Take one Blast and turn it into a thematic, fun-filled, distance learning experience with StudySync’s mini units. From Nature, to Relationships, to the Power of Music—the comprehensive and ready-to-download plans touch on relevant, thought-provoking topics, address social-emotional learning, and culminate in creative, student-led projects.
Do you love the mini units, and wish there were more? Wishing for one on a different topic? Design your own using StudySync’s fillable mini unit template. Choose a Blast—and have a Blast! Get started today.
This mini unit talks about the healing powers of nature and centers around the Blast: Natural Medicine. It asks students to reflect on how nature impacts their lives and offers research links to explore the effects of gardening, the outdoors, and even classic outdoor games.
The lesson plans suggest activities like taking a hike with a writer’s notebook, going on a scavenger hunt to find an artifact in nature, writing a poem, interviewing friends and family by phone and then writing about the experience. The link to outdoor games may be a great source of ideas to get families out in nature!
Download: Nature 5-Day Mini Unit
What makes a song an anthem? This 5-Day Mini Unit explores the power of music and is centered around The Blast, Your Fight Song. Students can choose from a selection of texts found in StudySync’s digital Library that tie into the theme. Creating an opportunity to explore expression through music also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain insight into students’ current emotional states and encourages expression and discussion during this turbulent time.
Download: The Power of Music 5-Day Mini Unit. For our 9-12 Texas teachers, here is a version aligned with TEKS.
Overcoming Adversity pairs with the Blast: Happily Ever After. Through the use of fairy tales and other selected texts from the StudySync Library, this new unit uses the appeal of storytelling to entice students to read, discuss, reflect, and express themselves as they grapple with challenges they may be currently facing due to the extended disruption to their school and home life. The Blast also includes an audio introduction from public radio announcer, Monica Brady-Myerov founder of Listenwise, and kicks off the discussion by encouraging students to connect with fairy tales to better understand their own power when faced with adversity.
Download: Overcoming Adversity 5-Day Mini Unit. For our 9-12 Texas teachers, here is a version aligned with TEKS.
How do you stay connected during this period of isolation when your students are not together in your classroom? How important is it for your students to talk with friends and loved ones during a crisis?
This mini unit series talks about the importance of relationships during this disruption to our school and home life and centers around the Blast: Americans Adapt to Coronavirus Isolation as a jumping-off point for students and families to engage in meaningful discourse. The original article, written by Reuters, asks young people how they are handling the isolation and how they are keeping in touch with the outside world. Each of the research links within this topical Blast are timely and age-appropriate.
Download: Relationships 5-Day Mini Unit. Texas 9-12 teachers, view a TEKS-aligned, 5-Day Mini Unit version.
Intrigued by mini units, and the idea of creating your own, but unsure where to start? Still getting used to the StudySync platform? Register today for a helpful webinar, and our Implementation Specialists can walk you through it. Try Creating Your Own Units on Mondays, it's a teacher favorite.