`Start to Finish: Thematic Unit Planning

`Start to Finish:

Thematic Unit Planning

LaWanda M. Dalton

Hart County Schools

Summer 2014

Learning Objectives

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

develop an integrated unit plan for teaching a thematic unit that includes a hands-on activities.

create 1 hands-on student activity that could be embedded within a thematic unit.

apply information learned to utilize instructional

activities featured on the resource board.

Let’s L o o K atThematic Units !

Instructional materials and examples based on the adapted book “A Small White Scar.”

Electronic Book – Keep the sound files in the

same folder with the book.

Powerpoint File

Sound File

Boardmaker File

Plan thematic units of instruction for students with significant cognitive disabilities that

allows for multiple opportunities for exposure, repetition and practice.

4 to 6 Weeks

Student Video

Compliments of Jessie Moreau.

This is what it’s all about!!

Use a structured format when

planning such as the thematic

unit planning guide.

Develop a Standards Document:

During the planning process:

• Talk to general education teachers.

• Become familiar with the standards. Make sure you know what the standard means. (ex: Ocean and Oceania)

• Do a web search.

• Hang out on Pinterest.

• The planning sheet is dynamic. Jot down additional ideas as you plan and collaborate with others.

During the planning process:

• Brainstorm with paras, OT, PT, SLP etc......... Greater staff "buy in" equals more FUN.

• Create materials

• Develop lesson plans and timeline.

• Adapt plans as needed through ongoing assessment of student progress.

• Plan with the end in mind. What would you like the student(s) to be able to do at the end of the instructional unit?

What do these adapted

activities look like?

ELA: Adapted

Book with

Interactive

Tactile Materials

Place adapted book in 3 ring binder. Place removable pictures with tactile

enhancements on the adapted books pages.

Each page of the adapted book has removable pictures with tactile enhancements.

Examples: The adapted book has removable

pictures with tactile enhancements.

Each page of the adapted book has removable pictures with tactile enhancements.

ELA: Graphic Organizer

ELA: Flip

Book

There is a page in the flip

book for each setting that

the students can use to

show the episodes

occurring in each place

and to interpret character

responses.

ELA: First and Then Questions

Velcro Activity Pages

Writing: Writing Wheel

Writing: Character Trading Card

Writing: Beginning, Middle and End

Math: Smores Algebra

Example of Poster Size Algebra Materials;

Math: Graphing Folder Game

Math: Design a Bandana

Science: Dichotomous Key Game

Science: Simple Machines

Science:

Simple Machines

Science: Simple Machines

Science: Phases of the Moon

Phases of the moon

with oreos

Social Studies: Personal Money

Management

Let’s Plan

Group Activity

How to get the adapted books?

How to acquire adapted

books and activities on CD ?To request a copy of these adapted stories/poems you must:

• Have a legally purchased edition of the book by the author listed (not a photo copy).

• * Public Domain titles do not require a copy of the book.

• Use it for educational purposes only.

• Use it with students who are print impaired.

• 4 When you receive the CD, the envelope and CD must be attached to the inside cover of the book. (Where the CD goes, the book must follow!)

• 5 You cannot make copies nor sell these items to anyone.

• 6 Copying this CD or using it for non-educational purposes may constitute copyright infringement and may be punishable under federal law.

• Send an e-mail to Jerry Amerson: jamerson@doe.k12.ga.us and include the following sentences:I own or have in my possession the following books by the original authors that I am requesting on CD. I agree to not copy or redistribute the CDs

Remember the Resource Board

Hands-On Activity

QuestionsEmail: ldalton@hart.k12.ga.us