I really like doing unit studies. They can be really fun, particularly when as much as possible is integrated into it (not doing that has been my downfall in the past). They also really work for Cameron. It’s amazing how much he remembers from our KONOS Africa unit the summer before he turned 4. Ani tends toward being a sit down book work type. However, unit studies can work for her, too, as long as there is enough book work to keep her happy or she has plenty of workbooks available to do as she pleases. One of the most difficult things about having two vastly different learners at rather different academic levels yet quite close in age (19 1/2 months apart), is making school appeal to both and work for both. It’s a balance that is hard to find, but I think I have found it.
In January when return to regular school, we will be doing unit studies. We will start with dinosaurs. Cameron is really interested in dinosaurs right now (he says he loves dinosaurs ALMOST as much as he loves airplanes). Ani thinks dinosaurs are interesting, too. Plus, in the spring semester, Jamie will be taking historical geology which includes dinosaurs. I’m re-reading Jurassic Park yet again (I love that book) and marking things I may want to touch on. I’m about 75 pages into it and the book is littered with lots of post-it notes already. I haven’t decided if we will read Jurassic Park aloud. Probably, but I will be editing for language. The kids have seen all three Jurassic Park movies in the past (off-topic interjecton: I really think Steven Spielberg cracked while making Lost World and choosing to add that weird ending – insane).
In addition to the unit studies we will be continuing with Latin for Children A. Cameron has even learned some of the vocabulary and chants just by listening to Ani and me work on it. Ani will continue in Math-U-See (she’s in Epsilon now) and Cameron will work on it as he is ready (he’s still in Primer). Other than that all the subjects will be integrated into the unit study or not part of school itself anymore (such as scripture reading and reading the great illustrated classics).
I’m looking forward to the change. I hope it goes well. Of course we’ll re-evaluate in a few months, but for now, that’s the plan.
Smaller on the Outside 