Lesson 1: Getting Your Feet Wet in a Sea of Studies
Get the basic facts in a nutshell about unit studies: definition, advantages, disadvantages, types, and how to use unit studies.
1-1 Introduction
1-2 the Unit Study Concept: What it Is, What it Isn't
* Definition
* Advantages
* Disadvantages
1-3 Pre-planned Unit Studies
* Single or Complete Unit Studies and Prepared Topical Guides
* Unit Study Guides or Outlines
* Unit Study Helps or Textbooks
* Full Curriculum Studies
1-4 How Do You Use a Unit Study?
1-5 Some Final Thoughts
1-6 Resources
1-1 Introduction
Welcome to a crash course in Creating Dynamic Unit Studies! In this first lesson you'll learn what a unit study is and get a brief overview of the various types of unit studies to see where they may fit into your educational planning. We'll also look at when and where to use unit studies in your curriculum. You'll discover that putting together your own unit study molded to your children's interests is easier than you may think . . . and well worth the effort!
Objectives of this Lesson
In this first lesson we'll be learning about the unit study concept and what makes up a unit study, as well as advantages and disadvantages of using unit studies you prepare yourself. We'll have a brief overview of the various types of unit studies to see where they may fit into your educational planning. We'll also look at when and where to use unit studies in your curriculum. You'll discover that putting together your own unit study molded to your children's interests is easier than you may think . . . and well worth the effort!
Recommended Resources
***Note: all books and reading assignments are optional and are provided as additional information for the student.
The main text we'll use throughout this course is How to Create Your Own Unit Study by Valerie Bendt. Sections I through IV provide most of the background to this lesson. The text presents many additional insights to the material covered in this course. However, while the book is Christian, this course has a broader scope to cover all types of studies; all necessary material is presented within these lessons.
Preparation
No prior preparation is necessary, however you may want to review or research prepared unit studies, especially ones you or someone you know have used. If this is a whole, new concept to you it might be helpful to peruse some professionally prepared unit studies either online, at a library, or at a store which carries educational supplies. Section 6 of this lesson gives some names and links to help.
