How I Use My Theme Units
My theme units are a collection of activity ideas for
a specific theme. I include art, songs, rhymes, food recipes, snack
ideas, games, motor activities, etc.
I do not schedule my children's entire day.
An important part of being at Nancy's House is being able to play.
I encourage the children to follow their own ideas for play.
But I do want to take advantage of the fascinating
way that children learn in the early years. So I do offer activities
that allow them to explore ideas, use their creativity and learn new things.
Using my theme collections I choose activities
based on my children's interests and attention spans. I may do just
a couple of things each day or I may offer many different activities. For
the group I have now I have found a 'circle time', some kind of large motor
activity and an art activity are enough. If the children are having
fun with it we can always add more. But this group has been doing some
wonderful dramatic play and I don't feel it is my job to interupt them. Other
activities may be set up for individual participation.
I have included lots of activities for those
days when the children want to do more or for years when I have groups that
need more structure. Pick what fits into your day.
