TDA Example Monthly Themes

Pilgrims & Pioneers

Learn about early American history, model making, and space probes, all in one month.
Create a scale model of the Plymouth Colony
Design and create a theatrical set and props using woodworking skills.
Sing Pilgrim songs and American folk songs.
Discover the great American composers—Gershwin, Sousa, Joplin. and more!

Learn about the Hero’s Journey through old (Arthurian) and new (Harry Potter) legends.
Create costumes from the different Hogwarts houses using materials on hand.
Prepare for Dueling Club by making wands from branches of woods featured in the stories.
Discover the connections between Arthurian legend, the Neuschwannstein Castle, Wagner operas, and the world’s most famous amusement parks.
Delve into music from films scores and ballets inspired by Arthurian legend.

Participate in story time featuring Roman goddesses and gods.
Use math and engineering to make a scale-model of an aqueduct that actually moves water.
Build a real stone arch, assemble catapults and trebuchets, and craft a diorama of Roman camps (and then hold a battle royale).
Learn Latin basics.
Discover the classical primary colors and try color mixing.
Explore Roman names attached to planets and zodiac signs.
Learn the history of the empire’s conquests.
Sculpt Roman architecture—coliseums, amphitheaters, and arches.
Delve into music by Holst (“Mars, Bringer of War” and “Jupiter, Bringer of Jollity”) and Rossini (Barber of Seville).