Unit studies are popular with homeschooling families because they provide a hands-on, in-depth approach to learning about any topic of choice. This is a great way to provide individualized instruction for your students, allowing them explore the 'topic-du-jour,' and instills a love of learning!
I’ve found that when I give my teens a choice about what they write, they’re do so much less begrudgingly. I have one that prefers to write either historic non-fiction or dystopian stories. Another prefers mystery / crime solving stories and would happily never write another research paper. Those are their preferences, so when it’s time to just practice writing, that’s what they opt for, but it’s important that they also work on other skills, too.
Read more on 38 Ways to Teach Writing through Literature and Editing & Grading Your Teen's Writing...
Two of our favorite bundles to incorporate writing are the Exploring Writing Styles & Literary Elements novel study bundle and the JRR Tolkien & Old English curriculum. With five different novels included in the bundle, each focusing on a different literary element, students learn about recognizing and incorporating basic themes and elements in their writing. If you're looking for something a bit more specialized, or just have a Tolkien fan in the house, a full-year curriculum might just be the ticket! This one incorporates classic British Literature with an in-depth study of Olde English (which helps students better understand those classics).
- After this text, you will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
- There are vocabulary words, reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments included.
- We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.
- Literary Elements with Dragonwatch (product sample)
- Creating a World with the Phantom Tollbooth
- Writing Dystopia with the Giver
- Writing Fantasy with the Hobbit
- Writing Surrealism with Tuck Everlasting