Johnny Appleseed Day

Themed instruction has received a bad rap in the last few years. I contend that good instruction, wrapped with a strong theme, helps our students connect learning to the world outside of school. Thematic instruction has research to back it up as well. Susan Kovalik, who termed the phrase integrated thematic instruction, says that an integrated curriculum supports student learning and understanding.

First grade teachers incorporated many of the standards in the first grade curriculum. Fractional parts, measuring and elapsed time instruction took place while making apple pies. Discussion of the genres of fiction, nonfiction and tall tales took place in Mrs. Gray's room. Vocabulary development with Mrs . Winklemann's room with using describing words (cloudy, clear, tart, sweet) in discussing the flavors of apple juice and apple cider. Mrs. Perry's room tasted three kinds of apples and graphed their class favorites. In Mrs. Sexton's room students discussed illustrator techniques and made colorful apples while trying those techniques out for themselves.

Brain research points out that information retrieval is best when the brain can connect meaning to experiences. Today's themed approach will help our students connect abstract learning objectives to real life experiences.