Life Experience Units are presented as an approach to teaching educable mentally retarded children; direction for the development of units is also considered. A general discussion of curriculum for the retarded discusses the role of the teacher in material preparation and use. Five criticisms of the unit method are stated and six core areas of learning experience are described: communication skills, arithmetic concepts, social competencies, health, safety, and vocational skills. Steps to writing units focus on the adaptation of practical, everyday experiences, preliminary evaluation of the potential of the unit, objectives, subunits, core activities, resource material, and vocabulary. A suggested format for the preparation of lesson plans contains space to list objectives, activities, resources, and experience charts. A sample format is provided; also provided is a starter unit on grooming which includes 10 lessons. (RK)