Unit Study News
June 2005
Copyright 2005 Amanda Bennett
Amanda's Corner
Happy Independence Day! I hope that you and your clan have a wonderful and memorable holiday, full of things that you all love to do together. We will be busy here with all kinds of company and kids galore, and it should be a weekend to remember. We are focusing on the freedom theme - T-shirts with flags, and red, white and blue everywhere. There's a red, white and blue kite hanging overhead in the living room, and all of our "Uncle Sam" collection is spread out around the house.
I receive plenty of emails and notes from all over the world, and often times I am reminded of just how blessed we are here in America. We can homeschool or send our children to the school of our choice, we can easily purchase books that we need, and we can go to town meetings and know that our voices will be heard. As I am learning from others around the globe, our freedoms are precious and rare -- and I want to make sure that our children realize this and never take any of our freedoms for granted. Many people have made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and that of generations to come, and we are so grateful.
Here in our small hometown, the activities resemble a Norman Rockwell painting. There's a colorful parade through town and around the town square, and includes floats and local bands and tractors and trucks of all shapes and sizes. On the lawn of the courthouse, you will find all kinds of delicious food -- homemade ice cream, lemonade, and much more. Everyone will be decked out in red, white and blue, and the kids will be carrying flags and walking with pockets stuffed full of candy that was thrown during the parade. Smiles will abound and memories will be made. Later in the evening, everyone will gather in town for the annual 
fireworks, bringing lawn chairs and blankets for an evening of family fun. I've lived in many states and cities large and small, and it was always our dream to raise our family in a small town/farm environment. Never give up on your dreams -- God is good all the time.
Thanks for caring about your kids -- we all appreciate your efforts. Have a blessed Independence Day, and make some memories -- these are the special times!
Blessings,
Amanda B.
COME FOLLOW THE BLOGGING TRAIL!
Check out my blog (short for web log) - a new world for this writer, and I'm having fun with it! I'll be writing about our adventures and including some of the great homeschooling finds that I come across in trials and travels. Here's the website:
Announcing the July Sale!
In July, you can take advantage of the sale prices on the Christmas and Thanksgiving Unit Studies to prepare for a very memorable and fun holiday season this year. Both of the studies are four weeks long, so that you can begin the Thanksgiving study at the end of October and work through November until Thanksgiving. Then, right after Thanksgiving you can jump right into the Christmas Unit Study to study through December. Some of our fondest memories have been made during these special seasons and studies. Plan ahead and take advantage of the July Sale Price!
ALSO -- FREE SHIPPING for the month of July!
Thanksgiving Unit Study - Only $9.95 in July (Regular price is $14.95)
History will come alive as the story of the Pilgrims, Strangers and Native Americans unfolds before you and your family like a good novel. Enjoy the study of this special holiday as the day we choose to show our thanks to God and share our bounty with those around us. Come relive the adventures of the Pilgrims, as well as learn more about their commitment, determination, and deep faith in God!
Christmas Unit Study - Only $9.95 in July (Regular price is $14.95)
Christmas – a special time of praise and rejoicing as we celebrate the birth of our King, the Son of God. Just as the stars lit the sky on that night in Bethlehem long ago, this unit study will light your way back to that time, to walk the streets of that little town, and to stand it its fields and groves...
Planning the Year
Many of you have written and asked about suggestions for planning the school year around unit studies, so I thought I would take a minute here to share my suggestions. Remember, these are just suggestions -- try to visualize what will work best for your family. (Don't forget to check out the Internet Set Specials on the website)
Autumn:
Oceans -- studying the oceans, marine biology and world explorers, which can lead right into
Sailing Ships -- studying the interesting world of ocean travel and the adventurers who dared to explore, which can lead right into
Thanksgiving -- which flows easily out of Sailing Ships right into the travels of the Pilgrims (remember the Mayflower?), from England to Holland to England and finally to Plymouth. Prepare for a memorable holiday for the whole family! When Thanksgiving is finished, jump right into
Christmas -- studying the birth of our Lord and Savior, along with the prophecies and much more. Let the whole family get involved as you prepare your hearts and home for the celebration of His birth. The family projects and learning will continue year after year, as the holiday is observed and the children grow older, creating memories to last a lifetime, and faith that is strong and well-grounded.
From Christmas, you can plan on many others - working them in around the study for Easter. Depending on when Easter is during the year, you can study Gardens (spring planting), Lighthouses (spring break travel), American Government, Baseball (spring training), and so on. The possibilities are endless, and you can always use Unit Studies 101 to create your own unit studies -- soccer, football, quilting, ballet, and on and on... Have fun!
Learning Links:
Hear the Declaration of Independence Read Aloud
Declaration of Independence – Wordsearch Puzzle
Liberty! The American Revolution with information, games, and images
Kaboom! The Anatomy of Fireworks
National Council on Fireworks Safety
Fireworks for the Fourth of July - Boston
Announcing the new
Oceans Unit Study
The Oceans Unit Study is now out and getting rave reviews! Join in the summer fun and order your copy now. Follow this link to learn more about the study and remember, shipping is FREE for the month of July!
From our house to yours:
Have a thankful Independence Day!
For your post! And Happy 4th to you as well!
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
-gena