Unit Studies
Unit Studies take a topic and build lessons around this topic using library books, activities and crafts to increase retention of the material. For younger grades, its focus is on hands-on activities that make learning fun. Books are read aloud to the younger children. Older children do more research and self-study creating reports on the topic being studied. They are expected to do projects as well and enjoy the activities as much as the younger students.
This approach is wonderful for children but more work for mom. It takes a lot of planning and coordinating with trips to the library and gathering of materials. Is it worth all the hard work? Definitely. If you are an extremely organized person, this method would probably work well. If you need a lot of structure as a teaching mom, the unit study method will be challenging for you.
The idea of unit studies is that knowledge is learned and remembered better if presented in a connected way. Unit studies also provide interest and motivation. Several subjects are centered around a common theme or project in each unit. For example, a theme such as attentiveness or light may be chosen and related material for study selected from history, science, literature, and Bible.
Reading, language, and arithmetic assignments can be related to the unit, but basic skills are taught separately.
Unit study curriculum varies in the amount of teacher preparation required. Usually many library books are used, while some also use Christian textbooks for reference and information. Parents can also plan their own short- or long-term units.
Unit studies can be used by families with children in different age groups, adapting material to various levels and learning styles while maintaining a unifying theme.
To ensure that each subject is covered thoroughly, the parent can check off covered topics on a chart or in a textbook.
What is a Unit Study -- The Basics by Amanda Bennett
Unit Studies by Jessica Hulcy (co-author of KONOS unit studies)
Five in a Row - literature approach unit study curriculum
Heart of Wisdom unit studies
KONOS - Great hands-on unit studies.
The Weaver Curriculum - Hands-on, multi-level unit studies based on Scripture
Unofficial Weaver Curriculum Web Page
Sonlight Literature-based Unit Studies
Peg's Unit Study Planning Page
Amanda Bennett's Unit Study Adventures
Unit Studies
KONOS - Great hands-on unit studies.
The Weaver Curriculum - Hands-on, multi-level unit studies based on Scripture
Heart of Wisdom Unit Studies
Unofficial Weaver Curriculum Web Page
Sonlight Literature-based Unit Studies
Peg's Unit Study Planning Page
Keepers at Home-Unit Study for Young Women
Amanda Bennett's Unit Study Adventures