Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies

Name: Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies
Brand: Unit Study by Amanda Bennett LLCcustomerservice@unitstudy.comhttp://unitstudy.com/

by Unit Study by Amanda Bennett LLCcustomerservice@unitstudy.comhttp://unitstudy.com/

Multi_subjectGrades K–12

About This Curriculum

Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies are cross-curricular, topic-based learning guides available in four series: Download N Go (1-2 week studies for grades K-4), Unit Study Adventures (4-week studies for K-12), Passport Geography (geography-focused studies K-12), and Heroes for Today. Studies are designed as supplemental curriculum combining research, reading, writing, and interactive web-based learning.

What makes it unique: Ready-to-use digital unit studies requiring no teacher prep that allow multiple grade levels to learn together through topic-based exploration; incorporates Christian worldview; extensive resource lists and integrated lapbooking components

Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies: Flexible Topic-Based Digital Resources

Amanda Bennett's Unit Studies are digital PDF curriculum guides that integrate multiple subjects around specific topics, available in four series ranging from 1-week to 4-week studies for grades K-12. The studies combine research, reading, writing, and web-based learning with Christian content woven throughout most materials.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking flexible, topic-based supplemental curriculum that can accommodate multiple grade levels simultaneously, particularly those comfortable with digital resources and independent learning approaches

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 4 neutral

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum effectively integrates subjects around central topics, with studies like Amelia Earhart encompassing flight history, geography, heroes, and science. Integration appears natural rather than forced, building meaningful connections across disciplines.

Examples show how even simple topics like popcorn incorporate Midwestern states, Pueblo Indians, weather, science, nutrition, and cooking all within one study

Retrieval PracticeConcern

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or cumulative review across studies. While studies include comprehension questions and vocabulary work, there's no clear structure for reviewing previously learned material.

Reviews mention 'comprehension and written response questions' and 'spelling/vocabulary lists' but no systematic review or retrieval practice components

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes helpful guidance through detailed lesson plans and supplemental resources like 'Unit Studies 101' for inexperienced parents. Teacher support focuses on organizational tools rather than pedagogical training.

Materials provide 'enough structure for the inexperienced parent so that they are not overwhelmed' and include 'Unit Study Journal' with planning forms and 'Unit Studies 101' explaining methodology

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides structured lesson plans and clear daily activities but relies heavily on independent research and discovery learning rather than explicit teacher-led instruction. Younger students require significant parental guidance.

Materials include 'daily lesson plans' and 'step-by-step guidance,' but reviews emphasize that 'younger students will need a great deal of parental assistance' and older students 'can work independently'

Knowledge CoherenceNeutral

While individual studies build coherent knowledge around their topics, the collection lacks systematic knowledge building across studies. Teachers can combine studies strategically, but no predetermined scope and sequence ensures cumulative knowledge development.

Cathy Duffy notes these are supplemental materials that can be combined to create year-long courses but are 'not organized for sequential development of language arts skills'

Individual Subject RigorNeutral

The curriculum provides substantial content within individual subjects but lacks systematic skill development, particularly in language arts. Studies offer differentiated activities for multiple grade levels but may not meet full grade-level expectations in all subjects.

Reviews note the need for 'other resources for language arts basics' and that studies provide 'sufficient coverage for language art credit' at high school level through research and writing

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thecurriculumchoice.com