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Many homeschool families enjoy using a unit study style of learning either occasionally or full time. A unit study or thematic
unit is a curriculum centered around a theme. Curriculum is just a fancy word for all the things (books, games, field trips,
computer CDs, etc) used in the educational journey. To schools, curriculum generally refers to a set of books for each subject,
to be used in a rigorous schedule. Homeschoolers can be more flexible and design a curriculum that fits their family and needs.
Homeschoolers can buy or find free pre-planned unit studies online. They can also be found on eBay, at teacher supply and
educational stores.
An example of a pre-planned thematic unit for a younger student might be a unit about insects. It may be set up for a certain
age or grade, such as 2nd grade. Inside the book might be reproducible worksheets for students. There might be pages about
the parts of an insect's body, what insects eat, and maybe some games and activity pages. There would also be suggestions
for books to read about insects, and perhaps art projects, website suggestions and a lot more. At the end might be a certificate
of completion to print for the children and ideas for cumulating activities.
Some of the pre-planned thematic learning books are made for classrooms and teachers. Others are available and made specifically
for homeschooling families.
All these resources are fine, but it is also possible to invent a family to invent their own theme-based learning curriculum.
How to Design a Thematic Unit or Unit Study
Begin by picking a theme. It helps to start with a subject in which the children or teens are interested. An example might
be horses.
It helps to make a sort of web chart to begin brainstorming. Put the theme in the center of the chart and draw lines out from
the center. From there, simply start brainstorming ideas for various subjects and for activity ideas.
For horses, the chart might include things like:
For reading, the youngest children can read fiction and nonfiction books about horses. Older students might like reading the
Misty of Chincoteage and more advanced non-fiction equestrian books.
For general learning, a field trip or visit to a place with horses and stables would be wonderful. Students could learn about
the care of horses, how to ride horses, about their equipment and so on. If any of the children are interested in art, they
could watch and draw the animals.
For writing, homeschoolers could choose from making a mini book about horses, writing about what they learned, or for high
school aged students, doing a research report on some aspect of horse care, history or just about anything.
This is just a very light look at how one might set up a unit study, but it should get the concept across. Also, one does
not need to be obsessive about every subject being covered by the unit study. For instance, a math book could be continued
while learning about horses.
Thematic units are a fun way to learn which children enjoy and remember. If this is not right for a family every week, maybe
two or three weeks a year doing a special unit may be a nice break from the normal schedule.
Relax and enjoy!
By Janienne Jenrich, Copyright 2008
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