What is a unit study? A unit study is a method of learning in which you pick a topic, and all subjects revolve around this topic. This is a great way to grab your child’s attention using something that interests them to teach. Doesn’t it make sense that if you teach your child using something that they love they will pay attention, and pick things up without even trying ? There are really no rules for Unit Studies- you can make every aspect revolve around the theme, or just include it in a few subjects. It can last a week or an entire month. As long as it holds your child’s attention and they are learning. For instance if your child is a Lego lover you could choose Lego as your topic. Let’s do a breakdown of what a unit study would look like using Lego as a theme.
Spelling/ Handwriting
Have your child trace or write simple Lego related words; brick, build, mini fig, structure, create, color words to match. Older children can write a story to describe the greatest thing they can imagine to build from Lego’s.
Math
For a Kindergarten it might look something like asking them to add or subtract 1-3 Lego bricks. For older students you could use them to teach fractions. Teach graphing using different brick sizes or colors.
History/ Geography
Help or have your child research where Lego’s where invented, find it on a map, discuss some features of this country. Have your child replicate a famous structure from Lego’s such as Big Ben, or the Eiffel Towel- discuss their history.
Art
The about activity-building a famous structure would count here as well. Lego coloring sheets, Give your child a bag with 12 Lego’s in it, have them create something with just those blocks (bam you’ve got critical and creative thinking thrown in as well) Use play dough to recreate a brick or minifig ( that’s small motor skills also)
Lap booking– A perfect tool for theme studies. Most often these are made from file folders, all activities are attached/included in the booklet. This can incorporate math activities, literacy, science, art, and more into a nice little package. There are tons of free ideas if you search online; theme ideas, how to’s, and printables.
There are countless resources available on the internet, use it! There is a reason it’s called the world wide web- the world is in your browser. Type in a theme your child is interested in and you will have countless ideas at your fingertips; printables, book lists, science projects, art ideas, math activities, lapbooks, etc..
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