Thematic Units

Thematic Units involve science or social studies topics. They incorporate the six language arts elements in activities and demonstrations. The teacher uses the text as just one source of learning for the students. Students use technology to explore and enhance learning of these content areas. Teachers scaffold instruction as students work independently, in small groups, and together as a class. In my Tuesday experience class the students do not seem to have many resources for science and social studies. The teacher spent 45 minutes reading from the text book and then she asked the students questions right from the book. The students were reviewing for a quiz which they would be taking in a few days. Next to the text book the students were given a print out black and white map with some explorers travels on it. I think the teacher could have made the learning more interesting by having the students color the map and trace the course of each explorer. I have not been able to observe a science lesson, but I am excited for when the time comes, I love science and hope that the teacher has some fun activities to do with the students.