This is How I write a Unit Study!!

This is How I write a Unit Study!!

Ive done these for years, even before they were called unit studies!! so if you like to do research making units are very fun!! I generally make all mine in the summer, since we don’t do any school stuff then.

I use internet, library, make up worksheets, video, tapes etc.
I always do a time line so kids can place what we are doing on it. Keeps it straight in there minds and mine!

You can do plays, tape books and put sound effects on the tape, about the subject you do. these are fun to do!

Lets see, how about doing one on turtles!

First i ask the kids what they know about the subject, i either write it on the chalk board or have them write it down on a piece a paper, then i ask them what they would want to know about the subject we will be doing.
Next i find info on turtles from lib., internet, videos, tv, etc. set it all out in front of me(i use my huge kitchen table to work on) then i think of how i want to go about giving info to the kids! i try to answer the questions how, why, what, where who, when,

heres some ideas i use:
You can find out how many different types of turtle there are and have kids do research on some

you can make up little booklets with activities for the kids (younger kids love this) to do just staple all the pages together. In these booklets you can have comprehension pages you make up, puzzle pages, counting (math) pages, looking up certain things, spelling words/vocab, writing essay pages, coloring pages, art pages, cooking turtle soup or making turtle cookies, bits of history and science etc!

We always keep a notebook on our units of what we drew, made, wrote, etc..

Spelling and Vocab:
use words having to do with turtles, take the words out of what you are teaching, make up booklets just for the spelling and vocab so the kids can writing them in there.

Writing:
the kids can write stories, poems, jokes, about turtles, they can research certain turtles and write essays. For some of the younger kids i write facts down and they can read and copy on another page.

English or lang. arts:
I just use workbook for this subject.

History and Science:
the kids can look up and tell the history of a few turtles, what they were used for, where they originated, how they hatch, how long they live, etc. what Indians used them for, what medicinal qualities they have, how are they used for food, buy a turtle and keep as a pet, how to take care of a turtle, what they eat. Watch some videos about turtles,

Art:
make posters of different ones, draw pictures to put in there notebooks, turtle crafts

Reading:
the kids can read books about turtles and tell someone about what they’ve read, (keeps it in there brains!) write a book report, read to younger brother or sister about turtles.

Math:
depending on how old the kids are, for the little ones you can make up worksheets on counting turtles, measuring turtles, find some turtle manipulatives, turtle pencils, etc or just use a regular math workbook or book.

Well this is just a few ideas and the way that I do my units. You can add as much and as little as you like. As my kids got older I had them make up unit studies to teach each other. we sure have a lot of fun with unit studies, and learn so much!

debbie