For our homeschool preschool experience, we absolutely love theme-based learning! There are so many benefits to implementing a theme-based curriculum, six of which I am going to share with you. Themes are also great for implementing in my speech therapy lessons. Though it is more difficult to implement themes in a one-on-one outpatient setting with such a diverse patient population, I do enjoy implementing them when and where I am able! Let me tell you why I love it! (And grab your FREE preschool themes printable at the end of this post!)
What is a theme-based curriculum?
A theme-based curriculum is when areas of the classroom curriculum are integrated by themes.
What are the advantages?
- Encourages a love of learning
Creating memorable experiences in the classroom, whether at home or in a traditional classroom, can instill a love of learning that far exceeds the preschool experience. Think about this… We live our lives to learn and grow. This can make an impact on the rest of their life!
- Allows for learning in context
When children learn about a topic in context, they are able to form deeper connections with the material presented. This helps children to see and make relationships with that material. When children learn about different themes and related thematic concepts, this allows for a close resemblance to how life is experienced in real life. They are able to understand what they’re learning and why, as well as attach ideas and skills to specific contexts. In turn, they are able to remember what they have learned and apply it to their own lives.
- Encourages authentic communication
Presenting new information in the context of a particular theme provides children with the tools and vocabulary necessary to communicate about a topic. This may be done in dramatic play opportunities, scripted or modeled play routines, or by introducing new, related vocabulary associated with each particular theme.
- Encourages core values
Theme-based learning encourages the core values of respect and cooperation. This type of teaching style builds effective peer learning groups and encourages cooperation when implemented in a traditional or homeschool classroom of 2+ children.
- Increases engagement
There’s something for everyone in a theme-based learning environment! This increases engagement with children and allows them to enjoy the content they’re learning about, especially when teaching a theme that is already of interest to the child. This may also allow children to become interested in a topic they were less familiar with or not at all familiar with prior to being exposed to the topic in their classroom curriculum.
- Supports different learning styles
There are several different learning styles, such as visual, verbal, logical, tactile, social, and more. Every child comprehends information differently and in their own way. With all the ways themes can be presented in a learning environment, children are given the ability to learn material and demonstrate understanding in multiple ways.
I have created a handout with tons of themed ideas for you to use! We have used so many of these in our curriculum, which I will be sharing in later posts. Be sure to check back to see how we did our themes! In the meantime, snag your copy of my handout and start brainstorming your own ideas!
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRESCHOOL THEMES PRINTABLE BELOW!
Preschool-Themes-Freebie-PDF
Love your list of theme-based learning ideas! So many of them make it easy to incorporate field trips and tie in important social and life skills. Awesome job! Keep those ideas coming!