K/1 Theme Studies
Theme studies integrate the humanities and, when possible, science and math. One rich and interesting theme can provide many connections between facts, ideas, locations, peoples, and a students’ life experience. Themes can encompass history, geography, anthropology, sociology, current events, and research methods. Theme study is designed for depth of understanding rather than coverage of facts. In going deep, students not only learn much about a particular topic, they learn how to go deep in other subjects they encounter in their future schooling. Within a classroom, themes may vary from year to year.
Tr. Eileen Grunenwald (2005-2006): Water Habitats
Our theme this year is water habitats. We’ll begin the year with the question, “Where does water come from?” This question leads us into a study of the water cycle. The water cycle naturally helps us to better understand our weather. After our study of the water cycle, we’ll turn our focus to properties of water. Learning about the different states of water (solid, liquid, gas) prepares us with information that helps us to answer the next question, “Where is water on our planet?” This new question leads us to a study of watersheds. Once we study how water flows from streams to pond, lakes and into the ocean and air, we’ll begin a more detailed study of specific habitats and discover what the animals of that habitat need to live and grow. Along the way we will learn to observe with all of our senses, make measurements with simple instruments and ask questions that encourage us to relate cause and effect.
Tr. Dorothy Habecker (2005-2006): Fire and Water
The four elements are the focus of a two-year theme cycle in our class. Fire and water are half-year themes one year and air and earth are the-half year themes the next year so that the children in this multiage classroom experience all four themes. Young children enjoy concrete, hands-on experiences, and the study of the four elements affords many authentic opportunities to explore their natural world. While the specific content of each theme differs somewhat from year to year, depending on the interests of the children, each of the four elements lends itself to a variety of areas of study. During the fire study, the children also learn about the sun and solar energy, as well as light. The habitat that we focus on during our study of fire is the desert. During our study of water we learn about the properties of matter and of water, and we take advantage of our local ponds, lakes and streams for exploration of these habitats. Each child selects a water critter to research and write about. We also learn about our local watershed and water conservation. The study of air provides ample opportunities to explore wind and weather and flight, with special attention to the natural history and habitats of birds. During our study of earth, we have learned about soil and plants and gardening. The children also learn about the ecology of our local woodlands as a habitat, with each child selecting a Pennsylvania woodland animal to research. While the major emphasis of these themes is science, they also provide rich learning in language arts and social studies. There are many folktales, myths and legends written about the four elements and we enjoy reading.
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