Free – simple with a twist

We homeschool throughout the summer. It’s the time I use to experiment with ideas I have during the fall and spring sessions. One of those ideas included a Cars Movie Unit Study. I created this study last year and fumbled through it with the boys that summer. My then 3 year old was and IS still obsessed with Lighning Mc Queen and the band of characters connected to the fictional town of Radiator Springs. I admit I too love the movie and have watched it probably 1,000 times between both boys. Although the 7 year old has out grown Lightning to some degree, we all embrace the joy it brings to the youngest of the house. At any given time, you will catch us quoting lines from the movie to fit circumstances. It connects us in that annoying yet personal insider family way.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Cars film, check out the plot here.

“If I was you I’d quit yapping and start working”. – Doc

I watched how my kids quoted lines from the movie, retold and performed full scenes while playing, made connections to real life . Light bulb moment = Unit Study. There are so many rich moments in this movie. It is full of opportunity for teaching from Math to Geography to Reading/ Writing to Character study. I have compiled a PDF list of fun activities and resources to launch into a unit study of 11 subjects.

Think of the list as a buffet where you pick and choose what meets your child’s appetite. It is a work in progress as I will add to the study over time (Ex. Worksheets) (make sure you check back for updates) but wanted to make it available to you creative mamas & papas looking for a relaxed, cool way to keep learning alive during the summer for your 3-8 year olds. You are able to adjust the ideas to meet your child’s age and level of interest. We were very laid back and more project focused with an emphasis on play. We worked on a subject 2x a week. Your child may be more of a reader, history buff or arts and craftsy. Whatever their bent, It’s all in the study with enough ideas to fill an entire summer.

Let me know your thoughts and how your kids liked learning through CARS in a creative way.

Below I have included a link to the Free Download plus pictures of a couple of the activities we enjoyed: