Creating a World War II Unit Study

World War II was one of the most significant events in human history, and it is important to understand its impact on our modern world.

Learning more about this war can help us gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery and sacrifices of those who lived through it, as well as an understanding of how different societies have been shaped by its legacy.

One way to explore World War II is by creating a unit study focused on the war itself.

Let’s discuss creating a World War II unit study. Let’s look at topics that should be covered, resources for research materials, and ways to make learning about World War II interesting and engaging.

Creating a World War II Unit Study

As a homeschool parent, you have the unique opportunity to tailor your children’s education based on their interests. If your child is interested in history and politics, then World War II is an excellent topic to dive into.

Not only does it spark interest, but it also provides an opportunity to understand the complexities of war, the impact it has on society, and how it shaped the world we live in today.

Determine Your Learning Goals

Before diving into the resources, it’s essential to know what you want your child to learn. Understanding the history of World War II is a vast topic, and it’s easy to get carried away with the details.

Do you want your child to understand the causes of the war? Do you want them to understand the impact of the war on society? Do you want to focus on a particular country’s involvement?

Once you decide on your learning goals, you can easily narrow down your resources and create a more focused unit study.

Select Your Resources

Now that you know your learning goals, it’s time to gather resources. You can start with books, documentaries, and even family member interviews.

Our suggestion is to start with primary sources such as photographs, speeches, and letters. Primary sources allow for a more in-depth understanding of the events and personal accounts of those involved.

The National WWII Museum’s website has an excellent collection of primary sources, virtual field trips, and lesson plans for all ages.

Plan Engaging Lessons

Now that you have your resources, it’s time to plan your lessons. Plan hands-on activities, assignments, and opportunities for group discussions.

For younger learners, you can plan play-based activities like building a model of a fighter plane or reading children’s literature about the war.

For middle school and high school learners, planning debates, mock trials, and virtual field trips would be a great way to incorporate critical thinking skills with their learning and understanding of historical events.

Create a Culminating Activity

To provide closure to the unit study, create a culminating activity for your child. This could take many forms such as a research report, timeline, or a multimedia presentation.

Encourage your child to showcase their understanding of the war and their ability to communicate it effectively.

Teaching World War II can be overwhelming, but it is a must-learn topic for any history enthusiast. With a little planning, creativity, and resources, you can create an engaging and informative unit study that will provide your child with a deep understanding of this significant historical event.

Remember, learning doesn’t have to be tedious, and with play-based activities, virtual field trips, and group discussions, you can make learning about World War II fun and exciting.

Good luck, and we hope these tips have been helpful in your creation of a unit study on World War II!