| Author |
Message |
    
Jo Dee (Jodee)
| | Posted on Monday, July 29, 2002 - 03:55 pm: |     |
Bev,
Just remember, you are more of an expert on your children than anyone else. All you really needed was someone to give you ideas, and you knew the situation when the right suggestion came along.
Don't think anything less of yourself than an expert on your children. We all need a different perspective from time to time. This time it happened to be the ladies here.
I still thank you for your kind words and encouragement to me.
Jo Dee |
Bev in Canada (Bev)
| | Posted on Sunday, July 28, 2002 - 09:38 am: | |
Jo Dee and Susan
Please take a big hug and a smackaroon of a kiss all the way from Canada. Wow I am blessed by your Godly wisdom .
Yes Susan you are so right. I truly appreciate that God is using you both for me right now. I praise him for that. All these light bulbs are suddenly going on bright bright. I am sure you both can remember how that feels. So I thank God for all the wisdom pouring out on these pages to me, and for the vessels he has used in you both.
Ladies in my book you are experts. Cuz if you don't realize it your experiences are making you such. I guess I will be too someday to someone starting out. But right now the help being given to me is much needed and it is answering my specific concerns. It is like having your personal counsellor or consultant. So there is another hat for you both to wear. Hey if God so blesses you I can only tell you the truth. You are what you are Praise God for that. So please don't mind this rejoicing mum praising God for using you to bless my family so many miles away. Hee Hee Hee. I can smile with a song in my heart today.
JoDee the suggestions given were accurate and insightful. I have printed them so I can apply to them usefully. It has given me a great awareness and a foot to start. Yep you helped. You know it is funny but just writing out the plan on the other thread amazed me, cuz what you all don't know is i have never done that before. To my amazement those thoughts came together as I was writing it out. So I am now aware through the Holy Spirit pointing it out to me, that it is not that I can't do unit study, but that I don't like to write things out and plan it out, I am impulsive. So being accountable to the group to write out something was the help I needed. Amazing cuz i did not know I could do it until you forced me to inadvertently. I am always hating lesson plans and would not do them they are so tedious looking. But doing it this way was simple doable and focusing giving direction. So thanks again, another aspect of my needs was met. Hey keep going ladies, you are really helping me.
Well I have got to go. I have work to do now don't I. Now that i see the light let me go bask in it.LOL. Don't worry I am drunk with joy. Just know you have been used to make someone's day.
bev
p.s in this business you don't get too many appreciation days or pay increases or bonuses. So I indulged you both today, all praises to God of course. I think he wants you have that now and again so long as we don't forget the focus is him not us and all praises are really his. Hee Hee Hee!!! |
Jo Dee (Jodee)
| | Posted on Saturday, July 27, 2002 - 03:42 pm: | |
Bev,
Thanks for the difficult assignment. I am no expert, far from it, but I can make a few comments that may help you get started thinking in the right direction. Anyone else who can help, please do!!!
I don't know what requirements you may have, but I think I can make some suggestions for you in regard to your oldest boy:
I know where I grew up, in the Milwaukee, WI, area, the public High Schools had a "work study" program. Those participating went to school for 3 classes in the morning and got their credit for the rest of their school day by working. Some even worked for McDonald's. They were graded by their boss for those hours. I don't know how you would document that, other than "work study". After all, our high school had wood shop, cooking, sewing, metal shop, etc. all taken for credit. This could take care of 3-4 hours a day - for credit, that is, if he can work for 3-4 hours. You wouldn't have to have his boss grade him, you could just discuss how he is doing with his supervisor and get an idea from that. You could try to find someone who would be willing to take your son on, maybe not as an apprentice (because he doesn't meet the criteria, yet), but as a helper, and maybe a bit more than a helper since he has some experience.
In regard to him doing some studies (unit studies) on his own and how it fits in with high school credits, it depends on what he does. If he does a study on electricity (which appears to be an interest) review his projects (including a written report, I hope) and consider how long he takes. Break it out into the appropriate categories (science, writing, math, etc.) as you see fit.
It may seem a bit difficult and time-consuming at first, but I'm sure you will get the hang of it.
In regard to him starting his own business, I don't know what legalities you may have where you are. He may need to be licensed. If this is the case, he may eventually have to become an apprentice for someone else to get his license. Maybe that can be his first unit study - how to become a....
In regard to your 12-year-old, it appears that his comprehension problem could be he does not have an interest in the subject and isn't really "reading" it or he just plain doesn't understand it. Usually, just reading a science book doesn't really "teach" anything, it's just a bunch of facts. You may need something that he can read and then do, like a lab, to see the answer. Or maybe he just needs to do stuff for now instead of just reading. If he is normally a good reader, he may just not be science oriented, and that may be his difficulty. Or it could be that his brain isn't quite ready for it, yet. I have children who need to know the why (same with me) before we can comprehend what is being said.
Most students have problems with math word problems. This stems from them not having "real life" experience with math. You could try to write your own that would apply to your everyday life. My oldest, 11-year-old girl, had a similar problem in math and word problems. I just kept doing everyday things with her and we figured out how to do the "book" problems together. Now she is able to do it. Sometimes they just need someone to show the way and practice a bit.
For some math examples, you need to double or half a recipe. Or even how much of a recipe do you need for xx number of people? Or you are putting a fence in, you need to know what materials and how much? Or you are getting ready to seed your lawn, or fertilize it, how much will you need? Or you are getting ready to paint a room, how much paint do you need? Or you need to make so many XXX (items) for each person in your extended family, how many do you have to make, and how many supplies will you need? Of if you spent XX on supplies and made XX items and sold them for XX, how much profit did you make, and how much of it is a tithe? Sometimes when they get the hang of things that are real, they can see the others. It's worth a try.
Anyway, after that big build up you gave me, I hope I was able to help.
Jo Dee |
Susan (Susan)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 04:24 pm: | |
Bev,
Thanks be to God that I could be the vessel He chose to minister to your needs! It was most certainly His hand that wrote through me whatever spoke to your heart. I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert on either unit studies or the Moore Formula.
But you gave me a GREAT smile, and I can't wait to tell Ted I received my doctorate today  |
Susan (Susan)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 04:20 pm: | |
JoDee's right, of course, and we complement each other's posts so often!
Canned unit studies can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how confident you are with manipulating them to fit your children's needs and learning styles and interests.
They can also give you the idea of how a thorough unit study looks, and you can use it to model your own after it (although I wouldn't necessarily suggest purchasing an entire curriculum to get the feel of unit studies. There are thousands available for free on the web!) |
Bev in Canada (Bev)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 03:12 pm: | |
JO Dee
If Susan is the doctor I don't know what you are. But what a very encouraging helpful post. Thank you for taking me so gently by the hand. I really needed that. Now may I pull on you some more please.
For my high school son using unit studies as he follows his interests cuz he has many. How is he meeting high school requirements for credits and such. Also are there things he must accomplish to move on to college lets say. I don't know if i am asking what i want. Lets see, as far as the apprenticeship goes we are seeing in Canada that he needs a high school diploma or equivalent to qualify for apprenticeship. Now I just purchased Homeschool Easy Records to make up my own reports and transcripts. To tell you the truth I don't know how I am going to do that for him since we did nto follow any curriculum or unit study as such all these years. Last year he was under Bernice Hafner for the Canadian side of Moore's and that was a big help. Then he went to Wisconsin for a few months to go with them on a mission trip and then stay on at their vocational school. This is where he got his need of construction met as this is the main focus of that school. But I have no records per se of his accomplishments there for my records since they don't really do that there, it seems. This year should be his final year of high school but I don't have the confidence that he knows things he should or would be expected to know at this age academically. I could be wrong since I really don't know what is expected here for schooling. I was schooled in England and so keep comparing my education with Canadian and North American standards and being very confused.
So I guess I am asking if lets say he pursues his interest in construction for a unit study. HOw would he need to go about doing that. Now we kinda have gotten him into looking at setting himself up in his own business. But since he lacks the skills of a professional we are not sure how to guide him to do this business. So we gave him our house to start with and we paid him but i can't keep doing that. From what i think i hear you saying though, we can take that as unit study. Am I on track?
As for my 12 yr old with the comprehension. What I am seeing is when he is doing science from his science book he reads the question and does not comprehend specifically what is asked and in answering he shows that he did not by putting irrelevant answers when the answer is right there in the book. This same problem is showing up in maths too. He has problems with the word problem questions to understand what is being asked of him. Any suggestions on that please?
I have been long but I feel like I am finally able to offload my private wonderings and concerns. I had not till now realized how i am really carrying a lot of fear or uncertainty about what I am doing. Wow it is a good thing this topic is being discussed. Sorry if I am too long guys I guess I need help more than i realized.
Bev |
Bev in Canada (Bev)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 02:48 pm: | |
Susan
You must be a doctor of unit study or homeschool or something. You diagnosed my problem so accurately that as soon as I read it the light bulb went that is exactly your problem. I am seeing unit study like a pre packaged curriculum so it is intimidating because lesson planning and curriculums have intimidated me from ever since. So I have stayed clear of them and just done subjects from books.
It is amazing how identifying one's problem gets the fog removed and the vision clearer. I immediately went to the manual again and read things and saw it like for the first time. I suddenly got the concept that it is learning life in a whole not like a department store. That is what unit study really is. Amazing cuz now I can see that is what I prefer to do and have been doing with the little one without realizing it. Ha Ha Ha I must laugh at myself sorry you all.
So thanks Susan or should i say doctor Susan he he heee!!!!
Bev |
Jo Dee (Jodee)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 11:26 am: | |
Bev,
Your 17-year-old should be more than able to do much of his study on his own - including a unit study. I remember a friend of mine who was adopting her nephew (family situation) who was failing in the public school. He hated it! She didn't know what she could do to encourage him to want to learn.
He loved this one particular sport (I can't remember if it was soccer or baseball) and I suggested she have him study the sport. He would have to prepare a history, discuss key players (past and present) and choose two players he considers the best. His goal was to convince her that he was right in selecting these two players. He had to research, do math (those statistics can be difficult sometimes), comparisons, reading, writing, etc. Suddenly, school wasn't so bad.
She also had him working on their property every day. He loved that, too!
Find something he'll enjoy and give him a goal for his study. You'll probably find he'll find other interests after this one is done. Since he'll now know how to do his own unit study, he'll start taking the lead in much of his own education. Let him follow his construction interests. Some parents wouldn't, because it's not a big "money-making" field. Who cares? Someone has to do that type of work, and if that's God's plan for him, it's the best thing he can do! God gives us interests and talents to place us in the ares in which He wants us. Is he "officially" an apprentice? If not, see if he can be.
For your 12 year old, comprehension, in my opinion, is overrated. If he can't comprehend, he's reading too much over his level or he has no interest in what he is reading. He may just need practice reading and increasing his level bit by bit, or a book that interests him more. Some people just love to read, and they'll read anything just to read. Your 12 year old may also be able to work on a study by himself, but you could also include him in a study with your younger child.
If your 6-year-old wants to learn to read, start! I was in the same boat with you when my just turned 4-year-old wanted to learn to read. I didn't want her to since the Moores said we should wait. I put her off by saying she had to know her letters. The little stinker went and learned her letters and came to me and proved it! What could I do? Anyway, she was ready to learn at 4 and learned very quickly. At 11 she still loves to read.
I also had a 7-year-old boy (who is now 8) say he wanted to learn to read. He was not ready, but I gave him his "lessons". We played games out of Gameway to Phonics and Reading (from the Moore Foundation) and to him that was enough. He is now able to sound out some words and gets a big kick out of himself when he reads a word on a sign or box or wherever! He has already started to learn some of his reading on his own.
You'll know, when you start, if your son is ready for reading or not. If he wants to learn, it may be because he is ready (the Moores do state that some are ready earlier) and you don't want to miss the opportunity if he is ready. If he isn't, you can continue with your lessons/games, because one day he'll start sounding out words and surprise you.
Be consistent with all your children, and you'll also see a difference. Choose a unit study for your 6-year-old (and maybe do it with the 12-year-old, and even the 17 if he's interested in it) that you can do with him. If I were you, I'd select one you feel comfortable doing for the first time, but make sure it's something you know he will enjoy, too.
Jo Dee |
Jo Dee (Jodee)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 11:04 am: | |
I love doing unit studies! I didn't know they were called that when I knew it is what I really wanted for my children. Even before I had children, I knew I didn't want school like I had. I hated school and I didn't want my children to hate it, too.
The first unit study I did was the Weaver Interlock, which is written for Pre-School and Kindergarten age children (but is easily adaptable for children a little older.) I had to remember that I didn't have to do every activity listed. I moved on to the Weaver Volume I and I didn't like it as much. I don't regret it, however, because they really helped me understand this style of learning. I no longer feel inadequate in preparing a unit study.
When I prepare one, I normally set a short one up for introduction. They will normally last a week or two (sometimes a bit longer.) However, if there is interest, we are always able to go and find out other things and lengthen the study.
Of late we have started going through history from Day 1. While my children loved the study on creation, there were only a few times they wanted to lengthen the studies (like on birds and certain animals.) That's ok. They got the overview and memorizing Genesis 1.
Now we have just finished up Adam (including Eve, Cain & Abel, Seth, and discussion of some of the geneology) and Noah. We are currently including a more in depth study of weather and next week we will start using our new "weather station" that we put together with a kit. We will also be moving on to Babel and a discussion of languages. Right now my children are so excited about "school" and beg for it. This week we had our Missions Conference at church (ended last night - Thursday night) and they wanted to know why we weren't having any school today (hey, I have to get some rest, and so do they!)
We will move on to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses, during which we will include a study of Ancient Egypt.
So, is it worth it? Yes!!! I'm learning, the children are learning, and they don't hate learning, like I did.
As I get time, I'm adding my resources lists and comments about our studies on the web site here:
http://www.entrustedtous.com/units
Some of Susan's studies are there as well as a link to one of Sonja's.
I see nothing wrong with using someone else's studies, or even a published unit study (just remember to pick and choose, not think you have to do everything) to help you learn. There's also no reason to re-invent the wheel when something is already there.
Currently I am using two main resources for our study ("Lessons from History - Creation to 100 BC" and "TruthQuest History - Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece"). I am using the "Lessons from History" as my main order. Why? I need to know where everything fits, and it gives me an overall view. Both give information and lists several resources as well as other suggested studies (like floods and rainbows for Noah) and some activities. They are written for you to create a study from their lists and basic information. There is no day-by-day plan to follow. You pick the books, the activities and the studies. You also pick how long and how in-depth you want to go.
I think unit studies are a time-saver, too. After all, when you have several children, you like to be able to do as much as possible together. Using worksheets and workbooks, I think, takes too long. At first they may love it, but it will become a drag and you will have to constantly fight with them to do their school. How stressful and time consuming will that be? You'll have to constantly check on what your children are up to.
I'm not saying unit studies are easy, I'm just saying, in the long run, you'll find it better.
Jo Dee |
Susan (Susan)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 09:56 am: | |
The short answer is that unit studies do not have to be more stressful than traditional textbook/workbook schooling. However, I have seen people burn out using Konos and Weaver because of the amount of work involved in using a canned unit study curriculum.
Unit studies that follow the Moore Formula are much more relaxing than traditional schooling or using "canned" unit studies. Here is why:
Canned unit studies usually set the time-table for completion, and the amount of work needed to complete the activities. You might not have all the materials on hand, so you could find yourself outlaying money you hadn't planned on for materials and resources, as well as spending time going out to buy these things, and postponing activities until you can get these materials, and THEN pushing the kids to finish quickly to stay on track and not "fall behind".
Many people report stressing out because they haven't been able to complete every activity listed, so are afraid their children haven't learned "everything" they are supposed to learn about the topic. Some of the topics might be of no interest to your children, but you might feel you HAVE to teach them anyway, since they are part of the curriculum you purchased and you want to get your money's worth.
Rather than your children naturally making connections between information, it is all laid out sytematically, so that the "ah-hah" moments are artificial and not as deeply learned.
When using the Moore Formula method, your children are interested in the unit study because it is tailored to their interests from the start. There are no contrived connections between material and concepts because it all flows out of new exploration together of a subject.
Using materials and resources available in your home and community reduces cost and time and frustration.
Using your child's interests as the basis for these studies means that minimal "motivation" is needed from you to get your children to do the activities. In fact, you might find you have just the opposite problem, as I did...difficulty getting them to STOP and go on to the next needful activity in your daily schedule. Sometimes my children have pursued topics on their own far past the official "culminating activity" of our unit study. Andrew still devours everything he can about knights and the middle ages, and wistfully mentions our midieval feast every so often.
When you use the Moore Formula, you aren't the sole contributor to the planning and execution of a unit of study. The children should be involved even in the early stages.
This is what I wrote in the discussion of the next section: Although for the purposes of this discussion we are making up hypothetical unit studies, and therefore making all the decisions about subject content and activities ourselves, the optimal way to do a true unit study is by making your children part of the decision-making process, letting them choose topics and have input on how to show what is learned.
Even the creation of a unit study is a valuable learning process that shouldn't be ignored. (I ignored it for a long time and did most of the planning and execution.)
One last thing, probably the most important. In my opinion, the reason the Moore Formula works to create a non-stressful, low cost excellent homeschool program is because when properly done, there is a balance achieved. If I feel stressed out and anxious about schooling, it is probably because academics has become disproportionately emphasized over work and service and relationships to God and family. It isn't the formula that has failed, it is I who have failed to accurately and effectively implement it. |
Cheryl Z (Cherylz)
| | Posted on Friday, July 26, 2002 - 07:57 am: | |
Are unit studies more restful for Mom? You are probably not so sure. Right now they might appear to be A LOT more work than just opening up a textbook and assigning two pages in each subject a day...
This is JUST how I feel, though I agree with the next comment, too...
However, I do think that unit studies are a much better way to learn than just following assignment sheets in textbooks and filling in the blanks on workbook pages. I am willing to do the work involved. I know many people who aren't willing, and who are quite satisfied with fill-in-the-blank schooling.
Any thoughts or comments so far? Is anyone overwhelmed at the prospect of unit studies?
Yes
Is anyone skeptical about Mom being able to relax when using unit studies?
Yes. But, I'm desperate. I know the workbook approach isn't best, but I'm feeling like I'm going to slide down into that method out of fear of not knowing what else to do. Which is what finally got me to call the Moore Foundation for counselling for my oldest.
Cheryl Z. in IL |
Susan (Susan)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 - 04:31 pm: | |
Bev,
One thing that might help is to remember that unit study is a concept, not a thing or goal to accomplish. According to our friends at the Moore Foundation, unit study should be a spontaneous happening that results from interaction with our children as we focus on their interests.
Using a pre-packaged unit study isn't much different that using a canned curriculum. What you want to do is simply capitalize on your child's interests.
I am sure that walking through this section with us will give you the confidence you need. Once you "get it", it should just fall into place without it being a struggle or something to work at. |
Bev in Canada (Bev)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 23, 2002 - 06:25 am: | |
Susan
I am so glad you shared your feelings, for I too having tried this method just gave up and thought this is not for me. However it is the best for the kids I have. I have three boys and they don't like to much writing and book work. They really thrive on doing things and hands on. But the problem is, mum is handicapped in the head when the word unit study is even mentioned. I dread the thought of having to come up with all these opportunities for learning and always having to process what subject is being covered, not to mention the concern as to whether they are learning all and what they are supposed to. Also it seems like I have to be more involved and I prefer a program that does nto require me to be in it all the time as I have lupus and can be easily overexerted. But I would really like to try it and have success with it . So I am your first willing and most needy student. Please please help me get over this paranoia to unit study. I am willing to do anything you all suggest. So what is my first lesson?
I have three boys and have been homeschooling since '94 officially. But really since my second one was born 12 years ago, as he has been homeschooled right through, except for one year when i was ill. My first is kinesthetic to the letter and he is my biggest challenge, cuz i am the book type for learning. He hates reading for the sake of it, but will read something that is interesting and relevant. In fact he just completed a book on Joseph 400 pages that surprised me. He is 17 and doing well in construction work which he loves. He is good with wiring and electircal aspects of construction but is really tough built and more suitable for doing the heavy lifting pulling and tugging type of work. The twelve year old loves to read and is always in a book, but I never know if he really comprehends all that he reads. In fact I am having to work on his comprehension skills right now. Any suggestions? He likes horses and some hands-on things but I am still not sure what he is really in too. The last one is 6 and i have not begun any official schooling with him. We memorize verses sometimes but it is very inconsistent. He is not yet knowing his alphabet comfortably but can count to 100. He cannot read but has been begging to learn and i have not done it as I am trying to follow the Moore's program and concepts with him. So unit study I must learn at least for him so he can have the benefit of the best for him. He also has a learning disability. He seems to process things different to how he should and he is delayed by a year according to my specialists who have worked with him for the first five years of his life. But won't once he turned 6. He loves anything on animals and i have lots of books for him on them and he watches a lot of national geopgraphic videos on all the animals even the rain forest the natural disaster ones intensely.
so in a nutshell this is what I am working with three boys at different ages stages and needs. So feel free all to share everything you can allyou gurus in unit study. I am ready to give it my best shot.
Thanks all, in advance, I am having a good feeling about this, this time. Support is sometimes all the difference. So I will be glued to my computer awaiting all responses. If i can get prepared now that will be great. Feel free to write me personally if you don't want to say what you have to say for all but every one's input will be welcomed tremendously. I have to get this thing under my belt.
Oh and I have the manual. That actually intimidated me more, so I am glad we are going through it together. Thanks a bunch ladies all.
bev |
Susan (Susan)
| | Posted on Sunday, July 21, 2002 - 07:43 am: | |
The whole next section of this manual is devoted to teaching us parents how to create and teach using the Unit Study Approach.
Section #2 - Unit Studies, pages B-1 through B-6
"Q: How do you teach without graded textbooks for every subject?"
"A: One highly successful method is unit teaching!"
B-1) Advantages of Unit Study:
1. Students surpass peers in applying general knowledge unit teaching is a more natural way for students to learn.
2. Although students may appear to be falling behind peers in academic areas at first, he won't burn out, either. He will be eager to learn and explore.
3. By high school level the student will have many overlapping learning experiences which serves to deepen his understanding of relationships between subject matter. He will also remember more than his peers because the overlapping serves to deepen his brain reception.
4. This method increases the students "ability to process information, utilize thinking skills, and use his ingenuity."
5. Learning makes more sense because within the framework of the unit study real life experiences become an educational experience.
The Secret Is.....a) your child does not need textbooks or workbooks. He can use only reference material and learn everything he needs to know. and b) your child can study a great deal of his subjects by simply doing hands-on projects.
Page B-2) This Unit Study Tutorial is designed to guide us (the teachers) step-by-step through all aspects of preparing and teaching unit studies. Don't wait to being applying the methods as they are introduced, but implement them as you go.
The Key to unit study success is having "a reason for learning" the subject material. True-to-life incidents are a great "jumping off" point for unit studies. But we can try to create a scenario to spark interest. For instance, a field trip or a new book about a subject can be used to peak a child's interest in a subject, for example birds.
We are also to make all learning experiences meaningful. Capitalize on a child's interest. Example given of child noticing on the calendar that the day is Martin Luther King's birthday so parent reads from encyclopedia about the man, and discusses the issues of slavery and equal rights, integration, etc. with the child. We aren't to wait until we come to it in our history book, but "seize the moment".
B-4 - B-5) Long story about a mother and her children who were burned out on bookwork. A visit with one of the mother's friends didn't help as she observed the other woman's children, happy and contented and the mother herself relaxed and calm. When the woman mentioned the difference, the other woman said, "We've switched to unit studies and we're so much happier!"
The first mother is even more discouraged on her drive home. She runs through all the things she has heard about unit studies and concludes that they are too complicated or she is too unintelligent to teach that way.
She decides put the whole "school" thing aside and just find an activity that interests her children. The children start their own bread-baking business, and of course that spread into all sorts of study about health and nutrition, bookkeeping, supply and demand, quality of products, marketing, etc.
The friend comes to visit and says, "Oh I see you have switched to unit studies too" and the first mom is astounded. She realizes that by the Grace of God she had stumbled onto the very thing she thought was beyond her reach.
Two definitions of unit study are given. The first says that unit study is simply a fancy term for making the most of each interest and opportunity of the moment, and turning it into an educational experience. The second says that Unit Study is a way for one mom to effectively meet one or several children at appropriate levels and make them want to and eager to learn. It creates interest in others areas, which become the basis for more unit studies.
B-6) "Why we switched to unit studies! Mom was getting tired so, she decided to make learning less stressful. First we memorized our scriptures while we played. Then we observed nature while we prayed. Finally we learned to use the unit method so mom could get some rest! And guess what? We are having more fun, too!"
Discussion:
God is so Good! Do you realize we come to this important pillar of the Moore Formula just before the new school year, with time enough to learn how to implement it? Yee-Haw!
I was intimidated by this section for many reasons when we went through it two (or was it three?) years ago. One is that it is 60 PAGES LONG!!! The other was that I had not done very successful unit studies in the past, when making them up on my own. I was GREAT at following a plan laid down by someone else, and I am great at coming up with ideas about a subject, but terrible about follow-through.
I had many questions about using Unit Studies. My biggest one was "What happens when the interest dies in the middle of the unit study? Do we leave the flour paste raised-relief maps unfinished, the biography of Eleanor Roosevelt half-read, the Universe mobile horribly askew?"
I had many of my fears calmed by going through this section, and so will you...it will take us a while to get through it, but I KNOW it will be worth it. Those of us who are veteran unit study people can gently help the others who are novices.
Two things are brought to mind by this introduction to unit studies. The phrase "carpe diem" (Seize the Day) and the picture of a single amoeba (the unit study) dividing and becoming more amoebae (more unit studies).
Are unit studies more restful for Mom? You are probably not so sure. Right now they might appear to be A LOT more work than just opening up a textbook and assigning two pages in each subject a day...
However, I do think that unit studies are a much better way to learn than just following assignment sheets in textbooks and filling in the blanks on workbook pages. I am willing to do the work involved. I know many people who aren't willing, and who are quite satisfied with fill-in-the-blank schooling.
Any thoughts or comments so far? Is anyone overwhelmed at the prospect of unit studies? Is anyone skeptical about Mom being able to relax when using unit studies?
I'm not going to ask a lot of questions right now, since we haven't really gotten into the "meat" of this text yet, but I would like you all to share what your initial thoughts about unit studies are, especially those of you who are like me, totally new to this. It will be interesting to see if we can become more confident as we go through this section, and if we can get this "Goliath" to fall for us. For those of you who already do unit studies, please feel free to share both success stories and any obstacles you have encountered.
I'll post the next portion of this section in a couple days, the "unit method tutorial".
Susan |
|
Closed: New threads not accepted on this page