We’ve used A LOT of curriculum over the years. Really good curriculum, mind you. But, when it comes to history and science in the elementary and middle school years, nothing has quite matched the success of unit studies in our homeschool.
The reasons? SO much learning can take place in a reasonable amount of time. We can read wonderful living literature, take amazing field trips, and include as many (or as few) hands-on projects as we like. We can include whatever lessons from other subjects that we like – research, writing, experiments, cooking, art, poetry – the possibilities are endless.
Unit studies can be fully planned from the beginning or flow based on students’ interests. They are wonderful to use with project-based learning. And, best of all, they can easily be used with multiple ages. In the articles that follow, you’ll find several unit study plans, how-to’s for creating your own unit studies, tutorials for project-based learning, and tips for successful interest-based studies. Have fun!
(This post contains affiliate links.) The Main Lessons Our Kentucky unit study was mostly worksheet-based, with final projects being research-based. Why did this hands-on, literature-based momma choose to use worksheets?? Well first, I wanted the unit to be fairly quick. Second, my oldest has covered this topic before at co-op, so it just made more…
Westward Expansion Unit Study Our time spent learning about pioneers and the Westward Expansion was so full, fun and meaningful. As with most of our unit studies, this one was very literature-rich and included a healthy portion of project-based learning. What Did We Learn? I tried to pulled together a unit plan that was as…
Our history unit about slavery and the Civil War has been completed, and what a wonderfully rich unit it was! Slavery and Civil War Teaching Resources You might remember from my post about Planning a Large Unit Study, that I pick and choose the best ideas for our learning styles and learning objectives from many…
Yes, I’ve told you many times before how much we love literature around here. While I do teach geography through maps, quizzes and games, the best way to make a real connection to the maps and their culture is through really good books. This post contains affiliate links. While there’s no way for me to…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Interest-Based Rabbit Trails After our early autumn trip to the beach, Eli was immensely interested in beach life. When I found him pouring over one of our souvenir attraction maps, I knew it was wise to capitalize on his enthusiasm. So…a quick, delight-directed ocean study started immediately. Map Skills: I…
We love living literature! If you’ve been around at all, you know I LOVE living literature! It’s been such a blessing to our homeschool. Need to know more about living literature? Start with my Living Books post. Our Favorite Books Not too long ago, I pulled together a 10-day series (that turned into an 11-day…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Around the World: Mexico To see where all our “spine” learning comes from during this unit, be sure to check out our main resources for the Around the World Studies. Inspirational Books Look What Came from Mexico Off We Go to Mexico Diego Rivera (Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists) The Goat…
Winter: long days, anxious kids, homeschool monotony? No way! At least it doesn’t have to be that way. There’s lots to do to keep your homeschool vibrant in the winter! This post rounds-up the the best of my winter learning ideas for you. You really can enjoy the cold, gray days! Nature Study Fresh air,…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Around the World: China Be sure to see all the “spine” resources we are using throughout this unit study on the main Around the World post. Inspirational Books The Story about Ping The Five Chinese Brothers Three Pigs, One Wolf, Seven Magic Shapes Tikki Tikki Tembo Two of Everything Look…
Well, now…quite a lot happens in the time period known as modern American history! In order to cover everything from slavery and the Civil War to WWI, WWII and following, it would take a much bigger list than this. Rather than a Top 10, I’ve chosen to give you a Top 12 today. These books…
We love learning about the beginnings of our great country! We’ve spent much time in books, perusing museums and attending reenactments to get a good picture of everything from the Native Americans and Pilgrims to the Revolution and Westward Expansion. As usual, when it comes to historical living books, it was very hard to narrow…
Ah, the middle ages – kings, knights, castles, art, politics, plagues and more. What an exciting time in the history of our world! It was hard to narrow my favorite medieval history living books into a Top 10 list, but below you’ll find the best of the best. Be ready for adventure! This post contains…
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