Beginner’s Guide to Unit Studies
Unit studies are a way to encourage learning while saving you precious time on teaching and lesson preparation.
Unit studies allow you to teach many different levels of learning styles and abilities at one time on the same subject.
For example, I was able to teach both of my daughters, who at the that time, were K4 and second grade, the same unit study on Australia. While they were able to participate together on the activities, such as simulating a kangaroo, they were able to learn the individual subjects on their own grade level. Not only did my younger one feel included in school time, but she actually was able to learn by participating .
What are Unit Studies?
A unit study is an in-depth study of a topic that incorporates all standard subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, social studies and fine arts.
Why are unit studies important?
Unit studies are important in the fact that they can include all age ranges and learning styles under the umbrella of one main theme. All students can benefit in studying together but at their own learning level. Plus, not only will it be less planning and preparation on your part, but it enhances the student’s interest and makes it more enjoyable. Thus it helps with retention of the subjects taught.
Without a unit study, I would have to prepare a separate lesson plan for each of my daughters based on what their textbooks lesson themes were on. That was six different topics per child. They were never on the same theme. However, after integrating unit studies, I was able to incorporate their personal interests with the six main subject areas and add activities that would deepen our study.
How to get started with Unit Studies
To start a unit study, you must first decide on a topic. Begin by writing down a few things you’d like to cover based on what you have noticed in regard to what your children are currently into. Discuss what interests your children have and let them lead the theme, giving each child’s interests a turn.
After deciding on a subject, you should research and gather some resources on the topic. Think of ways to incorporate subjects like reading, writing, math, science, social studies, language arts, etc. Plan local activities and field trips to support the topic. I have created a Unit Study Creation Checklist to help make sure you don’t leave anything out. You can download it here.
I always used to plan the whole school year prior to its start. A lot of mom’s do this, but some plan quarterly or monthly. Do whichever feels right or works for you. Regardless of how far in advance you are planning, you will want to decide on how long and how many unit studies you need. This is done by determining what all you want to include in your unit study.
- If you want to gently touch on a few things within a topic, a 3-day to 5-day unit study will do.
- If you want to go deep into a topic, you may want to go as long as 6 weeks.
However, the average unit study is one to two weeks. It’s up to you and the interest level of your children, plus the topic of study.
I have listed a few helpful sites that will walk you through creating a unit study of your own.
If you would rather use a pre-made unit study, there are many pre-made on a huge number of topics available on the internet. They vary in price with some of them being free. I have listed a few below.
Tips for success in Unit Studies
- Choose your unit study topic. Get your children involved with the selection.
- Consult a spine book on your topic to get an overall picture of your topic or select a pre-made unit study.
- Use the library to find fiction and nonfiction books on your subject.
- Plan fun learning activities.
- Utilize Pinterest for ideas.
- Have fun with it!
Frequently Asked Questions
The last thing you need to know about Unit Studies
Unit studies focus on one topic that all age levels and grade levels can participate in at the same time. It utilizes the student’s interests to keep learning fun and to help with the retention of so-called “boring” facts.
If you like what you read, please share this blog with your friends.
