Journals
offer truer assessments of what students learn when working thematically.
ResultsEven the most reluctant learner gets
motivated when using the thematic unit approach
Learners with special difficulties also respond positively
High achievers excell Everybody is happy (students-teacher-
parents)