A unit study or thematic unit is one set of lessons, resources and activities that go over one topic in all the subject areas. One of the benefits of using thematic studies to teach is that you can teach several ages at the same time. It also allows you to look at one particular topic in depth. Teaching through unit studies can frequently be very cheap because lots of your resources may come from the internet or the library. A disadvantage may be that you do lots of your own planning for the theme units which can be a daunting task. However, with a little know how and the internet and library as resources, you can plan an excellent unit study.
First you need to choose a topic. I have seen many of moms plan unit studies that their kids are not interested in only to find themselves completely frustrated later. Take the time to find out what your child might want to study. You can find ways to combine your child’s interests with what you feel they should be learning.
Next you need to gather your resources. Look through your collection and pull out and list anything that you have pertaining to the topic. Then check the local library to gather more resources and ideas. Think about field trips. Is there anywhere nearby that you can go? Finally, search the internet to scout out further possibilities.
Next, lay out your plan. I find it helpful to work within a grid. I write the days of the week on top and the subject areas (language arts, math etc.) on the side. This way I can easily see if we’re neglecting something. You can also just list the dates that you plan on doing school and what you plan to do on those dates. In any case, this is your road map to what you’ll be doing for the next few weeks or so.
Keep a journal, or a scrapbook and a portfolio of your child’s work. This way, it’ll be easy to go back, look at what you’ve done and evaluate your child’s work.
Unit Study Curriculums:
Konos
Learning Adventures
The Prairie Primer
Five in a Row