Unit Studies: What are they

Unit Studies

Unit Studies - What are they?

In a Unit Study approach to teaching, the focus is on one theme for several weeks of study. Students at various grade levels can study the same theme at the same time, with individual assignments geared to their specific grade level. Most individual subjects (i.e. science, language arts) will be related back to the theme in varying degrees and a wonderful ability to leapfrog into sparked area's of interest is created.

The Weaver curriculum for example doesn't just contain random bible studies or verses that are separate to the other subjects. The passages and themes being studied in the bible are all integrated with the other subjects, they provide the theme for each chapter. It *really is* Bible based! i.e. From learning about The Tower of Babel recently, we've also studied Ziggurats, Castles, Geology, Foreign languages and more.. (and within these we have covered subjects such as Science, Social studies, Creative Writing, Maths, Art, Drama, languages, and more!)

Unit studies are great fun, they offer variety to the student AND to the teacher! They create increased opportunities to multiply the "hooks" on which to hang the keys of knowledge that we collect. The more hooks we have, the more we will retain the knowledge gained and the less repetition we will need before review. They lend themselves wonderfully to the multi level (one school room) teaching scenario (which is such a blessing to a homeschooling parent of more than one child!) If you haven't tried them, can I encourage you to have a go? It reduced the stress levels here for me, for the kids and they are far more responsive to school time than before! Testimony enough for me is kids who are enjoying learning!

A great place for advice about coping with the multiple age classroom is at the Angelico Family website KEPL. These are really practical and encouraging words of wisdom, so please take a few minutes to read this article, it's well worth it!

Teaching multiple ages by the Angelico Family

Where to find a few unit studies to have a trial with?

Try here: http://www.thefourwheelers.com/units/ but don't get lost now! You will need to think about what your particular family needs are when choosing a study from this site. Not all studies will be right or suitable for your family! The value that I find in this site personally is as a resource aid for The Weaver Curriculum®. The individual unit studies don't provide the inter-related/continuity value that The Weaver Curriculum® does !

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