Gather Round Homeschool: Human Body - Free Organization to Save Time!

When I first decided to try Gather Round Homeschool this school year, I made the decision to go through the Year 1 units in order. I don’t know if I will continue that when we enter into Year 2, but I have been happy with this choice so far!

In order, the units do a great job, in my opinion, of circling back to previously discussed topics. I also really enjoy the switch between a science and social focus each unit.

Since we made each unit last at least five weeks, we only got through the first six units of Year 1 (plus the Christmas Mini-Unit) and I’m planning on continuing with the last 4 units of Year 1 next school year!

So if you are reading this before the start of the 2021-22 school year, I have yet to complete this unit! I did decide to plan ahead for the rest of the units, though, so I wasn’t stuck doing them as needed…like I did this year! These resources have been helpful to me in the way that I teach these units, so I also wanted to finish up the Year 1 units for anyone else who may get to them before I do!

Currently we are closing out the school year with the Africa Unit Study and if you haven’t done that one yet, make sure to put it on your list, too!

If you are unfamiliar with the Gather Round Homeschool curriculum, be sure to check out this blog post that tells more about it! You can also see samples and purchase units on their website.

THE RESOURCES:

These “extras” are the things that I love about doing unit studies! It helps make the lessons even more immersive!

I’ve also found that our lessons go so much more smoothly when I have everything that I want to introduce to my kids all organized and ready to go. Sometimes we may not get to everything or even go down a different rabbit trail of learning, but it’s so helpful to have what I want readily available.

I understand how time-consuming this is, though! So, I’m sharing with you some of the playlists and resources we are using for the Human Body unit study so that you can have what you need without all the planning!

My playlists are mostly geared toward elementary and under because that is where my kids are. There are lots of other videos/books/etc you could add if you have older kids as well.

While I’ve used most of these resources with my kids, I always recommend that you preview them before using with your kiddos to make sure it’s a good fit for your family.

Gather Round Homeschool: Human Body – YouTube Playlist

Many of the video sources in this playlist are favorites of my kiddos. They go in order from Lesson 1 – 20 to make your life easier! Use what you like, leave what you don’t, add what you need.

They can be used during the lesson, after the lesson, or anytime really! How they are used is entirely up to you.

Gather Round Homeschool: Human Body – Pinterest Board

I don’t know about you, but I enjoy using Pinterest to gather and organize ideas…and recipes! Sometimes I use the ideas that I find directly and other times scrolling pinterest inspires an idea of my own.

This is yet another thing that takes a little time, so here is your shortcut!

I’ve included some ideas for extra activities such as crafts, STEM projects, models and more!

Gather Round Homeschool: Human Body – Book List and More!

BOOK LIST

Rebecca Spooner, the creator of Gather Round Homeschool, has an amazing book list in the front of every unit’s teacher’s guide. It’s even divided up by levels to make it easy! I am usually able to get most of the ones I want from our local library and then use Amazon and Thrift Books to get any that are remaining.

The Human Body: Shine-A-Light-Book, by Carron Brown
Usborne Lift the Flap – How Your Body Works, by Rosie Dickins
Usborne Lift the Flap – What is Poop?, by Katie Daynes
Daniel Goes to the Dentist, by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Body-Pedia, by Christina Wilsdon
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, by Andrew Chevallier
i-Poster My Body Interactive Human Anatomy Talking Game Toy System, by Best Learning Store
Wondertoys Wooden Human Body for Kids

SHOWS AND MOVIES

Here’s a list of shows and movies for added entertainment that can further reinforce the theme!

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That
- “Sneezy Riders” – Season 2, Episode 1
- “Keep the Beat” – Season 2, Episode 9 (Heart)
- “Rumbly Tumbly” – Season 2, Episode 12 (Stomach)
- “Jiggle Bones” – Season 2, Episode 15 (Skeletal System)
- “Drum Di Drum” – Season 2, Episode 20 (Ear)
The Magic School Bus (Netflix)
- “For Lunch” – Season 1, Episode 2 (Digestion)
- “Inside Ralphie” – Season 1, Episode 3 (Germs)
- “Works Out” – Season 3, Episode 9 (Circulation)
- “Goes Cellular” – Season 4, Episode 6 (Cells)
- “Makes a Stink” – Season 4, Episode 9 (Smelling)
The Magic School Bus Rides Again (Netflix)
- “Carlos Gets the Sneezes” – Season 1, Episode 6 (Allergies)
- “Ralphie Strikes a Nerve” – Season 1, Episode 11 (Nerves)
- “I Spy with my Animal Eyes” – Season 2, Episode 5 (Eyes)
- “Janet’s Mystery Gene” – Season 2, Episode 12 (DNA)
Curious George
- “Doctor Monkey” – Season 1
- “Housebound!” – Season 1 (Bones)
- “Monkey Fever” – Season 2
- “Curious George, Personal Trainer” – Season 4
- “Monkey Senses” – Season 9
- “Curious George Goes to the Dentist” – Season 10
- “Bill on Wheels” – Season 10
- “George and the Guide Dog” – Season 12
- “George Gets the Hiccups” – Season 12
- “Sleepers” – Season 13
Doc McStuffins (Disney+)
Operation Ouch (Netflix)
The Amazing Human Body (PBS, Amazon Prime)
Inside Out (Disney +)