Unit Studies

Unit Studies

What is a "unit study"? Briefly, it's a thematic or topical approach to teaching as opposed to the traditional by-subject approach. Rather than teach each subject separately, a unit study attempts to integrate many or all subject areas into a unified study - usually centered around a particular subject or event. Obviously History (the study of events) and Science (the study of "things") are well-suited to unit studies, and usually form the "core" around which other subjects are integrated. Subjects like Bible, Geography, Government, English (writing), and Reading/Literature, Music, Home Economics, Life Skills, and Art, are usually easy to integrate around a core topics. Remaining subjects (Math, Phonics, Grammar, Spelling) can be integrated to some extent via related activities. Each, however, has its own "system" (progression of skills, mastery of "rules") which must be followed to some degree. Since one of the additional advantages of a unit study curriculum is the ability to use it with students of varying ages and skill levels, these subjects are generally taught apart from the core curriculum. This may be as simple as assigning pages in a grammar or spelling book, or using a separate "program" for Phonics and Math. Unit studies also tend to be more activity-oriented than the traditional approach, a real boon to kinesthetic learners. Advocates of the unit study approach site studies showing that children learn best when learning is unified rather than fragmented and when learning is more participatory than passive.

1. Intellego unit studies web linked

http://www.intellegounitstudies.com/


2.  A world of adventure. american history from book 2 onwards

http://www.rainbowresource.com/product/A+World+of+Adventure+Book+1/041562/ffdd8c3a3abc6589d2775c21?subject=2&category=1041

" The day starts with Bible--even the Bible lessons correlate with the history. There are great read-alouds. Science is very thorough as well. It reminds me of some of the materials we've used from Apologia. Even language arts are covered--grammar and writing lessons are all pulled from the day's reading. Other than the read-alouds, no specific books are required--just what you have or can find at the library which is a big money saver. Oh, and Fine Arts are also included--wonderful projects that fit in with the study, not just something thrown in there to keep kids busy."