Homeschooling with Thematic Units
Fun Unit Studies use a Theme for Easy Homeschool Education
Learn how to plan a Unit Study Approach lesson plan for all ages (using themes) in your home school. Examples and advice for family learning across the curriculum follow.
Many homeschooling families and teachers enjoy using the 'unit study' or thematic approach to learning.A theme is chosen and then all (or some) of the subjects in the curriculum are studied in relationship to this theme, for perhaps a week or two. Following is a sample using the Iditarod dog sled race as a theme.
Using a Thematic Style of Teaching, the Iditarod Race is one Example of an Opportunity to Become immersed in the Excitement of the Sport while Learning
- Early in the school year information about the race and the state of Alaska can be studied (check your library for books at all levels). The race takes place in Alaska each March. You can read about the dogs, their equipment, and the humans who work with them.
- Gain computer skills when using the Internet to search for good information (try the official Iditarod site).
- Use map skills when plotting out the race trail. Study how every other year the race switches from an upper trail to a lower trail. Math comes in when tracking the various mushers (dog sled riders) as they follow the trail (Try Cabelas Iditarod site for great coverage).
- Older students can check racing speeds and chart teams when they reach their various checkpoints.
- Younger homeschoolers can draw pictures pertaining to the race. Science is learned through finding out about dog care, how blubber helps some animals deal with the cold and more. Language arts might include writing e-mails to mushers and learning new vocabulary.
- Using a thematic style brings a family closer, which can be just as important as academics. Every day look at race updates together on the Internet and cheer for the teams of people and dogs you are tracking.
- If possible, watch the daily Iditarod coverage on the Outdoor Channel. On the final day of the race, celebrate by eating ice cream and getting cold like the mushing teams you have been watching for two weeks (that's about how long the race lasts).
This is an experience you will remember for a lifetime and want to do again each year.
How To Get Started with Thematic Units
- First, try brainstorming with the children. What do they know? What do they want to know? Where could you go on a field trip to learn more? Can they think of other resources, books or ideas?
- Next, check out the Internet and the library. Use Internet search engines. Look for credible web sites (colleges, museums, knowledgeable official organizations) where you can trust provided information. Try using the search words "thematic units" or "unit studies." Add the word "homeschool" to narrow the search. Find free unit studies on a website called Homeschool Helper, full of lesson plans and information on thematic learning. Also search teacher sites (a good jumping-off point) and look for educational links, free printable worksheets, etc. The Internet is loaded with free lesson plans and ideas for teachers (homeschoolers included). Librarians or the library search computer can also be a huge help. Check out several books for each unit, for reference and reading.
- Also on the Internet (and on suite 101) are preplanned unit studies. Many are free for the taking. These can be used as they are, or can be a great starting point for developing your own plan.
The Thematic Or Unit Study Approach is a Good Way to Learn
Unit studies are a great way to explore interests, work with children of various ages, and have fun learning as a family. They are reasonably easy to plan and implement and the hands-on experiences will stay with homeschoolers for many years. See aabc_homeschooling for more ideas.
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