Monthly themes reflect occasions and activities that are naturally going on during the time of the year. If the chosen theme is something general it will likely include concepts that are present in the child's life outside of the school setting. This type of knowledge makes learning easier and more consistent.
The monthly theme must be able to include many interesting and age-appropriate topics. Winter fun, children's authors, flowers and bugs, fall happenings and holidays around the world are all ideal themes that offer a multitude of ideas. Within the month, the unit is broken down to contain preschool relevant weekly themes.
It is also a good idea to choose subjects that coincide with the available materials and activities. It will not be effective if bumblebees are part of the flowers and bug unit and there are no books, activities or art materials to support the idea. A unit on holidays around the world will need to include more than just the standard celebrations. Thorough research and an assessment of materials are imperative before deciding on a monthly theme.
Decorating the classroom to accompany the theme sets the mood and makes it more appealing for the children. A preschool environment that has distinct centers can also adapt each area to suit the theme.
Laminated pictures, paper mobiles and child created artwork all make superb decorations for themed learning. As the children complete art projects, hang them around the room to contribute. During the winter fun theme, snowflakes look great in windows and on walls. Leaves cut out of red, yellow, orange and brown construction paper look perfect during the Fall happenings unit. Cubby tags made from a themed decoration guarantees that the children see the change when the new unit starts. Daily visits to the cubbies remind parents and children of the subject matter.
Expanding the theme into the activity centers further reinforces it. For example, books about flowers should not be in the language arts center during the winter fun unit. Cold weather books centered on snowmen, ice skating, snow and other winter activities fit the theme and provide interesting points of reference for the children. Keeping all of the books organized by theme in a cabinet ensures they are ready to be switched whenever the unit changes.
Scarves and mittens made available for dress up fun indoors adds to the interactive approach of learning during a winter unit. Planting flower seeds in the science center works well for a flower and bugs or spring theme. As long as each center has some element of the theme, it will be a cohesive experience for the children.