How to Find the Perfect Children's Books and Materials for Thematic Units

When you are teaching on a specific theme, you need as many quality materials and resources as you can get. Kids learn and retain more knowledge when they are exposed to the material in a variety of formats. Use these tips for locating children's books and other materials for your thematic unit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Visit your Library
   
   If you want resources fast and free, the obvious first stop is your local library. Most libraries now have online databases that allow you to search availability of items from your home.
   
   Try a keyword search for your topic in your library's database and compile a list of books that you might be interested in. To save time, check online reviews of the books you have chosen on Amazon or the Reading Tub (see link below). Cross off any books that you don't want to waste time looking for after reading the reviews.

2. Take a Soak in the Reading Tub
   
   The Reading Tub (see link below in resources) is an excellent resource for parents and teachers looking for quality materials. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting literacy. The Reading Tub has a unique system for reviewing books that ensures that you will find the perfect book every time.
   
   Each book review contains a reaction by an older child and a reaction by a younger child. Notes are made about whether or not the book is frequently requested by children, suggested ages, comments on the book's theme as well as suggestions on whether you should borrow or buy the book. Unlike other review sites, reviews on the Reading Tub give you an idea of how the children will really respond to the book, which is usually the most unpredictable factor in choosing materials for kids.

3. Material Request
   
   When you are in the planning stages of your thematic unit, send home a note to parents requesting donation for materials on that topic. You might be surprised at the useful items that come to you this way.

4. Use the Art Department
   
   Talk to the art teacher at your school. Sometimes there are student workers or advanced art students who can help you by creating visual materials to support your theme.

5. Find Organizations
   
   Write to organizations and companies that deal with products related to your theme. Many times companies will be happy to contribute to your class project by sending additional information, product donations or guest speakers.

Resources

• The Reading Tub
• Barahona Center (Bilingual Spanish Materials)
• More Bilingual Resources
• Book of Hands-on Activities Sorted by Theme

[eac913]

on 10/4/2009 Great article on how to find the perfect children's books and materials for thematic units.