Going places : a thematic unit for kindergarten based on a functional perspective for learning language

Abstract

It is a constant challenge for kindergarten teachers to create learning experiences and find materials to meet curriculum objectives, in addition to their other daily duties. Therefore, I have developed a thematic unit for kindergarten, which stresses early literacy and integrates all the subject areas. -- The unit, Going Places, explores the social studies topics of transportation and safety. This curriculum package includes a theoretical framework on the functions or uses of language and discourses on early literacy and how the kindergarten child learns, as well as detailed objectives, lesson plans, resource lists and documented copies of resources, to implement a month-long thematic unit. -- Going Places is based on a functional communications perspective for learning language. The theoretical information comes primarily from Allen, Brown and Yatvin's (1986) book, Learning Language Through Communication: A Functional Perspective. Much of the theory included here can be credited to Michael Halliday (1969, 1975, 1994) and others such as Frank Smith (1977). The communicative functions emphasized are the informative, affective, imaginative, ritualistic and persuasive functions. The research component outlines the functional perspective and the unit, Going Places, is built around this perspective or framework.