Unit studies are a fun and effective way for children to explore a topic and develop a love for learning. Here's a simple method to make unit study planning easier.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 4 hours
Here's How:
- Choose your topic of study.
- Decide how in-depth you want to study the topic.
- Decide how much time you want to spend on the unit.
- Gather your on-hand resources.
- Check your library for additional resources and ideas.
- Check out local field trip possibilities.
- Plan hands-on activities that relate to your topic (cooking, experiments, crafts, etc.).
- Search the internet for online resources, games and virtual field trips.
- With the gathered resources in front of you, lay out a plan of what you will cover and projects you want to do.
- Plan a schedule, as detailed or generalized as you desire.
- Begin your unit study with enthusiasm.
- Keep a journal of your study.
- End your unit with something exciting (a party, a presentation, field trip).
Tips:
- Choose a topic your children are interested in or use a chapter out of their textbook as a base.
- Be flexible with your schedule; if you're really into a project, don't cut it short just to keep on the schedule.
- For teaching different age groups, adjust the assignments and activities as appropriate.
