Very relaxed, child-led unit studies (how much parental influence?)

[mamaMAMAma]

I'm venturing out of my comfort zone to go for a very relaxed child-led unit studies approach. We've been homeschooling for 4 years and dd#1 is almost 10. We've used a waldorf-inspired/Enki curriculum + a little bit of this and that thus far. We just returned from our annual homeschool (mostly unschoolers) conference and I'm inspired to try something new. DD#1 loves to read and has made a few suggestions as to what she would like to learn. We got some books for her from the library yesterday and I have ideas on projects and what not. What I have difficulty with is how do you tie this into writing? and math? without taking it away from her. Do you know what I mean? I'm not sure how much I "should" butt in with the more academic (summaries, math,...) stuff. (I'm sure some of you would say don't butt in). How do I put it together into a "unit study"? Or should I? I guess I'm feeling insecure... inspired but a little anxious and would like some support / ideas.

[AutumnSunshine]

Check out the book by Lisa Rivero called "Creative Homeschooling". The original aim of the book is for gifted homeschoolers but it is an incredibly helpful and valuable book for all types of homeschoolers. Check out the section on "big ideas for big thinkers" which suggests an alternative type of "unit studies" approach that may be what you're looking for. HTH.

[mamaMAMAma]

The book looks great! Our library doesn't have it so I just ordered it. Thanks!