HOMESCHOOL LEGACY
What is a Unit Study?

The unit study approach to homeschooling is far different than the traditional text book method you and I grew up with...and way more fun!

What Makes a Unit Study so Different?

  • A text book generally gives a sprinkling or brief overview of a topic, while a unit study will totally immerse you in it, giving you a good "soaking."

  • The text book approach provides basic information, while unit studies combine creative activities and experiences, and tend to go into more depth.

  • Text book learning offers short term, memory retention, whereas the experiential learning derived from unit studies increases long term, memory retention. 

  • The unit study method, through its hands-on approach, uses all of the senses, accommodating many different learning styles.

  • Unit Studies utilize real, "living books" and activities that make learning come alive for students!

  • Unit studies allow for all of your children to study the same topic at the same time, no matter their ages, eliminating the need for multiple text books. They are easier on the budget and Mom!

  • Unit studies are a family affair. Learning together brings your family together. Rather than everyone off doing their own thing, your family is having fun learning together, while building relationships and precious memories. That's icing on the cake!

What is a Unit Study and How Does One Work?

  • A unit study works like the spokes on a wheel, with each of your school subjects revolving around a specific topic.

  • For example, as your children study the science of ornithology (birds), each of their assignments from Bible, writing, reading, history, science, geography, art and music appreciation, etc. will all relate to that topic.












  • They are flexible so you can do as little or as much as you want. You can use them to enhance your present curriculum or you can dive in and use them as your main curriculum source. The choice is yours!

How do Different Ages Study the Same Topic?

  • Each child's abilities are taken into account from youngest to oldest. While learning about the Eastern Woodland Indians, for instance, younger children may be making wampum necklaces from dyed pasta shells, while older children are writing a composition about the cultural significance of wampum and from what material it was made.

  • While studying birds, you (or older siblings) may read classics like Henny Penny and Chicken Little to your younger children as your older kids are reading  biographies about John James Audubon.

  • Children who are not yet writing may narrate or dictate a story to you about life on the Mayflower while your older children, according to their abilities, may write a couple of sentences, paragraphs, or a full page report on life in Plymouth.

Are There any Disadvantages to Using Unit Studies?

  • I have always enjoyed the planning that goes into preparing a unit study, but not everyone does. That is why I decided to write Once-a-Week Unit Studies.

  They are written in an easy to follow format so there is no need for you to               prepare anything. All of the assignments are there ready for you and your               children to enjoy. I even provide you with a list of outstanding, library books           and resources, in addition to all of their call numbers! 

What is the Best Thing About Unit Studies?

  • The absolute best thing for me as a mom has been the wonderful memories we have made and the strong, family bonds we have built.

  • The outstanding education my sons have received as a result. They remember things we studied years ago by learning with this method.
      
       


  • Unit studies gave us the opportunity to instill a love of learning in our children. They helped us teach them that learning can be fun, interesting, and exciting!

  • And last, but not least, I NEVER experienced "homeschool burnout." Unit Studies gave me, as well as my sons, a creative outlet.

        We are told in the Scriptures that we have been made in His likeness. The               first five words of Genesis, " In the beginning HE CREATED...,"  gives us an               inkling into that likeness. Unit Studies provide you with a tool to be creative!

ENJOY!



 




  A great unit study should never spoon feed the student. It should teach
  him or her to discover, retrieve, and research information on their own.
  That will prepare them for college and a lifetime of learning.