Unit Studies

Unit studies are a learning approach that blends multiple subjects around a central theme. They’re a hit with home educators because they let children see how different topics connect in the real world. Instead of studying history, English, and science separately, unit studies weave them together. They don’t include every subject in every unit, but usually a combination of 3 or 4. This teaching method is sometimes used in primary schools, but is typically abandoned in secondary education in favour of single subjects (which are, logistically, easier to manage with large groups and the way standardised assessments like GCSEs work).

How long does a unit study last?

Typically, around 3-6 weeks depending on age and level of interest. However, the ultimate timescale is up to you. Don’t be afraid to cut it short if your child is not showing the amount of interest you expected.

Why choose unit studies?

Research shows that this integrated approach can boost academic performance. Young people often:

Apply what they’ve learned to new situations
Engage more with their learning
Develop better critical thinking skills
Remember information for longer

Making unit studies work for you

Pick themes your kids love
Get hands-on with experiments and field trips
Keep academic standards in mind
Encourage them to make connections between subjects
Use technology to expand learning
Check progress regularly with projects or discussions
Team up with other home educators to share ideas
Find a balance between structure and flexibility
Keep a record of what your child’s learned

Other considerations

If you’re using unit studies as your main approach, try to cover different subjects over the year. For example, do a history-focused unit, then a science one.

English and maths often need a more step-by-step, sequential approach, so you might want to use a separate programme for these.

Challenges for Parents

Assessment: Evaluating progress can be more complex with unit studies, as traditional testing methods may not always align with this integrated approach.

Planning and Preparation: Designing comprehensive unit studies may require significant time and effort from parents to gather resources and plan activities across multiple subjects.

Ensuring Comprehensive Coverage: Parents may find it challenging to cover all necessary subjects and skills within thematic units, potentially leading to gaps in learning.

The unit studies on this site are aimed at Key Stage 2 and 3 (ages 7-14), but you can tweak most activities to suit younger or older children.

Unit studies can be a great way to make learning more engaging and relevant. Give them a go and see how they work for your family.