Ls Thematic Paper

Thematic Unit Description Paper

Name Laura Safarik Course-Section TEAC259 007

I. Unit Context 1. Write a description of the unit theme detailing what the students will be learning. My unit theme is animals. The students will be specifically learning about mammals and reptiles. They will be learning about the basic characteristics of reptiles and mammals. In the process of learning about these two categories of animals students will practice math, reading, and writing skills. By focusing on these two categories of animals students will also begin to form an understanding of how to compare and contrast. Lastly using technology to present and find information exposes these young students to technology and how it can be used. 2. What is the target subject area/class? The target subject area for this thematic unit would be a kindergarten classroom. This unit targets various subjects such as reading, writing, art, and science. 3. How does this unit fit into the whole learning experience of the students? This unit allows these young students to learn about a specific subject, but it also gives them opportunities to practice basic kindergarten skills that they are expected to enter first grade with. 4. What is the setting or situation? Describe the classroom as you see it. Include information on what computers and other equipment are available to the students. This thematic unit would work well in what I call a basic kindergarten classroom. For this unit, I see the classroom only having one computer with a projector. There is also lots of art materials for the students. For this thematic unit I also see plenty of books about animals. II. Audience 1. General characteristics: Describe the learners, including the size of the group, their age, interests, experiences, and aptitudes. When I think about a kindergarten classroom I see about 20 students from ages 4-6. These students will have very wide range of abilities. More than likely there will be more than 1 student with a disability. I also see these students coming from a variety of cultures. 2. Entry competencies: What specific knowledge and assumptions can you make about them? Remember to describe their computer competence. I see my students coming with a variety of competencies. Most will probably know what a computer is, but some may not have any idea of how to use one. It is hard to make any

assumptions about these students because for some it might be their first time in a school setting.

III. State Objectives 1. State Goal The overall goal of this thematic unit is for kindergarten students to learn about mammals and reptiles using a variety of skills. The skills the kindergarten students have to practice in this thematic unit are necessary for future school success. 2. State Objective 1 (A)Kindergarten students (B)will choose a mammal and create a picture of their mammal (C)using various shapes of all different colors (D)within twenty minutes. 3. State Objective 2 (C)After learning about the basic characteristics of reptiles (A)kindergarten students (B)will complete a 4 page mini book about a reptile of their choice (D)within 30 minutes. 4. State Objective 3 (A)Kindergarten Students (B)will create a Venn Diagram (C)using construction paper, glue, pictures of both mammals and reptiles, and already typed out facts (D)that compares general characteristics of mammals and reptiles. IV. State Methods 1. Instructional Strategy: Identify the instructional strategies you might use to deliver this unit with. These are as follow: a. Method(s) for objective 1 Methods for objective 1 are Presentation and Discussion. We first discuss as a class what animals the students are familiar with. My media complements the presentation strategy when I use power point to present the mammal power point. During this presentation the students and I discuss the characteristics of mammals. b. Method(s) for objective 2 For objective 2 I use presentation, discussion, and cooperative learning. Cooperative learning and discussion comes into play when we discuss and come up with what we already know about reptiles. I use the presentation method when I use the National Geographic website to present more information on the characteristics of reptiles. c. Method(s) for objective 3

For objective 3 I use discussion, demonstration, and cooperative learning. We first discuss as a class the similarities and differences between the toy reptile and mammal. I use demonstration when I show the students how to make a Venn diagram. I use an interactive online activity for my demonstration on how to make a Venn Diagram. Cooperative learning comes in when the students work in groups to determine which characteristics and pictures go where on their Venn diagrams. Three Websites 1. http://animal.discovery.com/animals/ 2. http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Animals/CreatureFeature 3. http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=378