Kim,
All this is true, AND I think it's silly to argue or even discuss
whether a theme can be a word or must be a sentence.
But that's just me. :-)
Renee
On Jun 19, 2009, at 8:41 AM, Kim Catano wrote:
Renee,
The enduring understandings are the big ideas that have lasting value
beyond
the classroom. It is like taking a topic about Newton's Laws and
developing
an essential understanding of what we what them to understand about the
laws. H Lynn Erickson's book Concept-Based Curriculum and Instruction
is an
excellent PD book about this subject. She outlines what a unit theme
is and
how to design it. She says, "You can state you unit focus as a topical
theme, but for higher-level integration, you will also want to
identify a
conceptual lens for the unit." I may choose a theme like Change, but
add
how we face change with integrity. My topic may be the Depression Era
or
WWII. An understanding I may write: "Students will understand that when
change is faced with integrity there is often a positive result." My
essential questions may be, "What does it mean to face change with
integrity? What does it take to face change with integrity?" Because I
teach
Reading, I then would look at my indicators and write, "How does an
individual's point of view affect change? We would then do a unit
study
with our novels--perhaps WWII on the home front. I could then
integrate
fiction and nonfiction texts.
Kim
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected]
[mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Renee
Sent: Friday, June 19, 2009 10:32 AM
To: Mosaic: A Reading Comprehension Strategies Email Group
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] themes
Joy,
I don't think I understand your question about themes and thematic
teaching. What is it that you want to actually do? I'm so confused.
I never thought that a theme needed to be a whole sentence. That sounds
like a silly rule to me. In my opinion, teaching thematically simply
means that all aspects of the curriculum (as is possible) are tied
together with a major thread in order to create deeper meaning and
understanding.
Can you expand on what it is that you want to do?
Renee
On Jun 19, 2009, at 3:50 AM, Joy wrote:
Beverlee,
If there is a group that can help me push my thinking, this is it. I'm
pondering your suggestion that sentences are needed to describe
themes. That is an interesting idea. Does the sentence narrow the
concept, or does it broaden it?
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"And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make."
~ John Lennon / Paul McCartney ~ Carry That Weight
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