KONOS Explained
KONOS is a unit study curriculum geared for homeschoolers, aimed at integrating all subjects. This curriculum is taught in a Godly manner, and it emphasizes the importance of character. There is also a basis to the unit studies that focusses on The 5 D's: "Do", "Discover", "Dramatize", "Dialogue" and "Drill". Multi-level teaching is stressed, and students often study one character trait, like attentiveness, honor, or trust, for a month. At the same time,these traits are integrated into each unit of study, from art and music to reading.
The first of The 5 D's is known as "Do". This is essentially a hands on component to your teaching. For example, a first grader learning about manners and setting the table might reinforce the counting concept by setting the table with 5 spoons, 5 forks, etc. Aimed at capturing your child's attention, the "Do" portion of this curriculum is useful for all children, especially kinesthetic learners.
The second of The 5 D's is "Discover", aimed at fostering critical thought, in lieu of simply memorizing factual information. An example to discover through this curriculum might be to utilize a character trait, such as attentiveness, to observe favorite fish at an aquarium. As part of discovery students can take notes on the behavior of the underwater creatures and determine if the facts they have learned about them are really true.
"Dramatize" is the third area of concentration in the KONOS unit studies. The thought is that when a child lives a lesson they are more likely to remember it. For example, studying the colonial times is more effective when your student can participate in a reenactment of that time period.
"Dialogue" is essential for children to not only internalize their lessons learned, but also to express complete comprehension of the topics. This fourth component to The 5 D's stresses continual and consistent dialogue between you and your homechooler. Many parents find that when they are discussing American History or Algebra with their children they, too, are learning again.
The final area of The 5 D's is "Drill". While every lesson does not require a test to assess mastery of the topic, a wrap up of material is always prudent. Don't just teach a random lesson and leave your child hanging as to what the conclusion is to an experiment, or the moral to a story. Discuss lessons after they are learned, and encourage your child to repeat knowledge gleaned in their own words.
The KONOS program is quite vast and encompasses all grade levels and topics. If you are interested in this unit study curriculum check out the KONOS website or one of the books suggested below.
www.konos.com/index.html
The first of The 5 D's is known as "Do". This is essentially a hands on component to your teaching. For example, a first grader learning about manners and setting the table might reinforce the counting concept by setting the table with 5 spoons, 5 forks, etc. Aimed at capturing your child's attention, the "Do" portion of this curriculum is useful for all children, especially kinesthetic learners.
The second of The 5 D's is "Discover", aimed at fostering critical thought, in lieu of simply memorizing factual information. An example to discover through this curriculum might be to utilize a character trait, such as attentiveness, to observe favorite fish at an aquarium. As part of discovery students can take notes on the behavior of the underwater creatures and determine if the facts they have learned about them are really true.
"Dramatize" is the third area of concentration in the KONOS unit studies. The thought is that when a child lives a lesson they are more likely to remember it. For example, studying the colonial times is more effective when your student can participate in a reenactment of that time period.
"Dialogue" is essential for children to not only internalize their lessons learned, but also to express complete comprehension of the topics. This fourth component to The 5 D's stresses continual and consistent dialogue between you and your homechooler. Many parents find that when they are discussing American History or Algebra with their children they, too, are learning again.
The final area of The 5 D's is "Drill". While every lesson does not require a test to assess mastery of the topic, a wrap up of material is always prudent. Don't just teach a random lesson and leave your child hanging as to what the conclusion is to an experiment, or the moral to a story. Discuss lessons after they are learned, and encourage your child to repeat knowledge gleaned in their own words.
The KONOS program is quite vast and encompasses all grade levels and topics. If you are interested in this unit study curriculum check out the KONOS website or one of the books suggested below.
www.konos.com/index.html
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