THEMATIC INSTRUCTIONBy: Stacy Huhn

THEMATIC INSTRUCTION

What are the characteristics of the thematic approach? How can we use it to help English Language Learners? Benefits to using thematic instruction.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THEMATIC INSTRUCTION

Select the

Theme

Thoughtful

Instruction

Assessment

Selecting the ThemeThe theme shapes the unit,

lessons and topics

What do your students already know? What do they show interest in learning more about?

What will it teach my students about the language, culture and subject content?

Do I have the needed materials to support these activities and topics? If not, can I obtain them?

THOUGHTFUL INSTRUCTION

Build background knowledge and preteach vocabulary

Facilitate learning centers and collaborative learning

Authentic activities for integrating literature

Engage CLD students cognitively with Higher Order Thinking

Use visual aides and graphic organizers

ASSESSMENTS

Formative

Monitors student learning

Allows teachers to adjust lessons as needed

Summative

Evaluates student learning

Usually comes in the form of a culminating, collaborative project

HOW CAN WE USE THEMATIC INSTRUCTION TO HELP OUR

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS?