Elementary

Theme Learning

Theme-based learning was pioneered over 20 years ago at Halifax Independent School on the Dalhousie campus. The core of the programme is the in-depth study of various topics, under the umbrella of the larger “theme” and in which all the traditional core subjects are integrated. There are five year long themes, which rotate and which are studied by the whole elementary and pre-primary school. The themes are of broad interest, appropriate for any age group and are chosen to reflect a balance of science and social studies sub-topics. Language Arts skills are built into all topics as students report and explore. The five themes are as follows:

Oceans, The World of Work, Discovery, Living Things and Nova Scotia

Elementary students bring energy, curiosity and rapidly developing skills to Theme Studies. These students are encouraged to soak up information and to communicate that knowledge in ways that are accurate, creative and engaging. One year when Discovery was the theme, the Elders got lost in space in early September. Each student was assigned a role and participated in exploring our planet as though it were newly discovered. In the process of exploring they studied nutrition, physical science, water purity and plant and animal life, supporting their findings through both text and computer-based research. They became astronauts and scientists, and presented their research at a “Discovering the Solar System” Fair.

Each theme study involves an extensive investigation of concrete situations and materials including thorough use of community resources. An essential goal of our theme studies is to foster an appreciation of the community and environment in which the children live.

In working through theme, the children learn how to question, analyse, classify and present their discoveries. The sense of ownership, pride and confidence that naturally flows from their learning experiences benefits our children for life.