Searching for the perfect Topic title that sums up weeks of cross-curricular work and inspires excitement can be challenging – so why do we do it? Is a topic title merely window-dressing?
There are those who say ‘call a spade a spade’ just say it as it is. This thinking leads to titles like these: Romans; Coasts; Rocks etc Here the content speaks for itself; there is a lot to be said for a no-frills approach. It does not distract from the learning of skills and knowledge and it doesn’t exaggerate the ‘fun’ element. Yes, learning can be fun but not every session needs to be a full-scale all singing and dancing West End production.
Others say, let’s make it more engaging, for example: Rampant Romans; Colossal Coasts; Rock n’ Roll etc Here the emphasis is on learning with large doses of ‘fun’ but sometimes the skills and knowledge can go AWOL. However, unenthusiastic learners can be motivated by a ‘jazzy’ topic title. Before you choose your title, ask yourself these questions:
Does the topic title make any difference to the level of engagement during the topic?
Does the topic title make any difference to the teaching?
Does the topic title make any difference to the learning outcome?
Here at KS2Gems, we mix and match our Topic Overview titles. There are some where an alliterative title seems frivolous when the subject matter is serious – for example World War 1 and 2. We recognize this and keep our titles simple. However, there are other topics which encompass so many subjects that to pick a simple title might be inadequate. Take our All at Sea topic overview which covers amongst other things: coasts; pirates; Tudor exploration; seaside; Vikings.
So what are the alternatives to a ‘fun’ topic title?
- Just say what it is – World War 2
- Use an enquiry-based question – What is the legacy of the Romans in Britain?
- No title at all…
Whatever you choose the substance of the topic must outweigh any window-dressing.
What do you think?
