Tag Archives: unit studies

The Problems and Solutions of Delving Further Into a Topic

One of the great things about homeschooling, unit studies and lapbooks in particular, is the fact that when we are learning about something, we can delve off and explore one part of the topic. If we want to we can even make a separate unit or lapbook on the things we want to explore more. The “problem” comes in when there are so many parts of a topic that we want to learn more about. For instance Jonathan’s all about me lapbook lead to a my body lap book, which in turn is looking like it is going to lead … Continue reading →

The Homeschoolers’ Advent Calendar: The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

I had just written a blog about studying the North Pole and as I was talking about it with my husband who should walk in buy my night owl son? His newest fascination with life and literature is Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express. He can be heard walking down the hallways singing some version of the hot chocolate song from the popular movie. So it only came naturally that as I thought about today’s activity, I should write about The Polar Express. Preschool: Dramatic Play Get a large refrigerator box or several medium sized boxes and make yourselves a … Continue reading →

A Unit Study Starter on Backyard Astronomy

Here is a list of resources to use to plan a unit study on astronomy. I should note that one reason I chose astronomy for this month’s Unit Study Starter, is because the Perseids meteor shower will be most visible during the weekend of August 12th & 13th. The Perseids is supposed to be one of the most active meteor showers and therefore one of the easiest to observe on a clear night. Add a few more resources to this list to make a complete Unit Study or pick and choose from this list to augment what you’re already doing … Continue reading →

How to Plan a Unit Study

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 … Continue reading →

A Unit Study Starter on Castles and Medieval Life

This is the first of what I hope will be a monthly series of lists of resources you can use to plan your own unit studies. You can use this list alone to just do a mini-unit or you can use this list and add your own resources for a complete curriculum. If there is a theme you would like to see, drop me a note! I’d love to hear from you! Literature to Read and Discuss Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest by Ann McGovern Adam of the Road by Elizabeth Jane Gray The Door in the Wall by Marguerite … Continue reading →