UNIT STUDIES HOMESCHOOLING APPROACH

 If you have a good think about life and everything around us, it will be quite evident that what we see and experience is not in isolation at all. We experience life with many influences that are constantly around us. 

The idea of individual school subjects may be easier to manage in some schooling situations but it isn't really a true reflection of the "real world", where everything is connected. It is this thought of connectivity that the homeschooling approach, UNIT STUDIES, fully embraces.

When we present a learning experience to our children that is interest based, you've already bypassed many other obstacles that may otherwise be there to overcome e.g. irrelevance, lack of interest, too abstract, no evident practical application etc. 

So how do you use UNIT STUDIES effectively?

• Firstly, one has to shake off conventional schooling ideas. Think one topic...with ENDLESS possibilities! In a unit study, a topic is explored which involves the various application of what we'd call "conventional school subjects" but all in context of the topic.
• Secondly, one must be open to encourage engaging conversation with your child. Since the whole idea of Unit Studies is to explore a topic, having a discussion around the topic is all part of the process. If you are looking for a "quick fix" schooling option, then Unit Studies isn't for you. You need time and your kids need time to explore and digest information. Don't rush through it. There is no time limit to UNIT STUDIES exploration. 
• Then be ok to LEAVE THE PAGE! This is called going down "rabbit trails" of learning experiences. Rabbit trails are learning opportunities that we follow based on questions our kids ask or what you as a parent use to prompt critical thinking. The answers are NOT in a book but involves you & your child finding out the answers "out there". Kids soon become pretty good at keyword searches.

We have used Gather 'Round unit studies the last few years, in conjunction with a few other resources and have just loved their beautiful presentation, content and encouragement to explore new things. They have designed their units so that you can use it for either one or multiple children, with the idea to "gather everyone around" to discuss and learn.

Check out their annual sale being held from 13-17 June 2022. You have a chance of winning a full digital year!

Another BEAUTIFUL and user friendly unit studies provider, that I've recently discovered, is Harbour and Sprout.  It also comes highly recommended by users. You have the option to subscribe monthly & receive a full unit every month or you can purchase one unit at a time.

Here's a quick comparison:

Phonics Programme:

GR - YES; H&S - NO

Includes Math:

GR - NO; H&S - YES

Use for multiple children:

GR - YES; H&S - YES

Many subjects included in one unit:

GR - YES; H&S - YES

Digital downloads:

GR - YES; H&S - YES

Biblical application:

GR -  YES; H&S - NO

Includes High School level:

GR - YES; H&S - NO

Price comparison: 

Although both providers cater for families with multiple kids, GR gives the choice of only purchasing one level, so it also caters for a single user @ $19.95 per unit, which includes a Teachers Guide too. To purchase a unit which covers all levels, is $54.95. You also have an option to purchase a year bundle. Here you receive 10 units which include all levels from pre-reader to high school @ $ 549.50. GR has been in existence for longer than H&S so at the moment there are more topics to choose from. 

H&S offers a single purchase @ $30 per unit BUT this caters for ALL 4 levels, ages 3-12 years. H&S also offers a monthly subscription @R22/m where you receive a new unit each month & gives you the option to cancel anytime. Just a tip from a user: only print the subjects and levels you plan to use at a time from the pack you receive as it includes A LOT of pages! Note from the creators: We recommend a comprehensive reading program if you'd like a curriculum to teach literacy. We also recommend a building-blocks-style math curriculum, with the understanding that Harbor and Sprout will reinforce and expand on math concepts. 

If you are looking for a reading programme which includes numeracy as well, click here for a FREE 30 day trial. 

In both cases, these UNIT STUDIES aren't completely "stand alone" curricula but they will definitely add a rich learning experience for children to enjoy.

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