What is a Thematic Unit Study?
A thematic unit study allows students to investigate a theme or topic using an across the curriculum approach. It integrates several different subjects and often helps the student to see the “whole picture”. It often uses many hands on activities and leads to discovery through various activities and methods. These studies also cater to a variety of learning styles. While our thematic unit studies will include science and math, the main focus will be on reading, writing and history. Most of the units are geared towards themes or subject matter that is covered in the public schools during middle school, corresponding with the SOL’s. Also, each unit has a “focus book” that the students are required to read. This book is generally a novel relating to the theme. During the course of the session, the students will complete several projects (individual and group), and will have several cooperative learning opportunities.
