A unit study approach involves the study of a single topic, or group of related topics.  It involves researching facts about the subject topic, as well as experiencing hands-on activities which pertain to the primary subject matter.  What is unique, in our opinion, about an educational approach which uses unit studies, is that it is very adaptable to many different learning situations, particularly those where several children of differing abilities, ages, and grade levels will be participating simultaneously.

     As a home educator directing a unit study you are in an excellent position to encourage "real" learning, while at the same time allowing a more flexible, enjoyable, even fun learning environment.  What is more, unit studies often will spark within the participating children a strong desire to  experience other worthwhile topics which they became aware of during their investigation of the primary subject matter.  In other words, they start to learn, investigate, other important topics based on their own intrinsic desire to learn. 

    For those individuals familiar with Holt's philosophies, unit studies can provide a vehicle by which the home educator can present certain "core" materials while simultaneously cultivating the child's own innate desire to learn.  For parents who like the idea of unschooling, but are uncomfortable with the relative lack of structure which is inherent in that approach, unit studies could prove to be a bridge past totally unstructured unshcooling.

    In our view unit studies should consist of  a single, or set, of core books on the topic to be studied.  Supplementing the core books are other texts which emphasize in greater detail specific issues that the home educator deems important for further elaboration over and above the core books.  Keeping the children's attention, and reinforcing the  written materials, are hands on activities including crafts, painting, outdoor activities, graphing, and many other activities which require active participation on the part of the child.  Finally, when possible, a field trip to experience the core topic in person, and alive, is an excellent idea.

     What we have found is that the retention by the child of material learned in this manner is extraordinary.   Hands down it beats any rote program over the long haul.  Your child not only remembers the information, but comprehends the information.  It is locked in long term memory, rather than short.