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Unit studies are not unique to homeschooling. Many teachers I know create unit studies, sometimes called thematic units, to draw their students into deep examination of a particular topic, using many aspects of the educational process. Homeschoolers use unit studies in the same way. Whether the topic is football, the Old Testament or Japan, the process is pretty much the same.
You can buy unit studies; I've used several of Amanda Bennett's unit studies, myself. I have also created my own for use at home and at my homeschool co-op. The themes we've explored have ranged from California history to baseball, and we have used unit studies successfully at nearly every grade level.
Why use a unit study?
Unit studies engage students in many subject areas through a theme or topic that appeals to them. Take football, for example. You can use math skills to calculate football statistics ranging from win/loss percentages to quarterback stats. A closer look at Super Bowls could lead you to study Roman numerals, jewelry design (those blingy rings have symbolism) or advertising techniques. You could combine state geography with football team history. Budding architects might enjoy designing their own football stadiums. The possibilities are endless, and you can adapt activities for learners of nearly any age.
When should I use a unit study?
While unit studies are effective and enjoyable at any time of year, I have found them most useful in three situations: on family trips, near holidays and in the February "winter burnout" period. Unit studies offer a welcome break from the school routine while providing learning opportunities.
We live far away from our relatives, and sometimes we visit them during the school year. I discovered through trial and error that it is far easier for us to plan a unit study around history or attractions near where we are staying than to lug all those math and English books along. Integrating field trips into the unit study makes learning feel like a vacation. On various trips to California, for example, we have studied California history and the Mission Trail, baseball and lighthouses (not too related, but still fun).
Near holidays, you may wish to purchase or create a unit study related to a particular celebration. In late February, for example, you could begin a unit study on Ireland, ending with a St. Patrick's Day party. We have studied Saint Nicholas and authors Jan Brett and Tomie dePaola between Thanksgiving and Christmas. If it's an election year, you can create a unit study around Election Day. At the end of your school year, you might wish to study flags and Flag Day. In an Olympic year, you can let your imagination run wild - Olympic history, summer sports, athletes as role models, sports and technology - you get the idea.
How do I create a unit study?
Before trying your hand at developing a unit study, take a look at some examples. You can read Valerie Bendt's fine book on the subject, but the concept will make more sense if you know what various types of unit studies look like. Typically, a unit study has the following elements:
- A theme or topic
- Literature / living books related to your theme
- Fine arts (art, music, drama, film) related to your theme
- Mathematics topics that reflect your theme
- History or geography related to your theme
- The science behind your theme
- If applicable, faith-based material related to your theme
- A culminating activity, such as a journal, digital scrapbook, final project or lapbook, that shows what the student has learned
In a Lewis and Clark unit study, for example, your children could read the journals of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark (or excerpts) and create journals of their own. They could trace the journey of Lewis and Clark on maps and fill in natural landmarks - mountains, rivers, etc. - as well as cities the Corps of Discovery visited. They could learn to sketch plants and animals from nature, as Meriwether Lewis did during his journey. Students could learn to classify plants and animals according to their physical characteristics. They could talk about slavery, military discipline, boat-building, supplying a journey and many other topics. Older students could read books about the famed journey, such as Stephen Ambrose's Undaunted Courage, or plan trips of their own.
Do I have to develop my own unit studies?
Heavens, no. There are many excellent unit studies available online. I have had great success with Amanda Bennett's unit studies (although they rely heavily on library books and Internet links) and recommend them highly. An online search will take you to many Web sites where you can buy or download unit studies.
The bottom line on unit studies
Unit studies can be a fun, effective way to learn, regardless of your child's age or grade level. You can buy a pre-made unit study or create your own. Unit studies can be used individually or by a group. No matter how esoteric your child's interests might be, you can find a way to incorporate a unit study into the learning experience.
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