Unit Studies – Homeschooling Approach

Homeschooling is a growing trend in New Zealand! Many families have found (especially after covid) that their children have gaps in their education, some families have found that they can teach their children just as well as any school can. There are many reasons that homeschooling is a growing and acceptable method of teaching in New Zealand. Many Neurodiverse students benefit greatly from being homeschooled, and more and more families are looking to use creative and engaging resources in their homeschooling journey. One method that has gained immense popularity is the unit study approach. This method allows families to integrate multiple subjects around a central theme, fostering a love for learning while tailoring education to each child’s interests and needs. Unit Studies Make Homeschooling Easier and Heaps More Fun too.

Let’s dive into why unit studies are an incredible choice for homeschooling families in New Zealand and around the world

Unit studies are a core approach to learning that integrates multiple subjects around a central topic. Instead of teaching subjects in isolation, unit studies connect them to create a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience.

I first began making my own unit studies after my kids tried out a unit study, and they loved it! So with my background in Graphic Design, Education, and Business I knew I had to start making my own. Peace Through Grace came about through a love of creating, all my products are extremely budget friendly, and top quality.

This photo below shows what one of my most popular bundled unit studies looks like printed out (a selection of the pages, not all of them). My New Zealand Fauna Unit Study serves as a great example of an engaging, hands-on unit study. It is centered around the theme of “New Zealand Fauna” with a whole range of subjects woven into it.

In any good unit study you will find a range of texts/factfiles, activities, worksheets, and fun games to explore with your child… a good unit study with cover topics such as Maths, Science, English, Art, and History/Geography. A great unit study will go beyond that and give you teaching guides, learning areas covered, science experiments, and crafts too.

Here are some examples of how a GREAT unit study (based on my NZ Fauna unit study) will cover certain subjects:

• Science: Studying the habitats and behaviors of kiwi, kea, hector’s dolphin etc.

• Maths: Creating graphs based on bird populations. Counting birds or other animals

• History/Geography: Learning about conservation efforts and their historical context. Learning where to find the animals.
• Art: Drawing or crafting animal models. Colouring in. Tracing.
• English: Writing stories or reports about birds. Doing Quiz’s and filling in the missing word activities.

Please note: I haven’t covered everything here, it’s just to give you an example of what a unit study should cover. If you decide to purchase one of my unit studies you will find LOADS more information about what is included/covered on the purchase page of the unit study.

The integrative approach of unit studies aids in making learning cohesive and meaningful, generally sparking curiosity and deeper understanding. Unit Studies are popular for good reason! You can find out how to make your own (basic) unit study in my blog post here: Unit Studies Make Homeschooling Easier and Heaps More Fun

What are some of the benefits of homeschooling with unit studies? 

Your children will be engaged, and their natural curiosity will be sparked. Unit studies are efficient, teaching multiple subjects simultaneously, saving time and energy. They are based around fun, hands-on activities and exercises, encouraging creativity and critical thinking. Projects and experiments are often included. Unit studies are flexible and can be tailored to your family’s unique interests and needs. Neurodiverse students often thrive on the engaging and exciting activities included in unit studies! Unit studies are designed to encourage natural exploration and nurture a love for lifelong learning.

There is MUCH more I could include but you get the idea!

Unit studies are a powerful and flexible way to homeschool, offering endless opportunities to explore, learn, and grow together as a family. By focusing on topics relevant to New Zealand and beyond, you can create a deeply enriching educational experience that’s both practical and inspiring.

Explore our unit study bundles today and take the first step toward levelling up your homeschooling journey!

All of my unit studies are top quality, affordable, hands-on, engaging, and of course they are heaps of fun! Have a browse through our shop to check them out for yourself… Shop Now!

Thanks for reading! And make sure you check out my blog for lots more useful articles, tips, and discussions. Have questions? or feedback? Leave a comment below, I always read them!

Join my Facebook group Homeschooling New Zealand

there is always loads of helpful info in the group and plenty of support if you’re just starting your homeschooling journey