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Using unit studies in our homeschool has been a great way to add variety and encourage some delight directed learning in our home.
Often we take time off of our regular studies during Advent to focus on preparing for Christmas. It’s a great time to add in a unit study. We could delve more deeply into the history of the 12 days of Christmas, learn how others celebrate Christmas around the world, or explore the history of popular Christmas cookies. The sky is the limit!
Summer is also a fantastic time to dig deeper into a topic of interest. It could be a topic that was studied in the past school year or a topic that will be studied briefly in the future. The topic can be totally unrelated to anything in your more formal studies, but can just be an interest in the family. For instance, we did a short study on the ocean after we took a trip to the ocean.
For some, unit studies are the only way to go and their entire learning journey is through self-created unit studies.
If you have never put together a unit study for your family, don’t be intimidated! The study does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. My favorite book for getting started with unit studies is Unit Studies Made Easy by Valerie Bendt.
Several years ago I heard Ms. Bendt speak at a Great Homeschool Convention. She was very inspiring and she created some really wonderful studies with her children. She shares her years of wisdom and experience with educating her children in Unit Studies Made Easy. According to Ms. Bendt, some of the benefits of learning with unit studies include:
– Lesson planning is simplified
– Makes family style learning possible
– Real, whole books are used – which generate great discussion!
If you still aren’t quite ready to pull together your own study, Unit Studies Made Easy also has suggestions for many great studies. A few of the interesting studies are:
– Aviation Unit
– Korea Unit {this is on my to do list!}
– Painters of the American Revolution
If you have ever been curious about creating your own unit study, I encourage you to check out this resource!
~ by Jen at Forever, For Always, No Matter What
Jen blogs at Forever, For Always, No Matter What. She has one amazing husband and six eclectic kids. Stop in for a visit as she blogs about their Catholic faith, homeschooling and adoption, all while trying to fit in exercise and healthy eating.
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