How to Use Unit Studies in Your Homeschool (Without Adding More to Your Plate)
If you’ve been homeschooling for more than five minutes, you’ve probably heard about unit studies. Maybe you’ve even pinned a few dreamy ideas, only to realize the prep work looked… well, a little daunting.
But here’s the good news: Unit studies don’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, when they’re done for you (like they are in the Art Makes Me Smart Membership), they can be one of the simplest, most joyful ways to teach multiple ages at once.
Let’s walk through how you can use our ready-made unit studies to create rich, connected learning days, without the late-night planning marathons.
Why Unit Studies Work So Well
Unit studies center your learning around one topic, exploring it from many angles—science, history, literature, geography, and of course… art.
This means you’re not jumping between a dozen unrelated workbooks. Instead, you’re weaving a beautiful, memorable thread through your homeschool day.
The result?
- Kids make connections between subjects.
- Lasts beyond the lesson.
- Everyone stays more engaged (even you!).
And when you start with art, those connections are even stronger.
What’s Inside an AMMS Unit Study
Each unit study in the Art Makes Me Smart Membership includes:
- Step-by-step art tutorials
- Printable learning packets with history, science, or cultural background
- Curated book lists to dive deeper
- Hands-on activities & recipes to make the topic come alive
- STEM connections for curious minds
- Picture studies to spark observation and conversation
We currently have over 80 topics—plants and flowers, historical figures, cultural celebrations, seasonal themes, animals, composers, and so much more.
How to Use Art Makes Me Smart Unit Studies in Your Homeschool
1. Pick One Topic
Feeling burnt out? Let the topic inspire you. Maybe your kids are obsessed with birds, fascinated by Ancient Egypt, or you want to explore a holiday tradition from another culture.
2. Gather Simple Supplies
Most of our projects use basic, affordable supplies you likely already have (or you can grab quickly from our budget-friendly supply list).
3. Set Your Own Pace
Our unit studies are open and go, self-paced, and flexible. Do one project or section each day, or bundle several elements into a single “immersion day.”
4. Include All Ages
Because everything’s adaptable, your older children can research the history or science connections, while your younger children work on the art project or picture study. Everyone’s learning the same core content, just at their level.
5. Make It a Connection Point
The goal isn’t perfect projects, it’s shared creative moments. Gather around the table, with our resources in hand, and let the conversation flow.
The Easiest Way to Get Started
The hardest part of unit studies is planning… so we’ve done that for you.
Inside the Art Makes Me Smart Membership, you’ll find:
- Over 80 open-and-go unit studies
- Video lessons, printables, and activity guides
- New topics added regularly to keep things fresh
Just open, click, and go. No more Pinterest spirals, no more wondering “what should we learn this week?”
Come see how easy and joy-filled unit studies can be.
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