Farm Thematic Unit

I can’t think about a farm thematic unit without a little John Denver flying through my head.

“Well life on the farm is kinda laid back
Ain't much an old country boy like me can't hack
It's early to rise, early in the sack
Thank God I'm a country boy…”

The smells, the sights, the sounds, and yes, even the joys of manure pies are among farm-life fun that I am always anxious to share with my students. I grew up on a Dairy - Turkey Farm in Utah filled with fields of alfalfa, corn, and discovery. I also enjoyed my Grandpa’s Honey Farm, I loved those bee-filled trips!

Scott grew up on a Family Farm in Idaho. We both love the fresh farm life of our youth. Scott is actually a character in the book “The Pony Express” available in the Go Gona Go Series. These adorable farm-themed books feature the farm of Scott’s Idaho Youth as seen through Gona’s eyes.

A farm theme is a great example of how starting with a general idea can mushroom into many smaller themes. Actually every facet of a farm could lend itself to thematic instruction. After I present the broad theme of the farm, I let my student’s interests guide the way to the facets that most interest them. Some areas my classroom has explored is The Little Red Hen, ducks, turkeys, pigs, Mrs. Wishy Washy, apples, pumpkins, and MORE. The links from a farm-theme is limitless! In fact, you could do Farm all year long!

As with all themes, I like to start with quality literature. My favorite place to begin a thematic quest, is with my classroom, school, public libraries and places like amazon.com. One of my favorite books to begin a farm study with, is my all-time favorite, Mrs. Wishy Washy. This tale by Joy Cowley has been loved by all of my students for nearly three decades. They always beg for it again and again. Additionally to a farm study, it is a great book for an author’s study later down the road, as she has written so many great versions, and additional stories for this great character.

Here is an original song that I made to the tune of Turkey in the Straw. It is about of course, Mrs. Wishy Washy!

This fun song encourages students to further enjoy Mrs. Wishy Washy and her farm. The original Mrs. Wishy Washy story does not have a cat, but imagine my students excitement as a cat is introduced in other stories like Mr. Dishy Washy, and Mrs. Wishy Washy’s Tub.

The song also makes a great pocket chart song. With it's simple lyrics, students can easily build the song in the chart after it has been introduced and sung as a group.

After you have selected the books, the songs, and the fingerplays, it is time to include all cross-curricular elements into the learning. Our thematic unit is packed with ideas! We have done most of the planning for you. We even include your own planning guide. Check out the Unit in action on Youtube.