I would like to share a new resource you can use in your Homeschooling classroom. The resource is called Unit Studies. Unit studies take a cross-subject approach to education, focusing the learning experience around a central, common theme. Unit studies can include history, geography, science, language arts, creative arts, and sometimes even math!
Unit studies are also helpful for working with children of different ages: They can study the same unit together, but the details and activities will vary based on their level of ability.
- Literature and a trip to the Library: Look for age-appropriate fiction and non-fiction books that tie into your topic.
- Google a trip around the Internet: Look for free printables, research-rich Web sites, videos, and photos.
- Simple supplies and a trip to your supply closet: Pull out three-prong folders, printer paper, spiral notebooks and art supplies.
Here are some things you would need in a Unit Study if you decide to create your own.
- Coloring pages of varying levels of art expertise
- Alphabet and number pages for young ones
- Vocabulary crossword puzzles, word scrambles, and word searches
- Maps
- Fact sheets and trivia quizzes
- Science projects
- Crafts and hands-on projects
- Poetry & literature
- Historical resources
- Recipes
- Art & music links
Here are some places where you can find Unit Studies:
Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett
CurrClick.com Classes and Curriculum in a click!
Funtastic Unit Studies At Home
How to make your own Unit Studies
Even if you use textbook curriculum for most of your homeschool studies, breaking out of the print mold and jumping headlong into a unit study is nice every now and then. For one thing, it makes your students think a little more about how the different parts of life actually fit together. For another, it gives you a break from the middle-of-the-year doldrums.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie, and David Cates
