Educational Philosophies: The Unit Study Approach

[SusanwithaGoodBook]

The Unit Study Approach

Examples/Resources:
Konos, The Weaver, Alta Vista, ATI (Bill Gothard), Delight Direct Studies (Gregg Harris), Valerie Bendt, Katherine Stout, others.

Unit studies take one common theme, idea or topic and study in as many subject areas as possible based on that theme. Those advocating Unit Studies say that it is more natural to study the subjects as they relate to a topic than it is to study each subject separately as if it isn't related to any other aspect of life. For example, if the student is interested in airplanes then reading is centered on airplanes, history of flight is studied, the physics of flight is the science, writings are done on planes and flight, a plane is built (arts and crafts) and so on. The subject is the "framework" on which the other subjects are laid. Some Unit Study curricula are available which base all studies on the Bible or Literature. Others, such as Katherine Stout, seek to teach you how to build your own Unit Studies.

Strengths: Allows the entire family to study one subject with each child approaching it from his or her own grade and interest level.

Comments: Can be used in addition to other curricula. Unit studies can also be done as summer "enrichment”.

Weaknesses: Can be a stretch to fit all subjects under the umbrella of one topic.

[4Hijos]

Originally Posted by SusanwithaGoodBook

The Unit Study Approach

Weaknesses: Can be a stretch to fit all subjects under the umbrella of one topic.

You don't really HAVE to fit everything into your unit study. When we have done unit studies, we always keep math, Bible, and phonics/grammar separate. Everything else: science, history, literature (usually, some topics work better if you keep literature separate, especially for high school), writing, art, music, etc ties into the unit. Some topics are heavy on either science or history/geography, and don't have much of the other. I allow for that by alternating units that focus on science with units that focus on social studies.

I like the Valerie Bendt & Steward Ship (Jennifer Steward) styles of unit studies best, so I usually make up my own using their suggestions as guidelines. (Each has a book on creating your own unit studies. Steward Ship publishes unit study guides, as well, to help in creating your own.)

We have been using Truthquest & Ambleside Online this year, but next year I am going to unit studies for everyone, in a Charlotte Mason style. That works out better for fitting in everybody, and we are looking forward to doing unit studies again. (My 2 little ones have already switched to unit studies, and my oldest may switch for the last 6 weeks of school.)

[paula_J]

I would like to add that Christian Cottage has wonderful unit studies. Each volume contains several units which last from 2 - 4 weeks each. These studies contain Bible, vocabulary, science, history, geography, creative writing, arts & crafts, recipes, and games. Oh yeah, these units also contain awesome resource guides that list four seperate levels of books, video, cookbooks, misc.

[rwnrl]

MFW is good too!

[seekingHimwithallmyheart]

FIAR and BFIAR

[OnTheWay]

I think unit studies work really well in history and science. Even now with a textbook method I tend to take my text topics and build a unit study around it - adding in readings, writing, projects that work together on the topic.

what I don't think works as well, especially at upper levels is to try to combine everything into one unit around a topic (gets harder to combine history and science at upper levels while covering the material necessary to provide a comprehensive education.) And I always thought math was a stretch.

I build my own typically, but Christian Cottage has some excellent units available. Lapbook kits, like HOAC, are good building blocks for designing unit studies around as well.

[higginszoo]

I've been using a couple of Amanda Bennett's studies and have really enjoyed them. We generally do separate math, but these include copywork and suggestions for readers. There are upper-and lower-level suggestions ... The upper level would be great for grades 6-8, the lower level is geared toward 3-5 ... but can be scaled down for younger students as well.

We've also enjoyed lapbook curricula such as Hands of a Child, which would also fit well into this category.

Both companies have many units available through Library affiliate Homeschoolestore.

[mrsmuir]

I think it is a very natural way to learn. I'm not sure how to combine, oh grammar, in the high school years into a unit study, but I'm sure it can be done!

As far as gaps in learning, every method for learning has gaps. I don't think we can ever master everything.

mrs. muir