Unit Study: Aesop's Fables

[athena1277]

Ok, so I'm going to try to give unit studies another try. I found a book full of Aesop's Fables that I forgot I had. There are so many fables, I figured that it would likely make a good unit study. However, I'm not good at figuring out what to do.

Do any of you have any recommendations or know of any good already prepared unit studies for this? The cheaper the better, BTW.

Thanks!!!!

[chiguirre]

I'd pick out one fable for each day you want the unit to last. If you have Milo Winter's version there are 128 fables and it would just be too much to do them all.

For a history tie-in, look for children's non-fiction about ancient Greece. Personally, I also look for videos even if they're for adults (National Geographic, History Channel, PBS...) You will have to preview them if you're selective about what your kids watch. You could do as much or as little on the history tie-in as you want.

For science, I'd do animal studies for the characters in the fables you select. If you have Enchanted Learning they have a ton of stuff for most animals. If not, google and see what you can find. I'd also search for juvenile non-fiction and video tie-ins.

For LA, I'd discuss the purpose of a fable and emphasize the morals of the stories. You can also touch on anthropomorphization, the arc of the plot, similes and metaphors and the fact that these stories are often referenced in other writing.

I'd make some copywork at an online worksheet site to go along with the fable of the day. You can also have your dc narrate to you, type it up and have them illustrate.

If you've never done a unit study, I'd start with a couple of preplanned ones first till you get the hang of it. Check out homeschoolshare for free units here:

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/

I hope you enjoy your study!

[sandra in va]

Not really a unit study, but it is easy and has some fun ideas - Literature Pockets.

http://www.amazon.com/Literature-Pockets-Aesops-Fables-Grades/dp/1557998744/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228417942&sr=8-1

I don't make the folder pockets as suggested, but just put the finished assignments in their three-ring binder. (Glued onto cardstock or just 3-hole punched).

[Delighted3]

You can buy that at currclick for immediate use, but you have to print it out.
They also have lapbook projects for a couple of the fables that are on sale right now.

Lion and Mouse
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=175&products_id=26202&it=1

Grasshopper and the Ants
http://www.currclick.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=175&products_id=26125&it=1

HTH,
Joy