Building Strong Literacy Skills Using Themes © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Goals For This Training Define what a theme is. Discuss the value of themes in building strong vocabulary skills. Reflect on how themes can help provide appropriate and engaging writing opportunities. Practice implementing thematic connections throughout the classroom. 2 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Theme T – Thoughtful H – Hands-on E – Engaging M – Motivating E – Enduring 3 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Why Do We Need Strong Vocabulary Skills? To learn new information To express emotions or thoughts To get attention or get our needs met To understand what others are communicating or feeling To participate or be part of things To inform others of something To enjoy communication 4 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Themes Support Vocabulary Themes: Provide a new “source” of related words Build knowledge of the world Help children make connections Give opportunities to learn “roles” (jobs) 5 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Themes Support Vocabulary Themes: Allow time to practice new vocabulary Enable children to use vocabulary for different reasons Introduce interesting realia and props Make learning fun and engaging 6 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Planning a Theme Discuss the planning process at your table. How will you complete the chart from the topic on your table? Chart out, BEFORE, DURING or AFTER. Return to your seat. 7 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Planning a Theme Before beginning a new theme: – Review curriculum materials and books – Select vocabulary from theme books – Create meaningful “print” for room – Determine words for daily letter wall additions – Locate props and realia for vocabulary and theme support 8 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Implementation of Theme During the new theme: – Pose thoughtful questions about theme – Engage in conversations with children and scaffold new language – Observe and interact with children in centers – Notice when children use new words and validate their effort in using those words – Take photos of children doing thematic activities – Create a thematic class-made book 9 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Extension of the Theme After you have completed the theme: – Assess if children have learned the new vocabulary words through activities and games. – Keep using the words and reviewing the letter wall words. – Reflect with children about what they have learned and share new learning with families. – Reread the thematic class-made book. 10 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Large-Group Opportunities Read books that have thematic connection. Engage in shared writing activities. 11 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Large-Group Opportunities Introduce intentional and pre-selected vocabulary: – In conversations and on letter wall – Across all content areas Introduce realia and other theme props. Sing songs and model finger plays or nursery rhymes with thematic connection 12 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Small-Group Opportunities Develop a good sense of each child’s needs and strengths in oral language skills and vocabulary. Use the time to scaffold language and have conversations with each child. Conduct informal observations and assessments. 13 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Small-Group Opportunities Deliver targeted instruction with varying strategies based on individual needs of each child. 14 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities for Dramatic Play New setting for new theme Real-life roles to practice using engaging props Strong opportunity for vocabulary and conversations Learn about real-life settings Problem solving and sharing Engaging and fun for all 15 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Library Create a fresh thematic setting. Read a variety of books that are thematic. Post/use vocabulary words from books. Find puppets/hands-on props for retelling. Use cookie sheets with story figures or flannel board pieces. Use materials that arouse/sustain interest and continue to build new vocabulary. 16 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Block Area There are many language opportunities in the block center when you make thematic changes. As children construct new buildings, habitats, or places, they can learn new vocabulary to support: – Math – Science – Social studies – Social emotional – Art 17 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Art Center Remember to plan vocabulary and use it while doing the art activities. Always talk about and focus on the process. Consider the knowledge you want developed about the activity and the language connection. 18 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Art Center Remember that each piece of artwork is unique – use descriptive language and avoid subjective words. Create a literacy connection and include words for the letter wall. 19 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Math Center Create activities using thematic props. Use target/thematic vocabulary during the lesson. Follow the five strands as outlined in the PreK Guidelines and your curriculum. Plan math vocabulary for letter wall. Move from simple activities to more complex. 20 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Science Center Consider what intentional scientific vocabulary you want the children to learn (thematic). Plan the science center around the PreK guidelines and the current theme. Have “real” materials whenever possible. Use photos and non-fiction books. Use scientific vocabulary on letter wall. Let center help “teach” thematic vocabulary and ideas. 21 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities in the Writing and ABC Centers Create stories using thematic vocabulary and new knowledge. Write and illustrate new theme words/stories. Connect target letters to thematic words. Write the room 22 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Opportunities During Transitions Practice new vocabulary. Provide ways to act out the new vocabulary. Include nursery rhymes, traditional songs, and finger plays (or create your own). Build cognitive skills. Ideas for transition need to be included on the lesson plan. 23 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Other Opportunities to Use Themes Outdoors Music/movement Family Connection 24 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Review and Reflect Consider your current status on using themes in your classroom. What have been your successes? What have been your challenges? What changes/additions do you need to make to your classroom to develop vocabulary using themes? 25 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System

Taking Flight 26 © 2014 Texas Education Agency / The University of Texas System