Creating Thematic Units

1. Creating Thematic Units Oh so many ways�. Presentation for EDEX 750

2. Considerations Select topic for unit Review standards related to topic & NETS Consider structure/sequence- options Develop lessons using technology Research web sites to use Locate software

3. Selecting a Theme Begin by identifying a title or theme to acknowledge a content area of study. This is the �hook� for your students to engage in meaningful activities.

4. Units, standards, & Curriculum Mapping Map Standards and essential skills for a year- NETS & skills Consider three questions: What do all students need to know for enduring understanding? What concepts are essential to know and do? What concepts are worth being familiar with?

5. 1- Centers Computer center features software of the week or the day Teacher demonstrates the skill and activity prior to student use at center Students work with aide, peer tutor, or partner

6. 2- Daily Lessons Daily lessons on the theme Progressive activities that build on the skill from the day before. Activities that are related and sequential

7. 3- Thematic across content Thematic activities for each content area Activities do NOT have to be progressive Related in �theme� but not necessarily in skills Activity for each content area: Math, language arts, social studies, science, health, art, music, PE

8. 4- Theme to learn technology  Theme is the source to focus all activities when learning new technology Works well in a middle school, when the focus is actually productivity skills such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, research skills, presentation program Technology skills build sequentially

9. 5- Semester Unit Semester unit with weekly lessons Integrate functional skills in a high school setting Focus on life, vocational, and community skills such as money management, getting a job, health care, shopping

10. 6- Activities related to reading Activities to accompany reading text Resource teachers with not enough time to integrate units with daily reading instruction Focus instructional time on remediation Use technology to relate stories in reading text to �big ideas� in science or social studies.

11. 7- Focus on Basic Skills Units on specific skills or group of standards Math problem solving Reading comprehension

12. Incorporating Technology and UDL: Word processing for content and skill Web activities for information and HOTS Graphics and text for desktop publishing Spreadsheets to contrast and compare Software for enhancing concepts Multimedia for presentation or concepts Assistive Tech for adaptations/accommodations

13. Software, Web and Lessons Incorporating technology-based activities Locating and selecting software Creating web-based learning

14. Web-based Activities TrackStar Webquest Xcursion Central Toolboxes Interactive simulations/games

15. Software Examples Software that relates directly to unit content Stellaluna for the unit on Bats Software with related context but works on skills. Earobics with a unit on Pirates Software with research related skills First Amazing Dictionary Laserdisc and CD-Rom Image banks for visuals imagery and anchored instruction

16. Tools for accommodations Software and web sites to enhance/ embellish instruction, provide additional or alternative information Adaptive tools to allow students increased access to the general education curriculum

17. Accommodations for web or software-based activities.

18. Putting it all together Follow project outline and rubric Write up an annotated list of lessons and use of technology. Be creative on use of space and formatting. Don�t wait until the last minute to put it all together