Friday, December 30, 2005

End of Year Sale is Cooking!

 


One more day and the sale will be over! Things are moving quickly, so don't wait...


 


Join in the savings while we reduce our overstock:


Title:                                       Sale Price:    Regular Price:


Oceans Unit Study                  $8.00             $14.95
Pioneers Unit Study                 $8.00             $14.95
Lighthouses Unit Study           $8.00             $14.95
Gardens Unit Study                  $8.00             $14.95
Heroes of Chivalry                   $8.00             $14.95
Unit Studies 101                       $25.00             $34.95


Sale prices good through 12/31/05
or while supplies last!


 


Enjoy the savings - and thanks for your support in 2005! Watch for the next Unit Study Newsletter - exciting news is on the way!


 


Happy New Year,
Amanda Bennett
AABennett Books, Inc.
www.unitstudy.com

Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Making it count - an anniversary to remember...

 


The house is quiet now, and my coffee and keyboard are calling! I've got a few new books to finish, along with an article to complete - but I thought I'd first sip my coffee and share a few thoughts about an important anniversary this morning.


 


We are enjoying a blessed holiday season here, with family and friends, kids home from college, and plenty of love and laughter. Last night, when everyone else was sleeping and I could not stop thinking, I remembered a holiday season ten years ago, when the kids were so much younger, and we were only 3 years into our homeschool adventure. It was a holiday season that would change our world and our family forever.


 


We spent the week between Christmas and New Years traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains in search of snow for our very Floridian children to see -- a new experience for them. While we were traveling, my husband and I talked about many things, including just how long we would homeschool - through 6th grade, or high school? Our perspective was one of getting the job done and moving on -- we had a lot to learn.


 


On December 29th, a drunk driver changed our perspective forever, and I must admit that the lessons that we learned from the awful accident that he caused changed all of us, and it changed our hearts in the best way possible. Yes, there were physical injuries that will not improve this side of heaven, but the changes in our faith and family have been astounding.


 


There on the side of the mountain, a miracle occurred and we were spared - and I will share it with you one of these days. I have written about it in my new book, and it still brings me to tears of thanksgiving and praise. Let me just say that when the EMTs first arrived they were getting out body bags – they didn’t think that anyone had survived!


 


That night and in the long nights of surgeries and recovery, we learned many lessons. We learned, first and foremost, that when God says He will never leave you or forsake you, He means it. We also learned that life is not a checklist or a dress rehearsal – it is a one-time gift from God, intended to be used wisely, as He wills it.


 


Homeschooling had been an item on our checklist before the accident. After the accident, we realized that homeschooling was an opportunity to share with the children – our faith, our love, life’s lessons and the importance of family relationships. I realized that while we had been busy looking to the finish line, we had been stumbling over individual needs and so much more.


 


Take each day and thank God for it before your feet even hit the ground in the morning. That part about life being as a vapor – gone in an instant – it is true – I’ve lived it firsthand. There are no guarantees about how much time you will have with your children – it is in God’s hands, trust me on this – been there done that. Carpe diem!


 


When it gets right down to it, what is THE most important thing that you can teach your children? Teach them about Jesus and the gift of His life for their salvation. Someone once said that you can’t take anything to heaven, except your family and friends!


 


While we won’t have a cake or party for this anniversary, we will give thanks for what we have learned and the eternity that we have all gained – priceless gifts from above.


 


Blessings,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


Overstock Unit Study Special

Join in the savings and bring in the new homeschool year with new adventures:


 


Title:                                       Sale Price:    Regular Price:


Oceans Unit Study                   $8.00             $14.95
Pioneers Unit Study                 $8.00             $14.95
Lighthouses Unit Study           $8.00             $14.95
Gardens Unit Study                  $8.00             $14.95
Heroes of Chivalry                    $8.00             $14.95
Unit Studies 101                      $25.00             $34.95


Sale prices good through 12/31/05
only while supplies last!


 


Enjoy the savings - and thanks for your support in 200z5! Watch for the next Unit Study Newsletter - exciting news is on the way!


 


Happy New Year,
Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


 


AABennett Books, Inc.

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Looking to roll into the new year with some homeschool fun?

Don't forget tha the Trains Unit Study is on sale for one more week! Here's the link:


http://unitstudy.com/trains.htm


 


With the Trains Unit Study (4 week study with 20 daily lessons at 2 different age levels), the CDROM also contains the following bonus books to use with the study:


1.  The Railway Children, by Edith Nesbit
2.  Tom Swift and His Electric Locomotive, by Victor Appleton


 


Plan now to begin 2006 with some FUN learning - check out all of the Internet Specials at:


http://unitstudy.com/internetspecials.htm


 


Blessed Christmas,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


 

Monday, December 5, 2005

Drum for Christmas?

 


Thinking of a drum for Christmas? Somehow this story from 1891 reminded me of a few industrious homeschool children that I know or have met!


 


A small Detroit boy was given a drum for a Christmas present, and was beating it vociferously on the sidewalk, when a nervous neighbor appeared, and asked, "How much did your father pay for that drum, my little man?" "Twenty-five cents, sir," was the reply. "Will you take a dollar for it?" "Oh, yes, sir," said the boy, eagerly. "Ma said she hoped I'd sell it for ten cents." The exchange was made, and the drum put where it wouldn't make any more noise, and the nervous man chuckled over his stratagem. But, to his horror, when he got home that night there were four drums beating in front of his house, and as he made his appearance, the leader stepped up and said, cheerfully, "These are my cousins, sir. I took that dollar and bought four new drums. Do you want to give us four dollars for them?" The nervous neighbor rushed into the house in despair, and the drum corps is doubtless beating yet in front of his house.

 

Merry Christmas,

Amanda B.


 

Start the Christmas Unit Study Today!

 


That's right - you can begin the Christmas Unit Study today at home and join in the fun and learning about this very special Christian holiday. Now in downloadable format, you can read more about it and see preview pages at:


 


www.unitstudy.com/christmas.htm


 


You can purchase the study and download it immediately and take off on a new adventure. This new format has proven to be very popular since it was announced just last week - I think that it is such a blessing to be able to jump right in and begin without waiting for the disc to arrive!


 


Merry Christmas,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


 

Saturday, December 3, 2005

Some holiday fun!

 


As we roll into the holiday season, we are having fun! For those of you who are experiencing our wet & cold weather, I think you all might enjoy a few new titles that are now downloadable - just for fun:

Hand Shadows - For Kids of All Ages
When we were small, I remember my mom turning us all loose with a flashlight in the dark hallway of the house, and we had more fun trying to make hand shadows with an old library book on hand shadows. This book was originally published in 1859, and all that is required for loads of laughter and hours of occupation is a flashlight - laughter usually follows as giggles and imagination abound!


Chocolate & Cocoa Candy Recipes - originally published in 1923
For any fellow chocoholics, go check this one out and drool over the recipe list on the book preview! Today, I am trying out the Chocolate
Gingerbread and perhaps the Chocolate Pecan Pralines. I love the holidays!


Keeping warm by the fire and enjoying this day,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com

Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Last Day of FREE Shipping!

Just a quick reminder that today is the last day of free shipping! Enjoy!


 


Blessings,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com

Christmas Greeting from 1917






 


I came across this article in a book published in 1917, way back when Christmas was Christmas, not a Winter Holiday. The words of this pastor say so much to me as an adult - in ways that touched my heart as we approach the season of Christmas.


A CHRISTMAS GREETING
"Good Will Toward Men"—St. Luke 11-14.

There was a time when the spirit of Christmas was of the present. There is a period when most of it is of the past. There shall come a day perhaps when all of it will be of the future. The child time, the present; the middle years, the past; old age, the future.

Come to my mind Christmas Days of long ago. As a boy again I enter into the spirit of the Christmas stockings hanging before my fire. I know what the children think to-day. I recall what they feel.

Passes childhood, and I look down the nearer years. There rise before me remembrances of Christmas Days on storm-tossed seas, where waves beat upon the ice-bound ship. I recall again the bitter touch of water-warping winter, of drifts of snow, of wind-swept plains. In the gamut of my remembrance I am once more in the poor, mean, lonely little sanctuary out on the prairie, with a handful of Christians, mostly women, gathered together in the freezing, draughty building.



In later years I worship in the great cathedral church, ablaze with lights, verdant and fragrant with the evergreen pines, echoing with joyful carols and celestial harmonies. My recollections are of contrasts like those of life—joy and sadness, poverty and ease.

And the pictures are full of faces, many of which may be seen no more by earthly vision. I miss the clasp of vanished hands, I crave the sound of voices stilled. As we old and older grow, there is a note of sadness in our glee. Whether we will or not we must twine the cypress with the holly. The recollection of each passing year brings deeper regret. How many have gone from those circles that we recall when we were children? How many little feet that pattered upon the stair on Christmas morning now tread softer paths and walk in broader ways; sisters and brothers who used to come back from the far countries to the old home—alas, they cannot come from the farther country in which they now are, and perhaps, saddest thought of all, we would not wish them to come again. How many, with whom we joined hands around the Christmas tree, have gone?

Circles are broken, families are separated, loved ones are lost, but the old world sweeps on. Others come to take our places. As we stood at the knee of some unforgotten mother, so other children stand. As we listened to the story of the Christ Child from the lips of some grey old father, so other children listen and we ourselves perchance are fathers or mothers too. Other groups come to us for the deathless story. Little heads which recall vanished halcyon days of youth bend around another younger mother. Smaller hands than ours write letters to Santa Claus and hear the story, the sweetest story ever told, of the Baby who came to Mary and through her to all the daughters and sons of women on that winter night on the Bethlehem hills.

And we thank God for the children who take us out of the past, out of ourselves, away from recollections that weigh us down; the children that weave in the woof and warp of life when our own youth has passed, some of the buoyancy, the joy, the happiness of the present; the children in whose opening lives we turn hopefully to the future. We thank God at this Christmas season that it pleased Him to send His beloved Son to come to us as a little child, like any other child. We thank God that in the lesser sense we may see in every child who comes to-day another incarnation of divinity. We thank God for the portion of His Spirit with which He dowers every child of man, just as we thank Him for pouring it all upon the Infant in the Manger.

There is no age that has not had its prophet. No country, no people, but that has produced its leader. But did any of them ever before come as a little child? Did any of them begin to lead while yet in arms? Lodges there upon any other baby brow "the round and top of sovereignty?" What distinguished Christ and His Christian followers from all the world? Behold! no mighty monarch, but "a little child shall lead them!"

You may see through the glass darkly, you may not know or understand the blessedness of faith in Him as He would have you know it, but there is nothing that can dim the light that radiates from that birth in the rude cave back of the inn. Ah, it pierces through the darkness of that shrouding night. It shines to-day. Still sparkles the Star in the East. He is that Star.

There is nothing that can take from mankind—even doubting mankind—the spirit of Christ and the Christmas season. Our celebrations do not rest upon the conclusions of logic, or the demonstrations of philosophy; I would not even argue that they depend inevitably or absolutely upon the possession of a certain faith in Jesus, but we accept Christmas, nevertheless; we endeavour to apply the Christmas spirit, for just once in the year; it may be because we cannot, try as we may, crush out utterly and entirely the divinity that is in us that makes for God. The stories and tales for Christmas which have for their theme the hard heart softened are not mere fictions of the imagination. They rest upon an instinctive consciousness of a profound philosophic truth.

What is the unpardonable sin, I wonder? Is it to be persistently and forever unkind? Does it mean perhaps the absolute refusal to accept the principle of love which is indeed creation's final law? The lessons of the Christmastide are so many; the appeals that now may be made to humanity crowd to the lips from full minds and fuller hearts. Might we not reduce them all to the explication of the underlying principle of God's purpose to us, as expressed in those themic words of love with which angels and men greeted the advent of the Child on the first Christmas morning, "Good will toward men?"

Let us then show our good will toward men by doing good and bringing happiness to someone—if not to everyone—at this Christmas season.



Put aside the memories of disappointments, of sorrows that have not vanished, of cares that still burden, and do good in spite of them because you would not dim the brightness of the present for any human heart with the shadows of old regrets. Do good because of a future which opens possibilities before you, for others, if not for yourselves.

Brethren, friends, all, let us make up our minds that we will be kindly affectioned one to another in our homes and out of them, on this approaching Christmas day. That the old debate, the ancient strife, the rankling recollection, the sharp contention, shall be put aside, that "envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness" shall be done away with. Let us forgive and forget; but if we cannot forget let us at least forgive. And so let there be peace between man and man at Christmas—a truce of God.

Let us pray that Love shall come as a little child to our households. That He shall be in our hearts and shall find His expression in all that we do or say on this birthday of goodness and cheer for the world. Then let us resolve that the spirit of the day shall be carried out through our lives, that as Christ did not come for an hour, but for a lifetime, we would fain become as little children on this day of days that we may begin a new life of good will to men.

Let us make this a new birthday of kindness and love that shall endure. That is a Christmas hope, a Christmas wish. Let us give to it the gracious expression of life among men.

Tuesday, November 29, 2005

Christmas & Unit Study News

Unit Study News





Amanda's Corner


 


Dear Friends,


 


I hope this note finds you well and having enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Like many of you, we gathered around the table with so many blessings to count and so much to be thankful for - the list goes on and on. And  as I glanced around the tables at the many happy faces, I had to thank the Lord for each and every person that joined us for our special day of Thanksgiving.


 


During the holiday weekend, I found a bit of time to reflect on the many blessings that God has provided, and you were on the list -- those of you who have encouraged me, used the unit studies, provided kind advice and shared so many stories of successful learning in your families.  You all are so important to me, and your children are the main reason that I keep on trying to help. We are all so truly blessed.


 


While I know that not everyone can have their families and friends gathered round for the holidays, I have learned over the years that is still so important to remember them in our prayers, with cards and pictures, as well as words of thanks for what they have meant to you and your family. Sometimes the simplest gesture of thanks can make someone's day so much sweeter  - making a difference in their outlook on life.


 


With about 30 various people gathered here on the farm over the long weekend, we had quite a crowd, and things were never dull. <smile> I tried to take more pictures (aren't digital cameras nice), and share more memories - worrying less about the food and more about the time together. I think the younger crowd learned quite a bit about family memories going back several generations, and what a blessing it is to know that these stories and this history will continue to be passed along. There were stories of family members in the wars, family clans and Scottish castles, cooking secrets from generations past, and so many smiles and so much laughter! Some of our guests commented that their faces hurt from laughing so much!


I pray that you and your family enjoy this very special holiday season with friends and family, whether in person, by mail or email, by phone or cell phone, share the message of the season -- thanksgiving and the gift of love from God above!


 


Blessings to you and yours,
Amanda B.


 





New - Downloadable Unit Studies are available!


We are trying a new form of delivery for some of the unit studies, to try to make the studies available more quickly, as well as making them available in a timely way for those of you located outside of the US, around the globe. For several titles, you have two choices for making a purchase - either to pay and download the complete study immediately, or to pay now and have the study shipped to you on CDROM.


The titles that are available for immediate download after payment include:


Christmas Unit Study
Birthday Unit Study
American Hero Study
American Government Unit Study





December Sale!


This month, there are two special sales, and remember that shipping is FREE only until midnight, November 30th!


Trains Unit Study  - ON SALE for only $10 in December!
With so many train sets coming into view during the Christmas season, the Trains Unit Study can help you and your crew enjoy a new interest, along with a bit of understanding of the train in the Polar Express!


American Hero Stories - ON SALE for only $10 in December!
Get ready for some interesting lessons in American History!


Remember - free shipping only lasts through midnight, November 30, 2005!





Unit Study Chatter and Q&A group!
Come join our unit study online support group! There is a now a Yahoo group that is just for people that use Amanda Bennett's unit studies, called Unit Study Works. Follow this link to sign up, and then join in the adventure -- sharing ideas, asking questions, checking out sample studies, and encouraging each other along the way!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amandabennettunitstudies/


 


Learning Links:


 


Nativity Coloring Page
http://coloringpages.net/pages/nativity.html


 


The First Christmas - Word Search
http://www.christiananswers.net/kids/wrdsrch5.html


 


"I AM" sayings of Jesus Christ - Crossword Puzzle
http://www.christiananswers.net/kids/crswd-2.html


 


The angel and Mary - coloring page
http://www.christiananswers.net/kids/clr-maryangel.html


 


Advent Ideas from Faith at Home
http://www.faith-at-home.com/tips/advent.html


 


Nativity Coloring Page
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/biblecoloring/l/blcolornativ.htm


 


Angel with the shepherds - coloring page
http://www.christiananswers.net/kids/clr-angel-shepherds.html


 


Mother and Child Coloring Page
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/coloring-pages/christian-christmas/mary-n-jesus.html


 


Bell Coloring Page
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/christmasprints/l/blcolorchbell.htm


 


Candy Cane Coloring Page
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/christmasprints/l/blcolorchcane1.htm


 


Christmas Mazes
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/xmas/maze.html


 


Christmas Recipes
http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/christmascrafts/l/blchrisrec.htm


 


Printable Christmas Cards
http://www.dltk-kids.com/crafts/xmas/cards/index.htm


 


Gifts in a Jar - collection
http://www.geocities.com/giftsinajar/


 


Gifts in a Jar - Frugal Homemaker
http://www.frugalhomemaker.com/giftsinajar.htm


 


Cranberry Hootycreeks
This is going to be one of our productions this year - I love the name! <smile>

http://www.frugalhomemaker.com/giajcookie013.htm


 





Enjoy this season of love, worship, thanksgiving and abundant praise to God!


Blessed Christmas,
Amanda

Monday, November 28, 2005

Christmas: A Study of Love

Christmas: A Study of Love
Amanda Bennett


 


The warm feeling of love, the snug feeling of togetherness and family, and the joy and excitement of celebration -- all to be found in many American homes this time of year.


 


From the preparation and celebration of harvest and Thanksgiving to the last day of the Twelve Days of Christmas, there is a wonderful feeling of caring and sharing everywhere, and as homeschooling families, we can take this time to learn, prepare our homes and our hearts, and share with others throughout the year.

At our house, we begin planning for the holiday season by preparing unit studies on both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This has become a regular tradition here, and one that is eagerly anticipated year after year. With each year of holidays comes a new slant or area of interest for our learning adventures, and we have never worked on any unit study in the same way twice! We use these holiday studies to help us grow in our knowledge as well as giving the children more time to thoroughly prepare for and understand the meaning of the holidays -- the history, literature, geography, science and music represented within the holiday theme.

In this article, I would like to focus on studying Christmas as a family unit. What does Christmas mean to you and your family? Ever take a close look with your family, asking them what they think? Write down their comments without criticism or discussion. Then, ask them what they like best about Christmas and then what their favorite holiday tradition is -- if they are old enough to understand. This is a great way to begin the Christmas season, and is usually a real eye-opener! What significance do you give to the true meaning of Christmas?

I first wrote the CHRISTMAS Unit Study to meet this need in our own home. We wanted to study this with the children, learning together and drawing us all closer in your own celebration. We were tired of the commercialism that had worked its way into Christmas and had to reflect very closely on what and how we had celebrated in the past, as well as finding ways to focus on the true meaning of Christmas -- the reason for the celebration -- His birth. We worked with the children to define what Christmas means to our family and what we would like to change. How could we celebrate Christmas with our family, our church, our neighbors and our community with the right emphasis? After all, this event we are celebrating was foretold in almost 400 different prophecies in the Old Testament - quite a fulfilling event when our Savior was born! Why shouldn't we celebrate it as least as much as we do the birth of one of our own babies?

Like me, you probably get overwhelmed with catalogs in the mail this time of year. But recently, one that we received really caught the attention of one of the children. It has a picture of Mary and Joseph and the Baby Jesus on the front cover, but it is somehow very different. My son looked at it and said, "Look, Mom -- they had a baby! Look at how happy they are!" Unlike so many other nativity scenes where Mary and Joseph have rather nondescript faces, this one shows them as parents getting a first good look at their new baby -- utmost joy and pride and awe and love. Their expressions also reflect what I imagine that God felt about then, too -- pride and love for His own Son.

We have tried to look back at the expectations we had before each baby was born -- the joy, the fear, the concerns and the love. As we talk about these feelings of expectations, we can connect them to the feelings of God's children as they heard for so many years about the coming of the Savior and their own feelings of expectation. Then, how Mary and Joseph must have felt with their own special knowledge about this baby and Who He was. You can celebrate Advent to take a close look at the prophecies, the Birth and what His coming means to you as Christians. We do things like learning some of the prophecies of the Old Testament, and having the older children look to find where each of these prophecies were fulfilled. God does keep His promises, doesn't He!

We also include some geography, following the path of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, and try to understand what their trip was probably like. They had to travel just under one hundred miles over rough roads, using their feet and a donkey for transportation. It took them at least a week to make the journey -- contrast this for the children, using some other trip that they remember that was about that far, and how you covered the distance in under two hours.

We study what the area was like during that time of year -- quite a bit like where we lived in Florida several years ago -- no snow! It would have been a warmer climate, and citrus would have been getting ripe, with plenty of olive, date and palm trees. The children were so amazed to find out that the first Christmas weather was so much like that of Florida -- so then they asked, why do we associate so much snow with Christmas?

Another big question -- why exactly do we celebrate Christmas on December 25th, anyway? After hearing both sides of the argument over whether Christmas is a Christian or a pagan holiday, I decided to do some research of my own to include in the study and the findings were very interesting. Before the fourth century, Jesus' birth was celebrated on January 6th, along with the Epiphany. Then, as Christianity moved through Rome, Pope Liberius of Rome, in 353 A.D., researched historical records to try to establish the actual day of Christ's birth. Remember -- the whole journey to Bethlehem was to participate in a census and pay appropriate taxes -- record keeping! As a result of his work, the Pope decided to make December 25th the official day of celebrating Christ's birth.

Now, for the 12 days of Christmas! I was reading a beautifully written book recently, The Christmas Book by Alice Lawhead. The author has a whole section about slowing down the frenzy and focusing on the meaning of Christmas. She offers ideas like celebrating Christmas throughout the original 12 days of Christmas, which begin on Christmas Eve and continue until January 6th, which is the celebration of Epiphany, marking the Wise Men's visit to the Baby, the first visit of Gentiles to see the new King. Why not make cookies and have more of the festivities throughout those 12 days with family, instead of spending December in a flat-out rush to get it all ready for that one day, and be so eager to have it all out of the house! This way, we can avoid the let-down of December 26th and keep the focus of the celebration where it should be. We also use this study to learn more about the many Christmas traditions, those celebrated in this country as well as other countries. These might include the Yule Log, mumming, the days of posadas, and on and on. Have the children help with the research and then share their findings.

Use the season to read some classics aloud in the evenings while everyone is working on Christmas projects. Consider books like The Gift of the Magi by O. Henry, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates by Mary Dodge, and, of course, we read the Gospels of the Bible.

As children get older, there are two books that they might enjoy, Two from Galilee, Love Story of Mary and Joseph and Three from Galilee, the Young Man from Nazareth both by Majorie Holmes. These books have made the people and the nativity so much more real to all of us, and added new depth and understanding to the event on a human level.

There are so many books about Christmas available now and most of my favorites can be found at local Christian bookstores. Some of them are Let's Keep Christmas by Peter Marshall, The Patricia St. John Christmas Book, Christ is Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration by James Dobson, Tomorrow We Go to Bethlehem by John Metavish.

It is my hope that you all relax and enjoy the holidays, learning and sharing as a family, and that the adventures will bring you many happy memories in the years to come. May God bless you and your family abundantly!


Blessed Christmas!

Amanda B.

 





Keeping Christmas in America - show that you care!


Check out these special products designed by a homeschooled entrepreneurial child! He is concerned about the attempts to eliminate Christmas from the American public eye, so he created these to help keep Christmas in the public view, with the emphasis on the true meaning of Christmas:


Merry CHRISTmas!


 






Need the perfect holiday gift?
Here on the Bennett tree farm, we grow Fraser Fir holiday trees, as well as Old Fashioned Lilac, Red Maple, Red Oak and Japanese Maple trees to ship as memorial trees as well as for unique gifts for birthdays, new babies, anniversaries, baptism, new home owners, and more. Click on the link below and visit our online tree farm: 


Sheltering Trees

Order the Christmas Unit Study now and use it today!

 


Just a quick note to say that once your Christmas Unit Study order is placed, the CDROM is shipped and the first week's lessons and introductory material are sent via email to the email listed in your order. Watch for the email - sometimes it is winding up in folk's "spam" folders!

After placing your order for the Christmas unit study, the email should arrive in your email shortly - depending on how busy the mail servers are...

Blessings,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com


Thursday, November 10, 2005

Veterans Day - Learning Links






Don't forget to fly the flag on Friday! Here are a few links to
activities and crafts to help recognize and celebrate Veterans Day:

Veterans Day Crafts
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/veterans/

Veterans Day Word Search
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/word-finds/veterans-day-word-find-
easy.html

Patriotic Necklace
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/pennypendant/

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/veterans-day/tomb-of-
unknown-soldier.html

Veterans Day Puzzles
http://www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_427.shtml

Thank a veteran today as if your life depended on them - it does!

Blessings,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com

Remember - Friday is Veteran's Day!

 


Remember, tomorrow is Veteran's Day - if you see a soldier or a veteran - thank them for fighting for our freedom! Here's an article that I wrote after being asked about veterans -- hope it helps!


 


Mom, What Is A Veteran?
Amanda Bennett


And so begins our search to answer the question of the day for November 11th - "Mom, what is a veteran?" This generation of children has been unusually protected from much, if any, exposure to war and soldiers and military importance. So, when they see or hear reference to the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, they don't understand the significance or relevance to their lives. We can use this holiday as the perfect springboard to learning more about our history, our blessings, and the brave men and women who have served to protect us, and all that we hold dear.

Veterans Day - what does it mean to you? The history of this holiday may be unknown to many of us, and yet it exists because of the strength and convictions of generations past that we should remember our veterans and their sacrifices for our peace and protection. There was a price paid for the freedom that we enjoy, and this freedom still needs our protection. While we enjoy peace, it is with an understanding that this peace has been bought with the efforts of our veterans, and this holiday can help us express our gratitude for their efforts and beliefs and sacrifices. On this holiday, we honor all of our veterans. Those in the military serve in all kinds of jobs - soldiers, doctors, nurses, pilots, engineers, astronauts, and so much more. They all work hard to protect and defend America, and we should be grateful to them all.

I heard recently that there is a shortage of military buglers to play "Taps" at military funerals - because so many of our military veterans are passing away, particularly those from the World Wars. While our children haven't really been directly exposed to a "war" as we of older generations think of it, they do need an appreciation for those who have bravely served. Use this holiday to become familiar with veterans - their sacrifice and their courage. Learn more about the American military system - how it protects us today and what is happening with our defense. Use this opportunity to learn more about the various organizations that help support out veterans - the Veterans Administration (VA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and others.

This holiday has special significance to many members of our family as well as our friends. Though often quiet about their service, these people have a wealth of information and experience that they might be willing to share with our students about their service, training, and ideas - if asked. By learning more about the people and their participation, we can carry on the tradition and remembrance with pride.

With this holiday, let's bring out the flag and applaud our veterans. Let us teach these things to our children, so that we never take our freedom and liberty for granted. All of our veterans deserve our appreciation and remembrance. It is now the next generation's responsibility to protect and defend our country, our God-given rights, and our freedoms.


"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men... It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers in the event."  Samuel Adams, 1771

"The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army... We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die..."
George Washington, speech delivered to his army, 1776

"To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might. So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching. More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out. All that is required of you is that you should go somewhither as hard as ever you can. The rest belongs to fate...:"     Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1884

"There are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation." James Madison, 1788

Monday, October 31, 2005

Thanksgiving/Christmas sale is almost over - many thanks!

 


The big sale on the Thanksgiving & Christmas Unit Study Set is almost over - only a few more hours left! The response has been great, and I wanted to thank you all for your orders as well as your kind words -- what an encouraging set of friends I have here on homeschoolblogger.com!


 


We are now emailing the first week of the Thanksgiving lessons to those who order this week, so that they can begin the study while waiting for the complete study on CDROM to arrive in the mail. So many of you have written to say thanks - you are very welcome.


 


If you want to join my Yahoo group of unit study folks, you can journey through the holidays with us - you never know what kinds of interesting ideas will surface with this crowd! Here's the link if you'd like to join in our fun:


Amanda Bennett's Unit Study Yahoo Group


 


Just a few more hours of the sale, and then we'll call it a night and turn off the Thanksgiving music until tomorrow morning, when a new adventure begins!


 


Blessings,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


 

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Family Traditions – For Today and Tomorrow

 


Family Traditions – For Today and Tomorrow


By Amanda Bennett



 


            “Hey Mom, don’t forget that we’re going out for pizza after this last game of the season – it’s a tradition, remember?” “Dad, when are you going to get the bales of hay and pumpkins for your autumn masterpiece? Can I go, too – it’s a tradition, you know!”  Tradition – just the word sometimes sounds old and from past generations, doesn’t it? Yet, it has been family traditions that helped many a family stay together and strong over the past years, and probably for generations to come.


 


          Traditions are so important in families – the sense of security and love that is felt when observing traditions as a family will stay with our children for the rest of their lives. As homeschooling families, we have a unique opportunity in today’s society to enjoy a wide variety of traditions for all kinds of events and observances, and integrate them into our learning lifestyle. These traditions are woven into the fabric of our family, making it stronger and memorable for everyone.


 


            As a child, I grew up in a family filled with love, children and plenty of traditions. My parents worked to build the strength of our family with some traditions that were simple and yet special. We lived far away from any relatives, so our traditions had to be based on our immediate family and friends, and what a blessing those traditions were. My parents didn’t realize that these traditions would get us through some very tough times, and keep our family close through thick and thin, over many years and generations yet to come.


 


            Early on Sunday mornings, my dad would drive to Krispy Kreme to get hot doughnuts for our family while Mom got all of us ready for church. To this day, when I bite into a warm Krispy Kreme doughnut, I remember Sunday mornings and my dad’s smile as he came through the door with those warm doughnuts. It was a very simple tradition that meant so much then and even more now. When we are visiting my childhood hometown, we still visit the same shop, and share smiles and memories that cross generations.


 


            When I was a young teenager, our family lost my father to cancer when we were all from 8 to 15 years old. Yes, it was tragic and it was heart-rending, and we drifted in and out of being convinced that our happy family life had ended. However, my mother worked hard to keep us safe and housed and educated, but she strived even harder through it all to maintain our family traditions, and these added much-needed cement to our family through some very trying times. We still belonged to the family, the family was still strong, and these traditions gave us a sense of security and predictability in a world that had changed very quickly. Traditions became the ties that we needed as we grew and changed – while some things never changed.


 


            There are many kinds of traditions -- seasonal traditions, holiday traditions, weekly traditions, and special occasion traditions. They provide a wonderful time for coming together as a family. Daily prayers, family reading time in the evening, Sunday soup and popcorn prepared by Dad, the welcoming of summer with a water balloon fight, preparing our hearts and home for special holidays, and so much more.


 


            The variety of traditions is infinite, and I’ve heard of some very unique family traditions in all of my travels around this great country. But that is one of the things that makes them special – they are YOUR family’s traditions, unique to you all.


 


            As we approach this holiday season, I know that there are plenty of traditions that are observed in American homes. At our house, autumn brings an exciting collection of family traditions. With the start of autumn, I make sure that we have chrysanthemums on the front steps.  They start off on the front steps, then we plant them in the ground when they finish blooming. Dad collects several bales of hay, some corn stalks, and a few pumpkins and gourds to make a fall decoration by the driveway – Dad’s autumn masterpiece, as the kids call it.


 


            After taking care of the decorating traditions, we move on to those that can be appreciated around the kitchen table. With the harvest of the apple crop here in Tennessee, we have warm apple pie and ice cream in the evenings, while gathered around the table rehashing the latest football upsets, debating the World Series, and planning the upcoming holiday season.


 


            Sometimes traditions can span the miles between family and friends. Years ago, family members and friends began choosing which NFL teams would win the Sunday games. We named this process “Football Picks,” the object being to see who could pick the most winning teams, This tradition now is carried on by email for a collection of friends and family across the country, and it is a simple and fun celebration of the season, crossing miles and keeping everyone in touch.


 


            With the advancing cooler weather, we have other traditions here at the Bennett home. We make quite a production of the first fire in the fireplace, enjoying the beauty of the fire and using the occasion to thank everyone for their firewood labors of cutting and splitting the wood for the coming winter. With the cooler weather, we also begin our autumn weekend sky-watching parties around large campfires – so that we can watch for stars and planets and satellites, and enjoy the Milky Way as it spreads out in the dark country sky. Family and friends come from all over to join us in this endeavor, and while we don’t work out ALL of the problems of the world, parents, grandparents and children all benefit from the time spent together.


 


Here are some ideas for traditions that your family might enjoy:




  • With the end of a sports season or a church performance or other special occasion, have an ice cream sundae party at the local ice cream shop. Sometimes a tradition like this can be a “floating” tradition – one of recognition for feats accomplished.


  • With the birth of each child – plant a special tree, have a flag flown over the US Capital building (contact your congressman to do this), hold a special family celebration to welcome the new family member, and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures.


  • With the marriage of each child or sibling – have a flag flown over the US Capital building, or plant an evergreen tree to mark the occasion. 


  • When having a holiday get-together or family reunion, try to find a ceramic plate that can be autographed with a permanent marker, then have everyone sign the plate and bring out the plate at future get-togethers for sharing memories and smiles.

               
    One holiday tradition that we have observed for many years is enjoyed around the kitchen table. In the evenings, we gather and paint those small plaster village houses to create an interesting holiday village. As the children have gotten older, we have created villages for their new homes and homes-away-from homes. The tradition of gathering around the kitchen table to paint and be creative has brought about some fascinating conversations and treasured insights into each family member, not to mention the “unique” pieces of art that have been created! 

 


Early in November, we pull out the favorite family holiday recipes, and my husband begins the preparations to make his German family’s recipes, handed down from generation to generation. Many of these take time to prepare, and some of them have to “age” at various parts of the process. Yes, the house smells fantastic this time of year, and the kids have come to appreciate the smells and time with Dad in the kitchen.


 


What are some fun traditions for preparing for Thanksgiving? 




  • Planning the holiday weekend with the whole family in early November (who shall we invite, which relatives will be here, what games shall we all play after dinner?)


  • Planning the menu so that everyone gets to choose one of their favorite foods to be included


  • Putting up a blessings tree when the children were younger, making the tree trunk from brown paper and each family member adding colorful construction paper leaves to the tree. Each leaf has a written item that the family member is thankful for – a blessing on each leaf.


  • Finding ways to bless others – sharing the blessings by packing Samaritan’s Purse Christmas boxes for children, taking homemade gift baskets of goodies to neighbors and those in need.


  • Bringing out the special Thanksgiving creations collected over the years – a model of the Mayflower, a special Thanksgiving unit study tablecloth, handmade pilgrims and native Americans, pinecone turkeys, and a basket of some of our favorite holiday books.

            Christmas traditions are also special at our house – from the close of the Thanksgiving holiday, we begin our Christmas traditions. We all plan this special month, inviting friends and family for this very special celebration, bringing out the favorite Christmas books, setting up the family crèche collection, making wreaths for the house and barn by hand, enjoying the observance of Advent with a special wreath, candles and devotions, and so much more.

 


            Whether for birthdays, seasons, holidays, or other special times, traditions make up an important part of family life. Traditions will be passed from generation to generation, perhaps changing a bit as time goes by, but the core values and family love will carry along with the tradition.


 


Why are traditions important?




  • They help families come together


  • They remind us of times together in the past


  • They give children a sense of security and predictability


  • They help our values and character span generations


  • They remind families that love and continuity go hand in hand


  • Traditions can be old and many are new


  • Traditions give children something to anticipate, a perspective on time passing by

What are your favorite traditions?


Ask your children about their favorite traditions


Ask your children about their favorite parts of autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas


 


Now that I’ve given you some ideas, perhaps you can begin to reflect on some of your family’s traditions and possibly create some new ones. Recognize them and get ready to enjoy this season of fun and fellowship, laughter and celebration, thanksgiving and blessings.


 


Until next time,
Amanda


www.unitstudy.com


 


Thanksgiving Unit Study

Not too late to start Thanksgiving Unit Study on Monday!

 


For those of you who haven't ordered the Thanksgiving Unit Study yet, take heart! The first week of the study is sent out via email when you order the Thanksgiving study now, so that you can get started on it while waiting for your complete unit study on CDROM to arrive in the mail.


 


My Thanksgiving Unit Study is a four-week study, and if you would like to have it complete in time for Thanskgiving, this Monday, October 31st, is a good time to begin. Join in the learning adventure, and make memories for a lifetime.


 


If you would like to join a whole BUNCH of people that are working on the Thanksgiving study, join our Yahoo Unit Study group at:


Amanda Bennett's Unit Study Group


 


Remember, the Christmas & Thanksgiving Unit Study set is only on sale through tomorrow ($19.95 for both studies) AND SHIPPING IS FREE through the end of Novemeber!


 


Blessings,


Amanda B.


www.unitstudy.com


 


If you get a chance, visit the website, www.unitstudy.com and let me know if you like the new look!

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Mom, What is a Veteran?

 


Mom, What is a Veteran?
Amanda Bennett


And so begins our search to answer the question of the day for November 11th - "Mom, what is a veteran?" This generation of children has been unusually protected from much, if any, exposure to war and soldiers and military importance. So, when they see or hear reference to the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, they don't understand the significance or relevance to their lives. We can use this holiday as the perfect springboard to learning more about our history, our blessings, and the brave men and women who have served to protect us, and all that we hold dear.

Veterans Day - what does it mean to you? The history of this holiday may be unknown to many of us, and yet it exists because of the strength and convictions of generations past that we should remember our veterans and their sacrifices for our peace and protection. There was a price paid for the freedom that we enjoy, and this freedom still needs our protection. While we enjoy peace, it is with an understanding that this peace has been bought with the efforts of our veterans, and this holiday can help us express our gratitude for their efforts and beliefs and sacrifices. On this holiday, we honor all of our veterans. Those in the military serve in all kinds of jobs - soldiers, doctors, nurses, pilots, engineers, astronauts, and so much more. They all work hard to protect and defend America, and we should be grateful to them all.

I heard recently that there is a shortage of military buglers to play "Taps" at military funerals - because so many of our military veterans are passing away, particularly those from the World Wars. While our children haven't really been exposed to a "war" as we think of it, they do need an appreciation for those who have bravely served. Use this holiday to become familiar with veterans - their sacrifice and their courage. Learn more about the American military system - how it protects us today and what is happening with our defense. Use this opportunity to learn more about the various organizations that help support out veterans - the Veterans Administration (VA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and others.

This holiday has special significance to many members of our family as well as our friends. Though often quiet about their service, these people have a wealth of information and experience that they might be willing to share with our students about their service, training, and ideas - if asked. By learning more about the people and their participation, we can carry on the tradition and remembrance with pride.

With this holiday, let's bring out the flag and applaud our veterans. Let us teach these things to our children, so that we never take our freedom and liberty for granted. All of our veterans deserve our appreciation and remembrance. It is now the next generation's responsibility to protect and defend our country, our God-given rights, and our freedoms.


"The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men... It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers in the event."  Samuel Adams, 1771

"The time is now near at hand which must probably determine whether Americans are to be freemen or slaves; whether they are to have any property they can call their own; whether their houses and farms are to be pillaged and destroyed, and themselves consigned to a state of wretchedness from which no human efforts will deliver them. The fate of unborn millions will now depend, under God, on the courage and conduct of this army... We have, therefore, to resolve to conquer or die..."
George Washington, speech delivered to his army, 1776

"To fight out a war, you must believe something and want something with all your might. So must you do to carry anything else to an end worth reaching. More than that, you must be willing to commit yourself to a course, perhaps a long and hard one, without being able to foresee exactly where you will come out. All that is required of you is that you should go somewhither as hard as ever you can. The rest belongs to fate...:"     Oliver Wendell Holmes, 1884

"There are more instances of the abridgement of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpation." James Madison, 1788


 


Copyright 2005 -- All Rights Reserved


 


ANNOUNCING - Sale on Patriotic Holidays Unit Study - includes four unit studies! For only $9.95, you will receive the Patriotic Holidays Unit Study which has four one-week studies on Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day. Follow this link to learn more:


http://unitstudy.com/pathol.htm


 

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Frosty nights and the smell of wood burning in the fireplace...

 







Unit Study News
October 2005


Copyright 2005 Amanda Bennett






Amanda's Corner


 


Frosty nights and the smell of wood burning in the fireplace - the seasons are marching on and this one is beautiful. I hope that this note finds you doing well and getting ready for a new season of life and learning. I sometimes wonder if we will ever lose our love of learning, once the children are all grown and gone. Can you picture me still sitting up here in the mountains, writing and investigating and having the time of my life without children around? :-) Yes, I can see my husband and I still busy with life and writing and growing trees and having fun. Homeschooling can do that to you -- I think it reawakens the sense of wonder and curiosity that we had as children, which was suffocated when we arrived at kindergarten and were told that we must color within the lines! What do you think?


 


Thanksgiving is exactly one month from yesterday, and I'm busy getting ready (mentally) for about 30 guests for the week. No, I'm not panicking - not yet anyway! The guests are family and friends from all over the country, coast to coast, and it promises to be quite a learning event for young and old alike. We'll be having traditional as well as non-traditional food and fun, as well as enjoying our own family traditions that have developed here in the Bennett household over 26 years of married life.


 


For those of you making a Blessings Tree as described in the Thanksgiving Unit Study, please remember to save some of the "precious" leaves that are created. They are so much fun to pull out and spread around the table after the children are older and can't believe that they ever wrote these! Like the one that thanked God for the blessing of his baby brother finally not crying as much as he used to (bad case of colic). Save those leaves and smile!


 


Don't forget that Veterans' Day is coming up soon - November 7th! It is such a wonderful way to remember the price that has been paid for our freedoms, and to thank our veterans for their service to our country. To help learn more about Veterans' Day, we are having a special sale on the Patriotic Holidays Unit Study from now through November 5th - check out the offer listed later in the newsletter.


 


Last but not least, I hope that you enjoy the article that follows in the newsletter - it was written to help share some of the lessons I've learned along the way -- lessons to help YOU enjoy the harvest!


Blessings,
Amanda B.





Special Sales:


Don't forget - the Christmas and Thanksgiving Unit Study Set is only on sale for $19.95 through the end of October - just 6 more days!


Patriotic Holidays Unit Study - on sale from now through November 5th - for only $9.95!


Free Shipping from now through Thanksgiving


Happy Thanksgiving!





Enjoying the Harvest
Amanda Bennett


 


Harvest....the end of the growing season....clearly signaled by bright orange pumpkins piled high at roadside stands, the spicy tart smell of apple butter cooking at local orchards, and the excitement of local fall harvest festivals. At the festivals, you can see the county's largest sunflowers, the prettiest canned tomatoes you've ever seen, and the artwork so painstakingly created by children of all ages. It is a season of reflection, gathering in, enjoying the fruits of your labor. I'm writing this today to share some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years of homeschooling -- the importance of enjoying each moment of harvest in our lives, whether it is the accomplishment of a child finally learning to tie their own shoes, the excitement of reading their first book all by themselves, the time "they" point out how pretty the trees look, and many other times where the end product slowly but surely peeks out in the midst of daily life.


 


As many of you know, I've had a couple of tough years following two car accidents. Through it all, we've homeschooled and I'm not sure who has learned more...the parents or the children! Before these accidents, we were driven by a goal of homeschooling them through high school, keeping our eye on the "finished product" goal, instead of the daily accomplishments or "moments of harvest." It is these moments of harvest that I wanted to make you aware of -- that they should be recognized, savored, and remembered. Our "harvest" is not seasonal like a farmer's crop -- our harvest is lifelong, as we love, nurture and encourage our family each and every day. And yes, there are days when this is a TALL order, and it is those days that we can recall the good "harvest moments", days when goals were reached, or thanks was given, or smiles and laughter rippled around the dinner table.


 


But before we go on, let me take a moment to share the definition of "harvest" with you, taken from Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: harvest -- to gather in (a crop). A farmer plans for his crop all through the winter, then prepares (cultivates) the soil in spring, and finally plants the seeds of a new crop as the spring ends. Throughout the summer, he works on maintaining and protecting his crop, from drought, insects, and weeds. And then at the end of the summer, he finally begins his harvest, gathering in this precious crop that the has worked so hard to grow. Can you see the similarities to our efforts as parents? We plan, plant, grow, nurture, and somewhere along the way, the "harvest" concept kind of gets lost in the search for both shoes, the car keys, the "right" curriculum, and on and on.


 


Just like raising a stand of fruit trees (or maple trees, pecan trees, etc.), so goes the way of raising a child, in a way:



  • A season to prune and maintain the plants themselves (the physical needs as well as the emotional needs).
  • A season to fertilize to invigorate the plant's production of fruit (talking, reading, sharing, putting information and caring into their lives).
  • A season to tend the fruits as they develop (keeping an eye on their interests, activities, etc.).
  • A season of harvest, when the fruit is enjoyed and preserved, keeping an eye towards the future for the next season of growth (protecting them from harm during tough times and planning the next season of growth).
  • And then, of course, the cycle begins anew, as the cycle of life thankfully continues.
Given some time for reflection, you can "see" back through this past year and remember some prime "harvest moments", both educational as well as emotional and spiritual. There are also some moments or events that strengthened and united your family, as well. I've made myself keep a small journal of these kinds of harvest insights, both for encouragement and so that I really realize the progress being made for our efforts. I know it is hard to find time to write down these kinds of things, and I am one of the worst when it comes to finding time for extra efforts like this. BUT, I have MADE myself do this with a journal -- for all of us. Here are some ideas in each harvest moment category that I mentioned above, to help you "see" what I record:

 


        Breakthroughs in their education:



  • First word read all by themselves
  • First book read independently
  • First time they read a book with interest "without" having it assigned
  • Mastery of multiplication tables...FINALLY!
  • Breakthrough on long division
  • Moments of realization when they really "understand" a concept...like gravity!
  • They begin to connect the things that they are learning with the world around us.

    Breakthroughs in their emotional development:
     

  • They slow down to help younger siblings voluntarily
  • Refusal to "follow the crowd" based on principle or belief
  • Doing the "right" thing even when you are not around!
  • Helping others without being asked
  • Appreciating grandparents and other family members
  • Welcoming guests wholeheartedly and caring for their needs
  • Asking if you can "all" go do something together...amazing!

    And last, but not least -- moments that strengthen and unite your family:
     

  • When one parent is ill or injured, and they all work together to share the burden
  • A death in the family or extended family, where they learn the real value of love and family, as well as the role of faith in assurance
  • When times are financially strained, everyone comes together to conserve, plan, and help ease the struggle.
  • Projects for the family tend to provide long memories as well -- working together to add a room to the house, helping a neighbor, etc.

These kinds of things are all what I call those "harvest moments". Golden, reflective and rewarding of our efforts. They may be brief, like a shooting star, but they are just as joyous when we take time from our hectic schedules and plans to see them and realize that progress is being made and our efforts are bringing on a "good" harvest.


 


This season of harvest is bright and fruitful, both in our lives as parents and as we approach the season of Thanksgiving. Not only have I learned to see the harvest moments in our lives, but I've also learned to really count our blessings, naming them one by one in my journal. The list is growing, right along with my faith. And do you know what else? I'm watching the importance of this blessing counting grow in our children. What an amazing offshoot of my own lessons...that they, too, are really "seeing" the important things in life. As I sit and reflect on this now, perhaps that IS the most important lesson from all of this -- that they see what really is important, instead of material things and day to day trials.


 


This "enjoying the harvest" does not just apply to our children's growth and education, by the way. Try to take time to take a walk -- really walking, not just speeding through another task. Notice the color of the sky, and the birds that you see -- can you identify them? And when you are making that apple butter in a slow-cooker this year, don't forget to add some savory spices and then enjoy the taste on hot buttered biscuits! Put on some classical music and really listen to how lifting Mozart can be with your morning coffee...a much better way to start the day than the morning news, too. In other words, YOU have got to slow down and "smell the roses" too. As they say around my house, "when mama ain't happy, ain't NOBODY happy!" :-) And I'm trying to remedy that, working on it on a daily basis.


 


It is my prayer that this article has helped you see that the fruits of our labors are ongoing and lifelong. The harvest is never-ending, and we need to enjoy the harvest moments, right in the midst of the chores and labors of love in teaching and learning and sharing in our family lives. Live, really live, each day that God gives you. I have a saying that I keep on my dresser that reads "Today is a precious gift from God. Say thank you -- and tear into it!", and I try to do just that.


 


May you have a bountiful and joyous harvest season, and may you find peace in the quiet moments that you can catch in the mayhem and noise of family life! Happy Thanksgiving, and don't forget to count those blessings!


 


With much love,
Amanda





Unit Study Chatter and Q&A group!
Come join our unit study online support group! There is a now a Yahoo group that is just for people that use Amanda Bennett's unit studies, called Unit Study Works. Follow this link to sign up, and then join in the adventure -- sharing ideas, asking questions, checking out sample studies, and encouraging each other along the way!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/amandabennettunitstudies/






Thanksgiving Project Idea:


 


During the month, identify special people that could use a blessing - perhaps a batch of cookies, a loaf of banana bread, having their lawn raked, or an invitation to join your family for an evening meal. Once you’ve all contributed to this special list of people, work together to agree on how you would like to bless them. Then, using a calendar, assign one or two names to each Friday of November, and work through the week on their blessings!


 


Don't forget to take advantage of the special offer for free gifts when you subscribe to The Old Schoolhouse magazine! I enjoy this magazine so much, and they also offer a free topical unit study newsletter - watch for a new one by this author very soon! Hint - are the Winter Olympics beginning soon?





Looking for a conference speaker?


It is already beginning – the invitations to speak in the coming season of conferences! If you are interested in having me speak at your state conference or church group, please let your state organization or church know of your interest. The conference coordinators typically welcome suggestions, and they can find more information at   http://unitstudy.com/amanda's_speaking_schedule.htm
 





Learning Links:


 


Pilgrim Coloring Pages
http://www.sail1620.org/teaching_games.shtml#ColoringBook


 


Thanksgiving Crafts - Kids Domain
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/_Thanks.html


 


My all-time favorite - Hands and Feet Turkey
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/hand-tur.html


 


Thanksgiving Crafts for Kids
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/thanksgiving/


 


Create a Holiday Shower Curtain!
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/shower.html


 


Thanksgiving Coloring Pages
http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/thanks/color.html





Happy Thanksgiving
from our house to yours!


“A little faith will bring your soul to heaven,
but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul.”  

Dwight L. Moody