The key to student achievement lies in relevant instruction that elicits and empowers student thinking. This presentation will demonstrate the process of designing thematic units and instruction that focuses on students’ understanding. Current trends in education involve increasing equitable outcomes for all students through relevant instruction that encourages student voice. This type of relevant instruction can involve thematic teaching, backwards design, and a commitment to student understanding. The presentation will focus on creating engaging, challenging learning experiences that encourage and invite students to share and develop their thinking. Participants in the session will apply the research-based practices of backwards design to their instructional units and develop lessons around a big idea or theme. Backwards design and thematic teaching offers opportunities for students to engage with and make meaningful connections with the content. Participants will be able to apply principles of backwards design in their own instruction, connect concepts to an overall theme, and incorporate thinking strategies into curriculum planning and instruction. Through thematic teaching that empowers student thinking, students will achieve true understanding and become lifelong learners.
