Shawna Wingert, Author at UnitStudy

Posted on August 9, 2026August 9, 2026 by Shawna Wingert — Leave a comment

Simplifying Homeschool Planning with Unit Studies

I just need to figure out what we’re doing for school.

Homeschool planning always starts for me with that simple thought.

Then, suddenly I’m planning history over here, looking at science options over there, finding books for reading, coming up with writing assignments, searching Pinterest for a hands-on project… and trying to remember which child needs what.

Before long, planning for learning in our homeschool can feel like it is taking more time than actually homeschooling!

Simplifying Homeschool Planning with Unit Studies

One of my favorite things about unit studies is how much they can simplify all of that.

Instead of planning every subject separately, we begin with one topic.

For example, one of my kids is absolutely fascinated by the ocean.

With a unit study in our homeschool, science was learning about marine animals and ecosystems. Geography was exploring the world’s oceans with our atlas and creating our own maps. History allowed us to learn all about explorers and the historic dangers of sailing around the world. Reading and writing naturally become part of the study, too with Treasure Island and Call it Courage.

One topic. So many opportunities to learn.

And if you’re homeschooling more than one child, it gets even better.

Everyone can explore the same topic together, while assignments are adjusted for different ages and abilities.

That means fewer separate lessons for you to organize and a lot more learning to actually enjoy together!

Less Planning. More Learning.

I think sometimes we assume that creating a rich homeschool experience requires hours and hours of preparation.

It really doesn’t.

Our Unit Studies are designed to give you the structure you need while still leaving plenty of room to make each study your own.

Learn More About Unit Studies in Your Homeschool

Over the years, I’ve learned that the best homeschool plan isn’t necessarily the one that took the longest to create.

It’s the one that helps your family actually enjoy learning together!

Get Your FREE Unit Study Homeschool Planner!

Let the adventure begin,

Tricia (and Amanda)

Posted on June 26, 2026June 26, 2026 by Shawna Wingert — Leave a comment

The Stories Behind The 4th of July: An Independence Day Unit Study

Independence Day is a wonderful opportunity to combine history, hands-on learning, and family traditions. If you’d like to explore the stories behind the 4th of July together, our Independence Day unit study will help you and your family celebrate.

The Fourth of July is just around the corner.

For many of us, it means cookouts, sparklers, parades, and staying up a little too late to watch fireworks light up the sky. It’s one of those holidays that brings families together almost effortlessly.

Independence Day is a wonderful opportunity to combine history, hands-on learning, and family traditions. If you'd like to explore the stories behind the holiday together, our Independence Day unit study will help you and your family celebrate.

But somewhere between the hot dogs, red-white-and-blue decorations, and backyard celebrations, there’s also an opportunity to slow down and encourage your child’s natural curiosity.

Who were the people who signed the Declaration of Independence?

What risks did they take?

What did freedom mean to them?

And why do we still celebrate these events 250 years later?

The Stories Behind the Fourth of July

It has always amazed me how naturally curious our children are about these questions, especially when they begin to realize that history is really the story of real people who lived, struggled, and made difficult decisions.

In fact, we created our Independence Day unit study to help families explore those stories together. Throughout the study, learners discover the history behind the 4th of July while learning about Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, and other patriotic figures who helped shape our nation.

Learn the story of American Government with a homeschool unit study for K-12! The early history of American freedom, the Constitution, voting and more!

More Patriotic Unit Studies for Homeschool

It’s time to get out the red, white, and blue, and get ready for some patriotic celebrations!

You probably know what it means to be patriotic, but do your children? Designed to spend one week on each holiday, this unique and interactive study covers these American patriotic celebrations for grades K-12

As you study together, they also build a lapbook filled with reminders of what they have learned (something you can return to in your homeschool long after the fireworks have faded).

Let the adventure begin,

Tricia (and Amanda)

Posted on May 20, 2026May 20, 2026 by Shawna Wingert — Leave a comment

Are Unit Studies Rigorous Enough For Middle and High School?

Unit studies for middle and high school invite students to move beyond simply completing assignments and into engaging with ideas.

At some point, almost every homeschool parent I know (including me!) has asked the question:

“But what about high school?”

Can unit studies prepare students for high school?

It’s one thing to embrace creative, connected learning in the early years. But when transcripts, credits, and college preparation come into view, everything can start to feel more serious.

We worry that it has to be more structured, more traditional and rigid.

It’s understandable.

We want to make sure our children are truly prepared for what comes next. So it makes sense that we would also ask how unit studies fit into a high school homeschool.

Are unit studies academically rigorous?

Here’s what I have learned first hand and what I want you to know:

Unit studies don’t water down a high school education. They deepen it.

When done well, a unit study approach at the high school level invites students to move beyond simply completing assignments and into engaging with ideas.

Do unit studies meet homeschool requirements?

Instead of memorizing information for a test, students begin to:

Analyze complex topics
Evaluate different perspectives
Make connections across disciplines
Communicate their thinking clearly

Unit Studies for Middle and High School

This is the kind of learning that colleges, careers, and life actually require.

Consider this…

A traditional approach might cover history, literature, and writing as separate subjects. A unit study brings them together.

Are unit studies suitable for college-bound students?

It is not less rigorous, but it is more integrated and often more meaningful and lasting.

In fact, many homeschool families find that unit studies create stronger transcripts through rich, project-based work and can better prepare students for college-level expectations.

At this stage with unit studies for middle and high school, the goal isn’t just covering material. It’s developing a confident learner with strong critical thinking skills. And that’s exactly what a well-designed unit study helps cultivate.

Learn About Unit Studies for All Ages – Including High School

Explore Unit Studies for K-12th Grades!

Let the adventure begin,

Tricia (and Amanda)
P.S. If you are nervous about the high school years, please, let me reassure you… Some of the most meaningful moments of our homeschool years happened in high school. You have so much to look forward to!

Posted on March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Shawna Wingert — Leave a comment

A Fresh Start For Your Homeschool This Spring

Spring has a way of making everything feel fresh again. Enjoy a fresh start for your homeschool this spring!

The days grow longer, the air warms up, and suddenly it feels like the perfect time to shake things up a little in our homeschools. If your routine has started to feel a bit stale after the long winter months, a simple spring refresh can bring new energy and curiosity back into your learning days.

And the good news? It doesn’t require a complete overhaul.

Sometimes the smallest changes make the biggest difference in our homeschools. A new topic to explore, a fresh question to investigate, or a hands-on project can spark excitement again for both you and your kids.

That’s exactly why we’re so excited to share three brand new unit studies with you this spring!

New Unit Studies Just In Time For Spring

🌸 Spring Study Bundle: Spring is bursting with fascinating discoveries—from the science of blooming plants to the surprising ways animals and ecosystems change with the season. This study invites your kids to explore the wonders of spring through our Spring Surprises, Twisting Tornadoes, Simply Soccer and Kite Capers units.

⚽ Simply Soccer: Perfect for sports-loving learners, this unit study dives into the history, science, strategy, and global culture of soccer. It’s a fun way to connect learning with an activity many kids already love.

🪁 Kite Capers: Few things feel more like spring than watching a kite soar through the sky. In this study, students explore the science of flight, the history of kites around the world, and the creativity behind designing and flying their own.

Each study is designed the UnitStudy.com way, the way we teach our own children, with one topic explored together across multiple ages while encouraging curiosity, conversation, and deeper understanding.

Take A Look At Our Fresh New Unit Studies

Let the adventure begin with a fresh start in your homeschool,

Tricia (and Amanda)