Choose your theme according to seasons, holidays and familiar topics children love, such as dinosaurs, teddy bears, outer space and creatures from the sea. Incorporate necessary skills (e.g., colors, numbers, letters and shapes) into these themes. Make sure that each center in the classroom incorporates a theme.
Literary development begins at a very early age, so be sure to provide plenty of books, stories and circle-time discussions. Children will thus expand their vocabulary, listening skills and comprehension. A print-rich environment is very important to themes, so include appropriate books, pictures, alphabet charts and labels in the classroom.
The art center is a place where children can express themselves creatively and explore a variety of art materials. Plan art projects that integrate the themes chosen, but also leave time for open-ended art where there is no right or wrong. In this way, you will help them build individual creativity.
Blocks can be incorporated into a theme unit and are an excellent way for children to work together building and socializing. Children learn eye/hand coordination and visual discrimination while playing with blocks. Depending on the size of the blocks, children can develop fine and gross motor skills. Pre-math skills are taught in the block center where children are engaged in concepts related to colors, shapes, size and quantity.
Be creative with the materials that are available, and reinforce all areas of early childhood learning into the theme units. Remember that young children learn through play and their senses. From January to December, there are numerous topics to incorporate into a thematic curriculum for preschoolers. Chart a unit on your calendar for every week, and plan activities around these themes.