Examples of Theme Studies

Theme Study of “Animals” might develop as follows
Elementary students and teachers look for learning opportunities beyond the classroom, and arrange field trips to the Louisville Zoo, a farm, livestock show, animal clinic and pet store. These experiences spark research projects that result in the class creating books about what they learned. Students focus on non-fiction books about animals for their independent reading. The children enjoy a visit from a speaker from the Jefferson County Farm Bureau, as well as the pets of Chance families, including dogs and cats, geckos and gerbils, even horses and roosters. The study culminates with a “Let’s Celebrate Animals” gathering where students dress up as their favorite animals and prepare and enjoy a delicious feast.

Theme Study of “the Outdoors” might develop as follows
Our wooded setting provides students with the opportunity to go outside and identify and label trees, create leaf rubbings, write down the identification, and compile the pages to create their own reference source. One kindergartner picks up a stick and remarks that it looks like the letter “Y.” The teacher uses that opportunity to encourage the class to create a huge alphabet chart using various sizes and shapes of sticks. Another student talks about the time he went camping, so an involved parent who is also a camping expert is invited to class to talk about backpacking. Before long, the children are discussing campfire safety, collecting firewood and planning a menu, then cooking and eating lunch by the campfire.