Themes- A Perspective

A part of homeschooling that I enjoy is planning the lessons (which is Alhamdulillah has been implemented most of the time, although how far is another matter). The exercise of trying to find different angles to a theme is like a small mirror of the interconnectedness of the web of life we have been blessed with. 

I have breaks in between doing themes where we just go with the flow and read anything and everything that comes by. Then something always come up, and we pick up on this interest. While it might not be shared by everyone, I use the same theme for everyone as it can be levelled to each child's ability and leaning. (and because I am currently teaching three with one tagging along all the time unless she's napping)

When you are doing themes, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on standards. In fact standards can provide you with a focus and streamlines the million and one possibilities a theme can have. From the one theme you are interested in, you can extend the lessons according to subjects. So for example, from 'trains' you can have speed under math, the industrial age under history, Japanese railway tracks under Geography, forces under science and for English, well for English you can connect it to anything from writing to grammar. 

Apart from subjects, going across, you can instead go in depth; exploring in greater detail the topic of interest and moving on from there (ok this is the part where it gets fuzzy). Allow your child every access you can provide him; books, experiments, videos, equipments, tools etc. This method compels the child to learn the skills needed to carry his study further. For example, he might want to grow a plant and to do that he needs to know what he needs to help the plant grow well. 

If you do have a problem coming up with ideas, another way you can approach themes is by using keywords just like in research papers and library searches. You can even work on it with your child and you might be surprised with what he can come up with. Plus, its an amazing opportunity to see how a child connects concepts and observations and how it compares to yours. 

One of my favourite books related to themes is Erikson, H.L's Stirring the Head, Heart and Soul: Redefining Curriculum and Instruction. It is one of the clearest book on concept-based planning and is very useful in coming up with themes.