I am a "Textbook Mom." You know the kind: I like workbooks and textbooks. They help me know what to teach, when to teach it, how to review it, and when to go on to the next topic. But, after observing my children, and how much they remember when we work with textbooks only, I have looked for a better way. Not just a better workbook or textbook, but a better method to help them internalize the information we study; to remember weeks and years later.

After trying several different methods, I came to the conclusion that unit studies made the most sense, but wondered how I could change my way of thinking in subjects to now think in units or topics. I wanted to still feel in control of our schooling, to know that we were accelerating academically, yet allow for the unstructured-ness of studying one topic while incorporating all subjects. These are the steps I took:

Consistent Subjects

We keep some subjects the same: math, grammar practice, Bible reading, memorization, and art appreciation. These help me feel a semblance of continuity. Daily we work through the math books and the rest of these subjects.

Consistent Times

We do our regular subjects first, then work on the unit study. This helps me feel like we have really done "school" so itís okay to play. (I understand that when they are covering Styrofoam balls with tape and painting them to represent the planets ala Science Pockets, they are learning, but it seems so much like play to this textbook mom.) We keep these subjects at the same time each day so that we have that continuity. We also have a time-slot for vocabulary words. We change the words to fit the unit.

Flexible Ending Time

Yes, we are consistent with the time for starting math, and our other subjects, but we are flexible with the time allotted or needed for the unit study. We start at the same time, but some days we need just one and a half hours. Other days the children need to finish things up after lunch. We finish school for the morning at the same time, and keep lunch on time, but make time in our afternoon schedule for completing these projects. Again, this brings the feeling of continuity to the schedule. It also helps me stay in my comfort zone.

Textbook as Guide

We have looked through textbooks for different grade levels, noting what topics are covered, and the main points. We then build unit studies around these chapters, incorporating projects, library books, ìreal books,î field trips, and anything else that will further our knowledge. We use the textbook as the springboard, and as a resource, but not as our only source. Sometimes the textbooks are too dry, so we turn to library books for the information, but the textbook serves as the guide for our goals and sequence of learning.

Use "Canned" Units

To wet my feet, I bought some pre-written unit studies. Teacher Created Materials makes numerous Thematic studies written on many topics covering all age levels. Science Pockets are hands-on units on several different scientific subject-matter. These taught me a few tricks on planning topical studies: how to incorporate different writing styles, using projects and hands-on activities to further mastery, using ìreal booksî to learn about topics, even how to use workbook pages effectively. Using the computer, I began to develop my own workbook pages for unit studies I wrote on the subjects we wanted to study. The pre-written, ìcannedî thematic studies helped get me over the intimidation of doing unit studies, while teaching me ways to write my own. (Editorís Note: Some other great resources are Amanda Bennettís Unit Study Adventures series, Valerie Bendtís How To Create Your Own Unit Studies, The Unit Study Idea Book the Five In A Row Series for younger children by Jane Lambert, and Stratton House Science Kit/Unit Studies , Castle Heights Press' One Week Off Unit Studies, Kathryn Stout's Design -A-Study series

Focus on the "Big Picture"

I use a checklist for each subject to keep me on track and provide me with a ìBig Picture.î This helps me plan the units we do, and also what the goals are for each unit. Sometimes the only goal is to understand the topic: subject mastery. During those units, we focus on the projects, or information-gathering. Other times I will incorporate language skills that the children need to learn or work on such as research, writing good topic or supporting sentences, summarizing information, or reading to comprehend.These are several resources to use to help in keeping the "Big Picture." Kathryn Stoutís Design-A Study for Comprehensive Composition and Science Scope includes checklists for the different grade levels. Robin Scarlata wrote What Your Child Needs to Know When which is an evaluation checklist for grades K-8. Worldbook Encyclopedia has a Scope & Sequence for grades K-12. Researching what is taught nationwide in each subject in each grade, they made a listing of the most common. There are several others you could look into, or if you feel capable, you could write your own goals for the different subjects.

This is how this textbook mom acclimated herself to using unit studies. If you have not attempted a topical approach to learning, why not try one for a week or a month following the steps outlined here. You will at least have some fond memories of learning together.

Kym Wright is a homeschool mom and the editor of Open Arms Magazine. For more
information or to contact her, write P.O. Box 81124, Conyers GA 30013.

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