Harbor + Sprout Unit Studies

Name: Harbor + Sprout Unit Studies
Brand: Harbor and Sprouthttps://www.harborandsprout.com/

by Harbor and Sprouthttps://www.harborandsprout.com/

Multi_subjectGrades Pre-K–6

Harbor + Sprout Unit Studies: Flexible Themed Multi-Subject Learning

Harbor + Sprout Unit Studies is a monthly themed unit study curriculum for ages 3-12 that combines elements from various educational philosophies including Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and Waldorf. Each unit provides activities across multiple subjects organized around topics like botany, engineering, and oceanography, delivered as downloadable PDFs with extensive customization options.

Best for

Families seeking flexible, theme-based learning who can supplement with sequential programs for core subjects like math and language arts, particularly those drawn to Charlotte Mason or eclectic educational approaches

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 2 concerns · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum effectively integrates subjects around meaningful themes, with each unit providing coordinated activities across science, language arts, history, geography, music, art, and math.

Units are organized around coherent themes like 'Botany' or 'Aviation' with 'four lessons each for science, language arts, writing, history, geography, music, art, and math' all tied to the unit theme

Knowledge CoherenceConcern

The curriculum lacks sequential knowledge building, as units can be used in any order and skills are not taught sequentially across subjects.

Review states 'Units can be used in whatever order you wish since they do not cover subject areas sequentially' and 'skills are not taught sequentially'

Individual Subject RigorConcern

Subject rigor varies significantly, with math being supplemental only and language arts requiring additional sequential resources for proper skill development.

Review notes 'Math activities are supplemental, so you will need a math program from another source' and suggests purchasing 'other resources that teach sequentially, especially for language arts'

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides comprehensive handbooks and scheduling guidance but lacks specific pedagogical training for multi-subject instruction.

Each unit includes 'about 60 pages' handbook with 'schedules and lesson plans' and 'printing instructions and options' but no mention of teacher training materials

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides detailed lesson plans in multiple formats but emphasizes varied activity-based learning rather than explicit direct instruction.

Includes 'detailed lesson plans for science, nature study, language arts, writing, history, geography, music, art, and math, each in two different formats' but focuses on 'hands-on, creative, musical, writing, research' activities

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice, though some supplemental materials like flashcards and games are included.

Mentions 'supplemental activities that might include... flashcards, a game' but no systematic approach to review or retrieval practice is described

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com