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!
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…
Thank you to everyone for such kind comments about this series! We’re on a roll and today I’m just going to dive right into more project ideas – this time, using simple pieces of paper. Yep, paper and a few art supplies can go a l-o-n-g way. Grab a few very basic supplies and get…
Our kids eventually have to function in real life without our daily direction and help, right? To make the transition easier, allow your children to be involved in real life projects that involve situations to solve real life problems. The life preparation is fantastic, but I’ve found the motivation to actually complete such projects just as rewarding….
Handicrafts are such an important part of a rounded education because they teach real life skills that can be helpful in everyday life. Grab some ideas for handicraft projects that can also double as project-based learning in your homeschool! What are Handicrafts? Quite simply, handicrafts are things you make with your hands. I’ve written a…
Welcome back to the second week of Practical Project-Based Learning! Today’s topic: Long Term Project Ideas. A long term project, although similar to real-life projects, would be considered something that takes at least three weeks to complete. Because of the time investment, though, real-life skills are inevitably included. This means real-life projects and long-term projects…
Show what you know projects have been super motivating for my children. Why? With these projects, my kiddos pretty much get a few simple guidelines then have free reign to put together whatever type of project and/or presentation they want…as long as they SHOW WHAT THEY KNOW and show it thoroughly and knowledgeably. How Show…
Project-based learning goes with any subject at just about any time. Really. Since nature study is so near and dear to my heart, I’ll take a little time today to show you how to take a regular ol’ walk and turn it into project-based learning. Note: Charlotte Mason homeschoolers, turning a nature walk into PBL…
Does PBL seem overwhelming? You want to do it, but have no idea what projects you might ask your children to do? Never fear, I have a huge project list for you! Advice: Let your children be in on choosing the projects as often as possible. Since the project is supposed to be “theirs” anyway,…
Do you want lessons to be powerful? Do you want your children to be excited about learning? Would you like your children to learn in a hands-on way? Would it be helpful to have other people who are very knowledgeable about a topic to do some of the teaching for you? Go on field trips!…
This post contains affiliate links. Read my entire disclosure policy here. Owl Moon with FIAR I’m so excited to be back in the swing of Five in a Row with my littlest man! My oldest two made so many good memories during learning time using this curriculum. I likely won’t post about all our studies,…
An Easy 13 Colonies Travel Brochure Project In an effort to share more of our project-based learning, I thought I’d highlight Caleb’s latest middle school research & writing assignment. As part of a Colonial History unit study, Caleb and I read a two great books about the 13 colonies. Afterward, I asked him to choose…
(This post contains affiliate links.) In this final installment of my unit study series, I’m going to share with you how to design a unit study that is fairly in-depth. For those of you new to this series, you can catch up by reading… How To Plan a Unit Study Unit Study Projects Planning a…