We teach thematically at the Museum of Modern Art, because it's a great structure and pedagogical framework, for connecting artworks, classroom content, and students experiences into a lesson. One of the other things that's really great about teaching thematically, is it allows you to take an interdisciplinary approach. By this, I mean you can incorporate not just artworks, but written texts. Primary source documents, or any other types of media, that you might want to teach for us. When we teach thematically, it also allows us to incorporate different types of activities, and it also allows us to accommodate different learning styles. Artworks by nature are very visual, which makes them very accessible. Many teachers already teach thematically in the classroom, but they're hungry for ways and ideas, to explore concepts visually. We model this practice here at the museum for teachers, but we also see it as an approach that's really relevant, for lifelong learners. A good theme, should be a big idea that can be explored in depth, and on its own. It should be visually evident in the artworks, and it should be something that's relevant to students. Some examples of themes we teach with here at the museum, are narrative, materials and process, place, identity, art and society, and everyday objects. Once you pick a theme, and you find an idea that you know you want to explore with your students, the next step in the process, is to think about the core ideas you want to communicate to your students. I recommend finding a sub-theme, or an essential question that you want to explore with your students, that relates to your overall teaching goals and objectives, but it's also something that you want to explore more in depth in the classroom. Some things that are really important to think about, are your overall goals and objectives, and also what you want your students to take away from the experience. Once I pick works of art, I have to test them against these questions, and decide if they're the best works of art for the theme. Not all themes are appropriate for all students. I choose a theme, a sub-theme, or in a central question, in relation to the age and the cognitive level of the students. You want the theme, the sub-theme, and the works of art, to really meet the students where they are. In this course, we'll explore the process of teaching thematically and depth. We'll walk you through four themes, potential sub-themes, and also provide additional resources,that you can integrate into your teaching. We're excited to share this teaching method with you, and look forward to seeing how you apply it to your practice.