Teresa Said:

I need help with creating a thematic teaching unit (speaking, listening, reading & writing).?

We Answered:

It sounds like you're trying to come up with one long activity (30 minutes) and that's way too long for preschool kids. If you want to do 30 minutes on the seasons, line the children up and take them for a walk. Discuss what you see and what season it is. Then, back to school and make a list on the white board or a poster board about what you saw: leaves, colors, ice, whatever. Let the children tell you what to write. Then read your book. Have a series of four little pictures on strips of paper (one per child). You can do this on the computer using clip art to represent each season. Model for the kids how you will cut the pictures out (make the pictures each in a little box so they are cutting straight lines...easier for the younger ones), then paste them in sequence on pieces of paper to make a little book. The children will explain to you how to sequence the pictures as you help them put the book together, then you can ask them to help you write the words spring, summer, fall, winter on the appropriate pages ( say "ssss-spring...what letter do you think it starts with?). Ask them to try to write the first letter and help them write the rest. The older kids should be able to write the words themselves. Then ask the kids to "read" their book to you so you know they understand and tell them to "read" it to mom or dad at home. There ya go: reading, writing, speaking, and listening!