What is a unit study you ask?
“A unit study [also commonly called a thematic unit or thematic study] is taking a theme or topic and diving into it deeply over a period of time, integrating language arts, science, social studies, math, and fine arts as they apply. Instead of studying eight or ten separate, unrelated subjects, all subjects are blended together and studied around a common theme or project.“*
Ten Reasons for Using Theme-Based Studies:**
§ Students become active seekers of knowledge rather than passive recipients.
§ Students can become “experts” and share their expertise with others.
§ Students learn to work cooperatively as well as on their own.
§ Students understand how pieces of the curriculum fit together.
§ Students are encouraged to explore different viewpoints.
§ Students learn from different sources rather than from a single text.
§ Students are learning how to learn rather than memorizing.
§ Students are involved in purposeful reading and writing.
§ Students get excited about learning.
§ Students become critical thinkers.
This unit has been a popular request when I ask homeschoolers what they would like to see available in unit studies, especially by those using the “Classical Approach.” I have tried to make this one a study for all ages, preschooler to highschooler, though at times the subject matter can seem overwhelming. In this unit study packet are many links and resources to choose from. This listing of resources, both printed and online, as well as the suggested activities, will greatly ease the planning and study of this interesting topic/era.
Please be aware that while I check each and every hyperlink and website address prior to publication, the internet is an environment that is in constant flux, growing and changing. You may find that a site address that you could use yesterday, may not work today … or it may direct you to something totally different from what you expected (possibly even something you find offensive). So, as a precaution, please check all websites before allowing your children access to them, regardless of age.
Here a few, simple tips for making this unit study more enjoyable for your child, and for you:
1. Plan a schedule. You can make it as general or as detailed as you find useful. But, as you create your schedule remember this next tip …
2. Be flexible. If you are really into a project or activity, don’t cut it short just to keep on schedule.
3. Prepare. Make sure that you begin collecting all of the books and craft supplies you need BEFORE you need them. There’s nothing worse than having a particularly exciting craft or activity planned only to find out you are missing the one vital ingredient you need to make it work.
4. Adjust your assignments and activities for your target audience. Don’t make the young child’s assignments too difficult and don’t make the older child or highschooler’s assignments too easy. Doing either of these can lead to frustration and/or boredom and much less learning will occur.
5. If you are teaching this in a group setting, allow for differences in understanding and opinion, particularly if you are teaching multiple age levels at one time.
I have one final suggestion before you continue on to the main portion of this unit study. Keep a portfolio notebook*** of your unit study activities. It makes a great contribution to a school portfolio or a nice keepsake to pull out when friends and family come over and ask “What on earth do you do all day?!” It also makes it easier to remember what you did if you plan on repeating the unit study at some future date.
*from http://booksbookscurriculum.hypermart.net/unitstudy.htm
**excerpted from information in Creative Teaching Press, Inc.’s Theme Series.
***A Portfolio Notebook is simply a three-ring notebook that is used to store the student’s work for the unit, including writing assignments, artwork, small collections, letters, photos, brochures, maps, etc.
