How to Use Unit Studies in Homeschooling

Homeschooling can present many challenges, but some things can actually be made easier. For example, you can combine courses for students who are at different levels. Using Unit Studies is one way to do this.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose your topic of interest, such as a historical or scientific topic. Then you can integrate each subject into that topic.

2. Gather books about your topic. For example, if your topic is American History, you could gather reading materials for several traditional "courses" around that topic, such as:• History: modern American history books; biographies about key people of interest• Science: books about insects and plants found in America• Reading: books with historical stories of America.

3. Choose a separate math and phonics program. You won't be able to cover math with a Unit Study; you will need a separate program. If you have young children, you will also want to use a phonics program for teaching reading.

4. Make a schedule. Cover each Unit Study subject (i.e., History, Science and Reading) a couple of days a week. Making a schedule will help you make sure you cover each area enough. You can take words to study for spelling from the written work your students do. If they miss a word, add it to their list of words to learn.

5. Take field trips and enjoy activities that will enhance your Unit Study. If you are studying American History, you might want to perform or visit a historical reinactment. You might enjoy collecting pictures of each state flower or bird. Maybe you will want to investigate your local area for historical interests.

Tips & Warnings

• When you decide what topic to focus on, try to choose something that is both required learning and that your kids are interested in.
• Use local resources to help you teach. The library has many books, and can save you a lot of money if you borrow rather than buy.
• Let the kids have fun. Don't be so rigid that you take all the fun out of learning.
• Make sure you know the requirements for each subject in your state. Follow the guidelines they set, but incorporate fun things into the learning.

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