Studying the Middle Ages is so much fun! Our Middle Ages unit was packed with excitement, from knights and castles to medieval feasts and daily life. My children stayed engaged the entire time! I carefully selected the best hands-on activities from the two reference books below to keep our study to six weeks. With the…
Tackling a Civil War unit study with kids can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to discover one of the most pivotal times in American history. When my children and I explored the Civil War and the complex topic of slavery, I wanted more than just dates and battles. I wanted them to…
I have always loved teaching a Leonardo da Vinci unit study. It quickly covers almost every academic subject, from the Renaissance to various science topics like inventions, simple machines, and the human body. History, science, and art combine with research-based learning and good books for a fabulous learning adventure! Leonardo da Vinci Unit Study Taking…
World geography projects are a fantastic way to make learning meaningful, hands-on, and engaging for homeschool students. Instead of simply memorizing maps and facts, children deeply understand different countries’ cultures, histories, and geography, making personal connections along the way. When students research, write, and present their findings, they develop critical thinking, communication, and creativity—all while…
You’ll love reading winter working animal books for a new spin on winter-themed reading in your homeschool. Plus, the topic adds a unique layer of science to reading time. Not to mention, several books are inspired by true stories, too! I love pulling together stacks of themed books for my children. Whether for seasonal fun…
An earthquake nature study offers a fun way to teach science while exploring natural disasters. This week’s No Sweat Nature Study Podcast focuses on the largest earthquake ever recorded—the Great Chilean Earthquake of 1960. Children will learn how earthquakes are measured and discover how they can create giant ocean waves called tsunamis. Seismologists, or earthquake scientists, play…
During the elementary and middle school years, our history studies – for the most part – take place as unit studies. In a relatively short amount of time, we can cover SO much material in fun and interesting lessons. And this unit was no exception! Colonial History Unit Study Over the course of about six…
These Thanksgiving and gratitude living books have been favorites around our house for years. Some help explain the history of our Thanksgiving celebration, while others are just sweet stories with a Thanksgiving theme. Yet others really have nothing to do with Thanksgiving, in particular, but focus on a spirit of gratitude that’s such an important…
I hated geography as a child. It was tedious and repetitive, and it involved lots of looking up things like the population of a given country that I have never cared to look up since. It wasn’t until I learned to teach geography with living books and learned right alongside my children that I realized…
I love unit studies, and autumn is the perfect time for fun, nature-based science topics. In September, apple orchards are at peak harvest, and it just so happens to be the birth month of Johnny Appleseed! Use any or all of the ideas below to enjoy an educational and yummy autumn unit study about apples…
Even in a Charlotte Mason-inspired homeschool, I’ve found unit studies highly beneficial to learning. With lots of living books and meaningful project-based learning, this westward expansion unit study was an excellent way to learn history in our homeschool. The time my children and I spent learning about pioneers during the westward expansion era was full…
I love using living books in our homeschool. If you’ve been around here any time at all, you know that living literature is a key tool that I use across all ages and all subjects. Using literature to teach high school history works especially well. So many nuances of an event or era can be…