So you’re a Unit Study Homeschooler? That’s great! (If you’re not sure what your homeschool type is. Be sure to take the quiz here.)
Let’s do a quick recap of the Unit Study approach before we jump into talking about the best homeschool curriculum options.
Unit study homeschooling is an approach to education that is based on the concept of teaching multiple subjects within the context of a single theme or topic. Unit studies are typically structured around a series of lessons or projects that encompass various subjects, such as math, science, language arts, and social studies. The unit study approach encourages hands-on learning experiences and student-led exploration, promoting curiosity and creativity. It is often favored by homeschooling families who wish to emphasize real-world connections to learning and who want to encourage their children to explore their interests in depth.
Ready to see some of the best homeschool curriculum options for your type? Here are some of the top choices for Unit Study homeschoolers:
Five in a Row – Five in a Row is a literature-based curriculum that uses children’s books as a springboard for learning. Each unit focuses on a single book and includes activities for language arts, math, science, social studies, and art. Over the years, they have greatly expanded their offerings. They currently have Before Five in a Row, which is a delightful study for early childhood, and 8 volumes of Five in a Row for children ranging from elementary all the way up to middle school. When you purchase this curriculum, you will receive the teacher’s manual. But you are responsible for gathering the books and other materials needed to teach. (There are several Five in a Row buy/sell groups online, so if this is the curriculum you choose, be sure to check those out.)
Konos – Konos is a unit study curriculum that is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Their materials are designed to be hands-on and engaging, and they cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, and character development. On their website, they have a page that describes the different curriculum options. They help you decide which level of support you feel would work best by asking these questions: “Do you bake a cake from scratch? Do you bake a cake from a package? Or do you buy a cake from the store?” That is quite possibly the best analogy I’ve ever heard. Pick which tier you feel describes you best and then follow their suggestions for their curriculum options.
Moving Beyond the Page – Moving Beyond the Page is a literature-based curriculum that is designed to be hands-on and interactive. Their materials cover a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies, and they are designed to be adaptable to the needs and interests of individual students. They also have online access included for every purchase of hard copy curriculum. When you purchase a full year package you also get a parent guide, a student book, all books included in the study, and a materials package.
Build Your Library – Build Your Library is a secular literature-based curriculum that is designed to be flexible and adaptable. Their materials cover a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies, and they are designed to be engaging and interactive. They offer curriculum options in both physical and digital delivery. The book selections choose both classics and contemporary literature for their unit study.
The Good and the Beautiful – The Good and the Beautiful is a comprehensive curriculum that includes a wide range of subjects, including language arts, math, science, and social studies. Their materials are designed to be hands-on and interactive, and they are aligned with the Unit Study approach to learning. One of the standout features of the Good and the Beautiful curriculum is its use of beautiful and high-quality materials, including full-color illustrations, engaging stories, and hands-on activities. It is a popular choice for Christian homeschooling families who value a well-rounded education that integrates multiple subjects and encourages moral development.
Our family has used several of these curriculum options and we have absolutely loved them! Unit Study homeschooling can be a great way to engage children in learning and help them develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. These curriculum options are designed to be engaging, hands-on, and adaptable to the needs and interests of individual students. When choosing a curriculum, it’s also important to consider your child’s learning style and interests. (And be sure to subscribe to our email list, because we’ll have a new quiz soon for determining your child’s learning style.)
Any one of these curriculum options would give you a great start to providing your family with the Unit Study approach to homeschooling. But remember, the curriculum you choose is only meant to be a tool for you, it’s not meant to be your master. (You can read more about my thoughts on that in my Quick Start guide by purchasing that HERE.) And if you’re curious about what we use in our homeschool, check out the final post in this series. Still have questions? Reach out to us at support@homeschooltribe.com.
Happy Homeschooling!
