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!
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…
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…
Being a Charlotte Mason homeschooler with a Classical flair when it comes to history and science, I love living literature that teaches history in rich and meaningful ways! Over the years, we’ve hit ancient history three different times and each round has included new and exciting literature. I tried to make a Top 10 list,…
(This post contains affiliate links.) Around the World: Australia 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 The Pumpkin Runner Katy No-Pocket Possum Magic Are We There Yet? This is Australia About Marsupials: A Guide…
(This post contains affiliate links.) I’m so excited to share with you Eli’s elementary adventures around the world! Over the course of the year, I’ll share each of the country studies we do. You will always be able to find an updated list of the posts in this category by clicking on this image in…
I’ve been telling you forever about the difference project-based learning has made in our homeschool. It’s made such a difference, I even included an entire chapter on the subject in Homeschooling Gifted and Advanced Learners! I’ve given you project ideas in the past, but I thought it was high time to dive a little deeper…
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