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Personal Curriculum Tips: Theme Learning
Learning comes alive when your reading, watching, and doing connect around one idea. It turns scattered input into a meaningful journey. [ + free PDF ]
The first time I intentionally added themed learning to my own personal pursuits was when we were studying Medieval European History.
I was reading aloud from our text and realized the kids had gotten bored and had finished their color pages. I dismissed them to work on their next subject and stayed at the table reading. Then I grabbed my additional book with illustrations and more detail and read even further (while also nursing the baby, because that is life).
That afternoon while folding laundry I propped my laptop on the dresser and watched YouTube videos on castle construction and water systems for Medieval structures.
The next day I browsed the shelves at the library and came home with a stack of books for me with intentions of sharing my learning with the kids. (Turns out they didn’t really care.)
One evening while browsing Netflix my husband and I found a documentary and also a few movies based in Medieval Europe so we added them to our watch list.
In the kitchen I had been experimenting with homemade bread recipes. My themed learning took on baking when I found a potato bread recipe from Medieval monks living in Meteora located in Northern Greece.
🤓Nerd moment: In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Greek Eastern Orthodox monks were living in monasteries built on large rock pillars to escape Ottoman occupation. They used baskets and long ropes to bring up supplies and visitors. I find this endlessly fascinating.
As I began to infuse what I was learning into random areas of my life, I felt myself spark with a fierce glow of excitement.
This learning was simply for me.
It was not for a grade on a test or to please a cranky professor. I wasn’t doing research to be a better mom or teacher.
The facts, stories, and details I was emersed in didn’t have to be judged by merit. The historical fiction novel was just as thrilling as the thick dusty textbook. And I got to be the judge of what mattered.
I was enjoying learning in a thematic way.
This was a new form of deep work that I had not encountered before.
Looking back, it was silly that it had not occurred to me before that I could apply themes to my own learning. I had used it in my public school classroom, with my toddlers, and in my homeschool. I even used seasonal themes in my planning and homemaking tasks.
But I am so glad that the lightbulb moment happened when it did because it has been a game-changer ever since!
So, what does Thematic Learning look like with a personal curriculum or in your own learning?
Thank you for asking! 😜
In this post I will share how to use thematic learning to find depth and joy in topics that interest you. My writing comes from my 17+ years of teaching and my own flawed (but many) personal learning experiences.
But first… here is Step #1 if you are feeling a bit lost:
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Okay, let’s jump in!
Thematic learning simply means weaving a single idea or theme through different forms of input, so your mind has multiple ways to engage with it.
Instead of scattering your attention across unrelated pieces, you’re gently circling back to the same topic in different ways throughout the week.
#1 - choose a theme
The first step is to think about areas of your life that you already include input and gathering information.
By choosing a theme, you can create a mini learning ecosystem for yourself.
I’ve noticed that a clear theme or homebase topic makes any kind of learning feel more grounded.
#2 - make a list
Then, make a short list on how to use those areas to further your specific topic of personal learning.
How you might use these everyday areas to deepen your learning around one specific topic?
Read — books, articles, essays, or even children’s books on the topic
Listen — podcasts, audiobooks, lectures, or playlists
Watch — short documentaries & YouTube
Film — adaptations of books or movies set in the time/place you’re studying
Do — projects, experiments, field trips, journaling, or creative work
Share — talk about what you’re learning with friends, write a post or journal entry, or teach someone else
Keep it simple.
The goal isn’t to overload yourself, but to surround your chosen theme with enough variety that it begins to feel alive and connected.
That’s when learning becomes memorable and (honestly) way more fun.
#3 - be led by excitement
Let the joy and love of what you are learning guide you into the next book, activity, or movie night.
If you dive down the rabbit hole and find it a wonderful place to be, then soak it in. Enjoy it. Stay awhile.
But if you get into the subject and find it boring or not what you expected, then change things up and adjust.
I love learning about history. But I have discovered that I have to be careful when it comes to time periods full of gruesome wars. For my personality, books and movies from the battlefield cause sleepless nights and a deep sense of loss and helplessness that is hard to shake.
But give me stories that I call “side-quests” from that time period and I am all in. I want to hear all about spies creating sabotage, the women in town using ingenuity, the engineers inventing new vehicles, secret messages sent with carrier pigeons, and the effects of the war on fashion or businesses.
Embrace your personality and what you love.
There is no judgement or morality attached to what you find interesting. And if you feel like a topic has gotten old or boring, then move on.
There is so much to learn about and the point of this is enjoyment, not mastery.
There will NOT be a cumulative test at the end! 😜
🌟📋 free PDF
I created a freebie printable to help you in this process of theme learning.
It is similar to the planning sheets I’ve used in our homeschool, just simplified and designed for personal use. You can jot down your theme, make a quick list of what to read, watch, listen to, do, and share, and then track the little milestones along the way.
I’ve always enjoyed the planning process and the way structure can give freedom. Having a place to gather ideas keeps the whole process from feeling scattered and makes it easier to notice progress.
My hope is that this printable gives you both clarity and encouragement as you build your own personal curriculum.
Think of these pages as your theme map.
Start by writing your Theme topic (or homebase), then fill in simple ways you want to explore it.
Keep it nearby as a guide, and check things off as you go.
It is not about finishing everything perfectly, it is about noticing connections and enjoying the process.
Don’t forget to share what you’re discovering!
Learning is always richer when it’s in community.
The beauty of thematic learning is that it makes space for both curiosity and delight. Every time you circle back to a theme through a different lens, it deepens your understanding and makes learning stick.
The magic happens when those pieces start connecting the dots.
I can’t wait to hear what topics you are diving into!
📚 Happy Learning!
Do you have my book yet? It’s a helpful guide to make space for what matters.
Subtle Resistance - Practical Tips to Live Deliberately & Avoid Overwhelm
More free posts related to theme learning & planning:
Loved the idea of theme based learning, April! :)
April, I LOVE this!! I have enjoyed so much doing this with my homeschoolers, but you are "giving me permission" to do it for myself! Mind blown!