Thematic Learning

Students dressed in traditional West African clothing during thematic unit on Yoruba of Nigeria.

Charles River School’s course of study is largely devoted to thematic, or interdisciplinary, learning with a global focus. This integrated approach gives children context for their learning and helps them make connections. They become inquisitive thinkers who are immersed in the learning process Reading materials, writing assignments, science experiments even art projects, can emerge out of classroom themes, from PreK through Grade 8.

CRS students gain valuable, in-depth knowledge of a subject, such as The Changing Face of America and Ancient Greece. While studying these great ideas and pivotal eras in world history, students look for patterns and make connections. They cross boundaries from one skill area to the next and navigate their way within and around important subjects. For example, the experience of immigration —the forced migration of slaves, the elective migration of Europeans through Ellis Island, their lives in America and the cities they settled—forms the core of one class’s learning in literature, history and the arts.

A thematic classroom welcomes learners of different styles, offers children a multi-modal approach and challenges students to extract and apply patterns in their own learning. In small learning groups, with creative and committed teachers providing individual attention, children flourish.

The Suffragette Movement comes alive in 8th grade research project.

Our Class Themes