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What is a unit study? It seems to be the "way to go" in homeschooling right now. It is actually a variation on what used to be called "themes" or "thematic units". It is a way to teach in a more practical, down-to-earth, applied manner. It is often an interest driven approach that helps children explore in depth topics that pique their curiosity.
Unit Studies are an integrated study method. That is to say, combining several curriculum areas under one topic or subject area rather than teaching as isolated pieces of information. For instance, one can teach about Plants and combine math, language arts, science, history, art, and other areas. This can be extended over a long period of time as interest dictates.
How
does one start planning a Unit Study, then?
The first step is to brainstorm
with your child different areas of interests. This list will probably
cover a widely divergent list of topics -- from horses to clouds to motorcycles...
From this initial list,
help your child choose one topic (with the promise to explore the other
areas as time goes on!). If you are trying to direct the topic to
relate to something you want (or need to teach) you may steer the topic
choice in that direction. Perhaps you are studying Ancient History
and wish to make sure that your topic can tie into that era.
Once the topic has been
determined, create a planning web.
In the center of this planning web, you will write the main topic. Expanding out from there you will again brainstorm -- this time filling boxes with everything you can think of related to the central topic. From there you can narrow down the focus and again brainstorm related ideas. Now you are ready to create a Unit Study on your end topic!
Now the fun part!
Search for all types of
resources to support learning on your topic. Use the Internet, the
library, your encyclopedia, local resources and sites, and much more.
Think of how many curriculum
areas you can include in your teaching! Is this topic related to
Science in any way (most are!)? What about Language Arts -- reading,
writing? Of course! Is there Historical significance you can
explore? What types of art projects can be included?
Get the idea?
For more help, see my Step-By-Step Planning Guide,
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