The Universal Theme, Order, is typically given to our younger students (Grades 1-2) however this theme is also very applicable to our older students.

Before you start the year, prime your brain to think thematically about order.

Envision Gifted. Think Thematically Order

You can start the year by examining the need for order in our lives, in the classroom, etc.  Where do we see order? Why is order necessary?  Even our youngest students are able to address these questions.

Envision Gifted. Universal Theme Order
Envision Gifted. Universal Concept Order in School


 

Universal Theme – Order in Language Arts

Below are some questions that can be integrated into a variety of stories throughout the year.  Although they are tied to a grade level for the purposes here, there is no reason you can’t use them across grade levels.  This is perfect for a multi-grade class, because both grade levels can use it with the story they are reading.

Image of 2nd Grade Universal Theme - Order with questions
Image of 1st grade Big Idea questions Order

 

 

 

Image of Universal Theme - Order with questions for Order.

A Lack of Order Leads to Chaos

See how one of my teachers lead her 2nd graders through exploring how a lack of order leads to chaos.

Universal Theme – ORDER in Math

The Universal Theme Order is a great fit for math.  Consider how order helps us to better understand place value.  When studying place value, what happens when we change the order of a number?  Be sure to have students speaking like mathematicians and using the academic language to explain their thinking.

Image of Universal Themes in Math- Order
Universal Themes in Math- Order has a purpose.

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