Drawback to Unit studies?

[WWMama]

I've been wondering, as I'm looking at all the different methods of homeschooling, about unti studies. I worked as a "preschool teacher" for a few years before getting married and having children and I really think that all my lesson planning as a preschool teacher really makes me lean towards unit studies as the way I want to do homeschooling. Its the way my brain works and I think it will be a good way to teach one thing and gear it to whatever level either of my kids happen to be at on whatever "subject". I'm wondering...for those of you who are currently doing this...are there any disadvantages to this approach? Have you found things that are more difficult or harder to do with this method? Or things to beware of?

[momo3boys]

As a fellow former preschool teacher I felt the same way, the one draw back that I see is the time that it takes to plan. I now do a combination of things, some workbooks, some readings and some unit studies. I just don't have the time to plan it all for three. If you do, go ahead, it really is a wonderful way to homeschool.

[elliemaejune]

I guess it might depend on what "unit studies" means to you

To *me*, unit studies means picking a topic and doing everything around that topic until we're tired of it, lol. Only English and math need to be done as separate subjects.

The more organized, "official" unit studies such as KONOS, the Weaver, Prairie Primer, Where the Brook and the River Meet, et al, remove most of the pain in planning. I'm a KONOS fan, myself, although Where the Brook and the River Meet looks very interesting.

I suppose a drawback might be that our dc don't have lots of practice filling out workbook pages, but since there's very little of that in adult life, that isn't something that concerns me a whole bunch, lol.

[WWMama]

Thanks for the information. I really feel that unit study will be what we do...shows how green I am that I didn't even realize there are things like KONOS, etc. Man...if I stick around here long enough, I might just get things figured out!

[Kitty-Cat]

I really like unit studies, but the only thing is because I make them myself is burn out. So I only do them sometimes. Maybe if you buy ones all prepared that would not be a problem.

[elliemaejune]

Thanks for the information. I really feel that unit study will be what we do...shows how green I am that I didn't even realize there are things like KONOS, etc. Man...if I stick around here long enough, I might just get things figured out!

LOL.

Also, if you stick with us long enough, you'll learn what all our mistakes were so you won't make the same ones

[Shari Nielsen]

I guess it might depend on what "unit studies" means to you

I suppose a drawback might be that our dc don't have lots of practice filling out workbook pages, but since there's very little of that in adult life, that isn't something that concerns me a whole bunch, lol.

I'm a firm believer in writing for meaningful purposes. Filling out workbook pages isn't my idea of applying knowledge practically. Instead, you (the parent) should look at the workbook for ideas of things/ideas that you can turn into something more meaningful.

Unfortunately, it will take more time and effort to come up w/ the ideas on your part, but I think your kids will enjoy the activities more than simply writing in the correct answers on a worksheet.