Towards a Reading-Writing Classroom encourages the teaching of reading and writing as parallel processes. Many of the activities, methods and philosophies described in this book nicely complement the use of a theme study approach, encouraging young people to learn to read and write by reading and writing for meaningful purposes. A Practical Guide , by Penny Strube. However, it is just one teacher s approach to theme study. While you may not use her activities exactly as described, you may find useful ideas.
Children learn through the help of other children.
Children are motivated to learn when they are given a choice. Learning takes place when there is a purpose. Children increase their knowledge when they share it. Children are ultimately responsible for their own learning. In any given theme study, children will choose the part of the theme that is important and relevant to their lives, and they will establish their own purpose for learning.