Creating Your Own Unit Study: A Homeschooler’s Guide to Personalized Learning

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

creating unit study
Homeschooling offers a unique opportunity for parents to tailor their child’s education to suit their individual needs and interests. One effective approach to achieve this is through unit studies. A unit study is an in-depth exploration of a particular topic, encompassing various subjects like history, science, literature, and art. By designing your own unit study, you can foster a love for learning, encourage critical thinking, and create a more engaging educational experience for your homeschooled child. In this blog post, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating your own unit study.

1. Identify Your Child’s Interests:

The key to a successful unit study is to select a topic that sparks your child’s curiosity and passion.

Take the time to discuss their interests and listen to what excites them. It could be dinosaurs, space exploration, ancient civilizations, or even a favorite book series. For teens, even an AI unit study theme!

By choosing a theme that captivates your child, you lay the foundation for an enthusiastic and motivated learner.

2. Define Learning Objectives:

Once you’ve settled on a topic, outline the learning objectives you want to achieve through the unit study. Consider the core subjects you wish to incorporate and set specific goals for each subject.

For instance, if your chosen theme is “Oceans,” your learning objectives might include understanding marine ecosystems, exploring famous ocean expeditions in history, studying ocean currents in science, and creating ocean-inspired art projects.

3. Gather Resources:

Now it’s time to gather resources to support your unit study. Utilize books, documentaries, websites, educational apps, and even field trips to provide a well-rounded learning experience.

Libraries, online databases, and educational platforms are excellent sources for finding relevant and age-appropriate materials. Don’t forget to involve your child in the research process to encourage their independence and curiosity.

4. Create a Study Plan:

Organize the unit study by creating a study plan. Break the theme into smaller subtopics or units, and allocate time for each one. Determine how much time you’ll dedicate to the unit study each day or week and create a flexible schedule that accommodates your child’s learning pace and interests.

5. Integrate Subjects:

The beauty of a unit study lies in its ability to incorporate multiple subjects seamlessly. Look for opportunities to connect different disciplines within the chosen theme. For example, if the unit study revolves around “Inventors and Inventions,” you can explore the history of inventions, the science behind them, the art of innovation, and even the societal impact.

6. Hands-On Activities:

Enhance the learning experience with hands-on activities that bring the subject to life. Conduct science experiments, embark on nature walks, cook traditional meals from different cultures, or engage in artistic projects related to the theme. These activities not only reinforce learning but also make the unit study more enjoyable and memorable.

7. Encourage Independent Research:

Encourage your child to pursue independent research on specific aspects of the unit study that interest them the most.

Provide guidance and resources, but let them take the lead in exploring their curiosity. This autonomy fosters a sense of ownership over their learning and nurtures critical thinking skills.

Creating Your Own Study

Creating your own unit study for your homeschooled child is a rewarding way to personalize their education while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

By identifying their interests, defining clear learning objectives, gathering resources, integrating subjects, and incorporating hands-on activities, you can create a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Remember that flexibility is key, allowing your child to explore and delve deeper into areas that intrigue them the most. Embrace the journey of learning together, and watch as your child’s passion for knowledge blooms in the comfort of your homeschool environment. Happy homeschooling!


Check Out These Podcasts from Vintage Homeschool Moms, Felice Gerwitz for more Unit Study inspiration …


And for a Done-For-You Unit Study, check out this resource from Media Angels!

Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Finish Well Homeschool Podcast, Podcast #124, Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study, with Meredith Curtis on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network

Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study

In “Create Treasured Memories with a Christmas Unit Study,” Episode, #124, Meredith Curtis gives you step-by-step instructions to create your own unit study after she shares how unit studies refresh your family for the month of December. Breakaway from the routine with a unit study so you can celebrate Christmas all month long, create memories, make gifts, decorate, and prepare for the holidays while you learn! If you want a Christmas educational and wonder-filled adventure for your family, you will love this podcast!

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Rejoice! for unto to us a child is born! - with Powerline Productions, Inc.

 

 

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

 

 

 


Show Notes

Christmas is a busy time for the homeschool Mom. May I suggest a lighter schedule or even a complete change of pace?

There are two different tracks you can take.

  1. Count Christmas activities and preparations as school.
  2. Do a Christmas Unit Study

 

Count Christmas Activities as school

  • Handwriting (address or sign Christmas cards)
  • Home Ec (bake Christmas cookies)
  • Art (make Christmas presents)
  • Music (go Christmas caroling)
  • Geography (celebrate traditions from other countries)
  • History (listen to older family members tell stories)
  • Writing (write the family Christmas letter)

 

Do a Christmas Unit Study

  • Subject of unit study focuses on Christmas
  • The Christmas hustle/bustle is part of school

 

Our Favorite Christmas Unit Studies

  • Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America
  • Celebrate Christmas with Anne of Green Gables
  • Celebrate Christmas around the World
  • Celebrate Christmas in Victorian England (except we couldn’t find a goose)
  • Celebrate the First Christmas
  • Celebrate Christmas in Florida
  • Celebrate Christmas in Mexico

 

So many treasured memories of crafting, cooking, decorating, shopping, wrapping presents, and throwing parties.

Choose a Topic

  • What sounds fun?
  • Age and interest level of children?
  • Ability to read, write, and research
  • What sounds Christmasy?
  • What are some things that we’ve always wanted to do at Christmas?
  • What are some things we just have to do at Christmas?
  • What are some things we’d like to learn about Christmas (or another topic)?
  • What makes everyone say, “WOW! That sounds fun!”

 

Center Unit Studies on Good Books that you Read Aloud

Nothing is more Christmasy than snuggling up together and listening to a good book.  There are many good Christmas read alouds, but it doesn’t have to be a Christmas book.

NO ONE is TOO old for a beautifully illustrated well-written picture book.

 

Example of Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study

Picture Book each day

Singing Christmas carols each day

Devotion, cookie baking, and activities match up!

  Celebrate Christmas with Unit Studies at Powerline Productions

 

End Unit Study with a Party & Giving Gifts to Family & Friends

  • Caroling Party for C C w C
  • Tea for C C in C A
  • Wreathes and Booklets were our family Christmas gifts that year of the CCinCA unit

 

What makes a Christmas Unit Study Different?

  • Don’t straight-jacket yourself, be creative
  • Think about what you need to accomplish for the holidays
  • Think about what you and the children…..and your husband….would really enjoy
  • Think about any baking, cooking, gift wrapping, shopping, or crafting that needs to be done.

 

Don’t Forget Field Trips

Almost every store, museum, bank, business, and church decorates for Christmas.  Just going on your weekly errands, you can discuss Christmas decorations.  You can observe whether these places are saying, “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Holidays.”  You could even collect data and make a bar graph!

“Tour of Homes” where you get to visit lovely homes decorated for Christmas.  Often they serve hot drinks.  Going at night is usually the best because of all the candlelight and twinkle lights.  There is so much history to learn on these tours, as well as information on architecture and remodeling.

Holiday concerts, plays, and productions are annual events in your city that you and your children may have not yet enjoyed.  Our local community college, Seminole Community College, offers free holiday concerts that are wonderful!

Free Messiah sing-a-long that we have enjoyed participating in.

Free church performances in our area.  The talent in the Body of Christ never ceases to amaze me.  We have enjoyed concerts and plays that were excellent for free or a nominal fee.

“Walk Through Bethlehem”

 

Don’t Limit Yourself!

Even Christmas shopping can be educational if you start with a budget.  Your children can make a list and check it twice, comparing sales, and sticking to the money allotted.  They can do the same with holiday grocery shopping!

 

How to Plan a Unit Study

  • List books you want to read aloud
  • List all the activities you would like to do
  • Lay out paper or computer file with topics for each day (you won’t use up all the topics each day, but you can use this to evaluate balance of for time and mess!)
  • Divide them by categories and days

 

Topics to Fill for Record Keeping & Variety’s sake!

  • Bible
  • Information
  • Read Aloud
  • Handwriting
  • Homemaking
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Music
  • Science
  • History/Geography
  • Math
  • Service/Hospitality
  • Field Trips
  • More Fun

 

Resources

We have 4 amazing Christmas unit studies that you will love! Visit PowerlineProd.com to explore our easy-to-use unit studies and start making memories with your family right away!

 

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Resources

Celebrate Christmas with Anne of Green Gables Unit Study by Meredith Curtis and Powerline Productions Celebrate Christmas in Germany Unit Study by Meredith Curtis Celebrate Christmas with Cookies Unit Study by Meredith Curtis Celebrate Christmas in Colonial America by Meredith Curtis
Let's Have Our Own Victorian Tea by Meredith Curtis Welcome Inn: The Art of Hospitality in Jesus' Name by Meredith Curtis Jesus Fill My Heart and Home by Meredith Curtis Quick & EZ Unit Study Fun by Meredith Curtis
Christmas Thoughts & Prayers Journal by Meredith Curtis Celebrate Christmas with a traveling dinner by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette Christmas Counting Worksheets by Meredith Curtis Maggie King Mysteries: Legend of the Candy Cane Murder by Meredith Curtis

More Podcasts You Might Find Helpful

Finish Well Radio Podcast #016, Jerusalem News with the Finish Well Team, on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network Christmas Traditions Teens Love, Finish Well Radio Show Podcast #028 on the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network FW Radio - Podcast #54 - The Birthday That Cut History In Two FW Radio - Podcast #55 - Start Strong and Finish Well With Christmas Traditions

Creating A Unit Study

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Creating a Unit Study | Tools, schedules, and tips to make it a success in your homeschool. #homeschool #unitstudy

Creating Unit Study For Optimum Learning

As the co-author of a creation science unit study, I found that creating unit studies is the ultimate key for learning to stick. Unit studies may not be the flavor of the month in the current homeschool climate but for me, it is the epitome of what real homeschooling is all about. Why? Because it keeps the family together, engaged and excited about learning from the youngest to the oldest child.

A unit approach emphasizes the integration of various books related to a topic of study. Instead of grade-level textbooks, unit studies encourage learning on a different level, immersion. It also lends itself to discussion and research with children enthusiastically jumping in, which is the key — curiosity which is natural in children. This means more of the information is remembered and the overall experience of everyone is much more successful. This is ideal for parents with children of different ages. It keeps the family united and speaking from experience, it can be very enjoyable providing life-long memories.

How Long Do Unit Study Take?

The question I am most asked question is how long does a unit-study take? It can take several months broken up into six to eight-weeks of studying one main topic, or even six months to a year depending on your level of instruction. Ultimately, the choice is yours! I highly recommend the Media Angels Creation Study Guides as the main focus of your curriculum this year. It is truly life changing. Your kids will be armed with the information they need to combat evolutionary thought at every turn. You can not watch anything scientific without the spouting of “of course we know millions of years ago…” as if the commentator was an eye witness. Evolution at best is a hypothesis as is the study of creation. Your kids will spot out the lies and learn to think and discern the truth for themselves. The Media Angels study guides are made up of four books that may take you about one school year to complete. We purposely created the Creation studies to serve as a yearlong unit study, or to supplement your current curriculum for an in-depth study of creation with an apologetic focus.

How Do I Get Started with Designing A Unit Study?

It’s easier than you think. Do you have a book on unit studies or a topic you want ot study, let’s say Ancient History? This type of broad topic will naturally bring in other subjects.

  1. Decide on your broad topic of study. Will it be science, history, literature or art and music?
  2. Once you’ve decided on a topic the idea is to bring in as many subjects as you can.
  3. Creating a study surrounding history?
    • Pick a period of time
    • Study the people who lived during that time
    • What scientific advances or discoveries happened?
    • What historic events of significance happened?
    • Tie in fun assignments in art and music to round off your unit study.
    • Use books from the library to read
    • Little children can do copy work, older ones write reports with a research element
    • Children may create mini-books, journals, lapbooks, or timelines on the topics they’ve studied.

Is A Unit Study A Complete Curriculum?

Yes! Add a good language arts curriculum if you want and a math program and you are all set! While you can forgo the reading program in the older grades it is important to have a good phonics foundation in the younger. Checking for comprehensions is easy with a unit study because discussion abounds! As for math, our family uses textbooks. However look for ways to add math to your unit as it lends itself to the study. For example, you can study fractals or the Fibonacci sequence which is so much fun and brings in a wonderful element for those who love puzzles or challenges.

What About Unit Study Prep Time?

Unit studies take a good outline and typically one afternoon or roughly three to four hours or less to plan. Then a few days to gather the supplies you may need. If you have a complicated study it may take a few days longer, especially if you want specific books from the library – don’t forget inter-library loans. Now it is just a computer click away that you can do in your own home! Sign up for a public library card and ask how to access the library system at home on your own personal computer. You can order your books, the librarian gathers them, and alerts you when your titles are ready. One quick trip to the library to pick up your books and you are done! I often planned out my unit studies in the summer which made it easier to leisurely gather the supplies I needed beforehand.

What About Scheduling A Unit Study?

  1. Scheduling is the most time-consuming part of any unit study. Figuring out what day you want to teach each particular subject, or complete the activity.
  2. If you are creating your own study you will need to first create an outline. Be sure to add the main points you would like to study, the days you’d like to complete your activities, and if you are using one day for catch-up.
  3. I decide on the days:
    • You plan to do experiments or activities.
    • Three days per week or two days a week?
    • Days we will plan for reading, researching and gathering the information needed to perform the experiments?
    • What day will you complete the experiments or activities?
    • What other hands-on activities will you complete?
    • Will there be a culmination activity of the study? A family event? A final book or notebook?

Unit studies the core of my homeschool 25 out of the final  32 years of my homeschool journey. The only times I did not do a complete unit study was when my kids were in high school — those considering college. I’ve had three of my five children attend college. One graduated Magnum Cum Laude and the other two are currently in college with full academic scholarships. Unit studies teach your children to think, to figure out the answers and to delve in deeper, something that textbooks and workbooks fall far short of doing! As you can tell I am a major advocate of unit studies and I pray you will try one, I’m sure you’ll love it! Any questions or successes? Please share them with me, here!

About Felice Gerwitz

Felice Gerwitz has five children and graduated two. Along with her huband Jeff, Felice owns Media Angels, Inc. Felice is a mentor to homeschool moms and hosts several podcasts, VintageHomeschoolMoms.com, The CreationSciencePodcast.com, A Few Minutes With God Podcast.com and WritingAndPodcastingAdvice.com. You can still access the former Ultimate Homeschool Expo in its entirety for a fraction of the original cost on the MediaAngelsMembership.com website.  To learn more about Felice, visit http://www.MediaAngels.com

 

 

Teaching Science | Unit Study or Single Subject?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

teaching science unit study or single subject | Whether you're teaching science as a single subject or unit study, the key would be to get out and do experiments and activities that tie in with the topic, no matter what the approach. Have fun!

Teaching Science | Unit Study or Single Subject?

“I like the ideas of using a scope and sequence, but how should I teach science as a single subject or as a unit study?” 

There are many ways to teach science, and you need to decide which is best for our family. Let’s look at some examples, starting with science as a single subject.

Teaching Science as a Single Subject

I could look at a scope and sequence and find that a single subject, say Astronomy, is one of the topics to be covered this year. Under this subject, I could choose a subtopic, such as astronomers, stars and constellations, galaxies, etc.

If I were to emphasize the single subject approach, the children would take turns reading the books containing the topic we were studying, discuss the book, and supplement with activities tied to the topic. Other subjects, such as history, would be done separately.

Teaching Science as a Unit Study

Emphasizing the unit study approach, we would read as many library books and do as many experiments dealing with the topic as we could find. We would tie as many subjects together as possible. We’d plan to spend four to eight weeks on the unit. It’s ideal to cover as many subjects as possible, and science easily fits with history.

You can study the history of the subject, people, places, and even science tools as part of your science unit study. This lets children see the bigger picture, rather than learning things in isolation from one another. I’ve found they really enjoy making the connections themselves and having those aha moments.

Teaching Science to Multiple Ages or Grade Levels

If you are teaching a variety of ages, having more subjects overlapping makes your job much easier. A Unit Study truly unites the family!

A unit study is taking a topic and incorporating as many of the following school subjects as possible:  science, history, math, reading, language arts, spelling, grammar, creative writing, art, and music. New skills can be taught as old skills are reinforced. While our family chose to do phonics and math as separate subjects, you can easily incorporate those as well.

Multiple Level Teaching Example

Let me give you an example. We studied a geology unit. It took eight weeks to complete. You can decide how you want to lay our your day- who you work with when, what grade-level to “teach to”, and which activities you’ll directly supervise.  Teaching to the oldest is a popular way of teaching a variety of ages.

Let’s pretend you’re teaching four grade levels. Ages 2, 5, 9, 13, and 16 years of age. Watch how many subjects can go together.

  • Bible – read the Bible selection aloud. Discuss difficult words.
  • Reading – assign separate reading for the readers, have a read aloud, and read books to the youngers—all on the same subject.
  • Spelling – create an age appropriate word list from the reading selections
  • Grammar- ages 5 and under could use simple copywork, nine year old can identify parts of speech, and the older can diagram sentences from the reading selection
  • Science- a group experiment plus the 5-9 year old could work on a hands-on project together, giving the toddler a “helper” role. The older can do topic specific research with parent approved research tools, such as the internet.
  • Creation camp- hold a creation camp at home. Get everyone involved!

Whether you’re teaching science as a single subject or unit study, the key would be to get out and do experiments and activities that tie in with the topic, no matter what the approach. Have fun!

 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Media Angels Creation Bundle Membership Site

 

Get an entire K-12 Creation Science Curriculum for less than $70.

About Our Books:

Why should you teach your children about Creation? Because everything else they read that is remotely science related teaches evolution as FACT. Shouldn’t your children learn there is more than one side to the story? Do you want your child to be informed? We do and we consider this our mission at Media Angels.

About the Study Guides:

These study guides include a readable outline of the main points in the Creation vs. evolution discussion, the major talking points you should know and ways to educate the children in these points with hands-on activities and experiments. This series isn’t a read-it-one-time and forget it! This series will be repeated again and again and is for K-12th!

If you want a course in Creation Apologetics for kids, this is it!

Additional Resources

Activity Packs for each of the study guides which contain hands on activities you can photo copy for your family.

Creation Kids Classes: On Demand

-Six weeks worth of classes — one per week for ages K-8th grade (high school if you’ve never studied Creation).
-Audio Recordings
-Handouts and Websites to visit
-Further research
-Bonus interviews

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