What grades can use the Animal Unit Study?

This Animal Unit Study is designed for Pre-K through 12th grade, with two separate formats for younger and older students.

What subjects are covered in the Animal Unit Study?

The study integrates science, reading comprehension, writing, spelling, and art with hands-on activities and research projects.

How long does it take to complete?

Families can complete the Animal Unit Study in a few weeks or spread it across a month using the included Unit Study Planning Book.

Can this be used in a multi-age homeschool setting?

Yes! The unit is designed for multi-age learning, allowing younger and older students to work at their own level while exploring the same theme together.

How To Discover Animals in an Animal Unit Study Adventure!

As a homeschool mom, I love when learning feels like an adventure. Recently, my kids and I dove into our Animal Unit Study, and I have to say, it was one of those weeks where school felt more like fun than work.

When we started, I asked each of my students, “What animal are you most curious about?” Their answers ranged from the fierce lion to the playful dolphin, to the tiny ant. I quickly realized that this study was going to be just as much fun for me as it was for them!

Hands-On Science and Habitats

We began with science, looking at each animal’s habitat. I spread out the mini animal research book that comes with the unit, and each child picked a creature to study. My younger ones loved coloring and drawing their animals, while my older kids started digging into more detailed research.

It was so fun watching them make connections:

My preschooler drew a picture of a penguin “sliding” down the ice.
My middle schooler researched how penguins stay warm in cold climates.
And my high schooler compared penguin survival skills to other arctic animals.

All of us were learning, just at different levels. That’s the beauty of a multi-age homeschool. (If teaching multiple grade levels at once feels overwhelming, you’ll love the tips I shared in this article.)

How to Teach Toddlers at Home: 30-Day Preschool Plan (Ages 1–4)

Teach your toddler at home with a flexible, 30-day preschool plan rooted in routine, learning, and play!

Learn more

How To Manage Multiple Grade Levels In Homeschool

Homeschooling multiple grade levels can be challenging but rewarding!

Learn more

How To Triumph In Homeschooling Various Grade Levels By Gender

Let’s talk about homeschooling by gender and various grade levels!

Learn more

Writing, Reading, and Spelling Made Meaningful

Next came writing. My little ones enjoyed the draw-and-write assignments, while the older kids tackled the writing prompts and rubric. One prompt asked them to describe their chosen animal’s daily routine. I still smile thinking about the creative answers, my daughter wrote about a dolphin that “went to school,” while my son described an ant “working overtime.”

For spelling, I let them pick out words from their own research and reading. Instead of handing them a random list, we built one together: habitat, predator, nocturnal, camouflage. Suddenly spelling felt relevant, and they were excited to learn the words because they connected to their animal.

Grab The Full Study Here!

Crafts, Creativity, and Planning Made Easy

One of the highlights was the crafts. My kids love anything that involves glue, scissors, and construction paper. We built simple animal masks, and the kids decided to put on a short play featuring their creatures. It was hilarious, messy, and completely memorable. Even my toddlers got involved by “helping” decorate masks.

And here’s the part I loved most as a parent-teacher: planning the whole unit out was a breeze thanks to the Unit Study Planning Book that comes with it. I spread the activities over a month, mixing in science one day, writing the next, and finishing with art and crafts. It kept our days balanced and gave me a clear path forward without stress. Honestly, it reminded me a lot of the flexibility I wrote about in my article on deschooling, learning can be structured and free-flowing at the same time.

Comes free with the Animal Unit Study! Make planning a breeze.

As we wrapped up, I realized this study had done something important, it gave my children space to research, create, write, and share in ways that matched their ages and abilities. Instead of me worrying about juggling multiple grade levels, the unit made it possible for us to all work together.

It wasn’t perfect, there were spills, silly jokes, and a few eye rolls, but there was also laughter, learning, and the joy of seeing my kids connect with God’s creation.

How To Deschool vs. Unschool: Turn The Tables On Education!

Confused about deschooling vs. unschooling? Learn the key differences between…

Learn more

What Is A Unit Study? | How To Use A Unit Study

Is a unit study fit for your homeschool? If you…

Learn more

Make Your Homeschool Days Smoother!

If you’ve ever felt stretched trying to teach multiple grade levels, a unit study like this can make your homeschool days smoother. Science, writing, reading, spelling, and art flow together in one theme, and everyone learns side by side.

Exploring animals turned out to be more than just a lesson, it was a reminder that homeschooling doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking, “What animal are you curious about?” and letting their answers lead the way.

So, grab your books, gather your supplies, and take your family on an animal adventure, you might be surprised at how much you learn right alongside your kids.