Homeschool Methods: Unit Study

 A very basic definition of a unit study is taking a topic or subject and studying it through as many of the academic disciplines as applicable for a specified length of time.  The goal is to relate as much learning as possible to the chosen topic or theme.  This works very well for most disciplines with the exception of mathematics (though mathematics is a great lens to examine many topic through as well).

For example, one might plan on studying "Ancient Egypt" through history (people and events), geography (maps, cultural geography), science (irrigation practices, medicine), art, and literature.  Another example might be studying "horses" through history (the uses of horses throughout history, the history of horse racing, famous horses in history), science (the care of horses, types of horses, biological needs and systems of horses), literature (stories of horses in literature), etc.

Other unit study approaches examine character traits through different disciplines (such as KONOS), or use a piece of literature as the base for the study (such as Five in a Row) and branch out from there.
Many who use unit studies in their teaching also try to incorporate hands on projects related to the study and schedule related field trips.  Some involve their children in the planning of a unit study and largely base their plans upon the interests of their children.  Unit studies are very popular in traditional school settings as well, and there is abundant information online for anyone wishing to plan their own studies or to see samples of unit studies.

Some curricula organized into Unit Studies are:

• Amanda Bennett Studies (Topical-Subject based)
• Christian Cottage Unit Studies (History based)
• Five in a Row (Literature based)
• The Itty-Bitty Bookworm (Literature based preschool curriculum)
• KONOS (Character based)
• Learning Adventures (History based)
• My Father's World (History/geography based)
• The Prairie Primer (based on the Little House series)
• Steward Ship Unit Studies (Topical-Subject based)
• Tapestry of Grace (History based)
• Trail Guide to Learning (History based)
• Weaver (Biblical theme based)

Some free resources for Unit Studies are:

• Homeschool Share (Literature based)
• Stone Soup Homeschool Network Unit Study Database (HUGE!)

Unit Study Helps for those who might like to plan their own studies:

• Homeschool Unit Study Planner forms at DonnaYoung.org
• How to Create a Unit Study (PDF File from Home 2 Teach)
• Learning Success with Unit Studies (article)
• Unit Studies Made Easy by Valerie Bendt (a great book!)--PDF Preview here

This article is a part of series of overviews on different homeschool methods.  As many homeschoolers are eclectic in method and materials chosen, hopefully highlights from this series will offer insight into what is available to families educating children at home so that they might choose what will best meet the goals they have set for their family.