Layers of Learning Unit 4-10: Great Depression, Heartland States, Mountain Bid, Kinds of Art

What is a "unit study"? Briefly, it's a thematic or topical approach to teaching as opposed to the traditional by-subject approach. Rather than teach each subject separately, a unit study attempts to integrate many or all subject areas into a unified study - usually centered around a particular subject or event. Obviously History (the study of events) and Science (the study of "things") are well-suited to unit studies, and usually form the "core" around which other subjects are integrated. Subjects like Bible, Geography, Government, English (writing), and Reading/Literature, Music, Home Economics, Life Skills, and Art, are usually easy to integrate around a core topics. Remaining subjects (Math, Phonics, Grammar, Spelling) can be integrated to some extent via related activities. Each, however, has its own "system" (progression of skills, mastery of "rules") which must be followed to some degree. Since one of the additional advantages of a unit study curriculum is the ability to use it with students of varying ages and skill levels, these subjects are generally taught apart from the core curriculum. This may be as simple as assigning pages in a grammar or spelling book, or using a separate "program" for Phonics and Math. Unit studies also tend to be more activity-oriented than the traditional approach, a real boon to kinesthetic learners. Advocates of the unit study approach site studies showing that children learn best when learning is unified rather than fragmented and when learning is more participatory than passive.

Unit Study Curriculums are "complete" curriculums based on the unit study approach that are intended to be used over a longer span of time (typically a year or more). They generally have an organized structure or flow and incorporate as many subject areas as possible. Typically, organizational materials and methods are provided along with some instruction for use. Broken into logical segments or "units" of study, they are intended to comprise the core of your curriculum.

Well written and family friendly, Layers of Learning offers a family approach to learning that follows a chronological, four-year cyclical approach to history. The course is well-organized, flexible, and filled with hands-on activities and projects to improve learning. Families may choose to use subjects independently or together for a one-year comprehensive curriculum in social studies (history and geography), science, writing, and the arts. Just add phonics/reading, spelling, and mathematics at grade level to complete your homeschool year.

Layers of Learning courses are divided into nine units, with each subject's unit including teaching notes, library lists, activities, and enrichment ideas. Within this, activities are further divided into three grade levels: 1-4, 5-8, and 9-12. Parents can easily move between levels to meet student needs, making this a great option for a struggling or gifted learner! Lessons are built upon explorations, which are written as a lesson plan. Within these explorations, parents will find an overview of the topic and numerous library books suggestions, as well as video links and websites. You will also find hands-on projects and discussion points. Updated weblinks are also found at the publisher's website.

You choose what fits your family's learning goals! Additional layers (carefully selected rabbit trails) are included to go deeper into one topic. Religious events are studied for historical value. Integrated throughout, the Writer's Workshop contains writing lessons and suggested writing prompts for proficient writers. Corresponding Printed Student Journals are available for each subject (used throughout a four-year cycle) or use a notebook of your choice. Add quality children's history and science encyclopedias to your bookshelf, a few library books, and ordinary household or art/craft items, and you’ll be set. Purchase includes information to download a printable packet of student resources, which includes reproducible activity pages, images for the printed Student Journals, and more.

Recommended and used in each year are the Printed Student Journals (or 3-ring binder), and the following reference books: Usborne Encyclopedia of World History (#018005 or #000979), the Kingfisher History Encyclopedia (#003618), a student atlas (DK Student Atlas #057764), the DK Encyclopedia of Science (#004894), the Usborne Science Encyclopedia, the Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia, and The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (#046728). If unable to find one of these options, any quality Children’s Encyclopedia will work–parents will just need to align lessons with chapters and page numbers.

Year 1 Geography, beginning with the First Civilizations and concluding with Ancient Roman History, is a big picture look at globes, continents, and oceans, before delving into individual continents, people groups, and landscapes; the history of science and an overview of its branches are covered in Science; and Art looks at the purpose, supplies, and elements of art, as well as ancient art from early history.

Year 2 studies the Middle Ages, starting with Early Medieval Europe Byzantine Empire and concluding with the Renaissance. Historical peoples and places studied include the Islamic Caliphates, Asian Empires, Pacific Peoples, Medieval Britian, North American Peoples, African Kingdoms, and the Renaissance (Italian, Northern, and English). Mapping Our World focuses on the geographical areas of Europe (Western and Eastern), the Near East, Southeast and Central Asia, Pacific Islands, Northern South America, Mainland North America, and West Africa. Through the year, Biology is studied and provides a rich hands-on, lab-based experience. Evolutionary theory is covered and offers encouragement to parents for discussion of alternative views. Aligned topically to the history text, Middle Ages Art explores art forms and artists, architecture, stories, dance, and literature of the time.

Year 3 studies Colonial History from the early Age of Exploration (1400s) through the Enlightenment period in Europe (1800s). Along with numerous explorers and colonialism, students learn about the reformation, India and the Mughal Empire, the Far East, Aztecs, Incas and Conquistadors, Africa and the Slave Trade, and the South Pacific. Enlightenment philosophers and nobles are also studied. Colonial Period Arts studies the corresponding art styles including Baroque, Classical Music, African arts, Folk Art—which includes fairy tales, folk tales, and folk music—and Neoclassicism Art. World Cultures introduces children to human culture from all regions of the world using a hands-on approach. You will need to provide craft supplies, a student atlas, a world map or globe, and some household items. Chemistry offers the perfect balance of gently introducing topics for younger learners while also providing book and video recommendations and lab experiences that meet high school standards.

As a mom who loved to incorporate thematic learning and unit studies, I found Layers of Learning fully adaptable and easy to use for homeschooling families. If you are struggling to teach all subjects to all your kiddos, take a close look at Layers of Learning! It might just be what's been missing in your quest for success! Reproducible for families. Limited quantities of the classic Layers of Learning individual units are available. (REMOVED the additional information since it is specific to the old edition which is OOP)

~Deanne

Year Four begins with our American Government before covering American history, regions, people and economics. African history, modern East Asia, India's Independence, Israel, the Cold War, and Latin America are also studied within their chronological significance. Science topics include heat and temperature, motors and engines, energy, earth structure and plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanos, mountains, chemistry, food chains, animal groups, habitats and conservation. Patriotic and Modern Music, Tall Tales, Romantic Art, Impressionism, Post Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstract Art, Modern Art, Photography, Theater and Film, Architecture and more are covered in the arts.