Unit Study News
February 2006
Amanda’s Corner
The games have begun, and we are enjoying the view here! During the opening ceremonies, I noticed that the introduction of each country’s team was quite a lesson in world geography. It was fun to see the excitement in the faces of the athletes, and to learn a bit more about them. If you haven’t joined our Winter Olympic Unit Study adventure yet, you can jump right in and join us with the new downloadable format. (There are sample lessons that you can see if you follow the downloadable link.)
We are in the midst of our first big snow of the winter here in the mountains, and the view fits right in with the Winter Olympics snow theme. We have been snowball throwing, sledding, hiking and snowman-building, and both kids and adults are excited. The hot chocolate is on hand, and the wood stove is burning, ready to dry out wet mittens and boots that will be spread out around it later today. No matter how old I get, I still love catching snowflakes and looking at the various shapes – they are so beautiful.
In the midst of all of this winter weather, cabin fever often sets in, also known as the mid-winter slump. Do you ever have days when you wonder “what am I doing this for?” These days happen to all of us, and I want to take a minute here to assure you that these days DO matter, that your efforts are not in vain. From my side of the homeschooling adventure, with two in college and one thirteen-year-old still being homeschooled, it is easy to see that our efforts have a lasting impact.
The learning continues round the clock when we homeschool – there is no “off/on” switch or bell that rings for the learning process. Even on sick days, they learn about your love, how to care for others, and what it means to be part of a family. Whether lessons in math or reading, learning to manage a checking account, or taking trips together as a family – the lessons are immeasurable and their memories priceless. Their growth into adulthood will amaze you, and the relationship of trust and love will only add to your family’s future and happiness.
We do ourselves a disservice when comparing our children’s education with that of one from a typical school environment. I was recently asked to write an article for a homeschooling magazine, covering the ten main reasons for pulling your child out of public school. I was amazed with the things that were uncovered in my research – the article will appear in the next issue of This Old Schoolhouse http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com Don’t miss the article, and please let me know what you think about the message.
For your family, the best is yet to come – be encouraged! Homeschooling is a choice, a labor of love, and an answer for many families to the problems of public schools. We live in a land of freedom and choices, defended by the brave heroes of our armed forces. I am so thankful for these freedoms, and so thankful that we can homeschool!
Until next time,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com
P.S. Before you email asking about the Horses Unit Study - it is almost finished! In the midst of everything, I have begun writing a new study out of a new curiosity - anyone ever hear of stock car racing?
Snowbird Specials
Baseball Unit Study – Spring Training begins this week, and it is sign-up time around the country for local leagues! Combine the learning and the fun with the Baseball Unit Study.
From now through the end of the month, the Baseball Unit Study will be just $10.95
Easter Unit Study – Easter is on April 16th this year, and this unit study lasts for four weeks, so the study can begin in the middle of March, and be completed with the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection! From now through the end of February, the Easter Unit Study will be specially priced at only $10.95
Tea Time -- for the time of your life, and theirs…
When I was a child, my mom gave her children a priceless gift -- her time. Back in those days, it was unheard of for a mom to take time in the afternoon and have tea and cookies with
her children when they arrived home from school. Most moms were either at work or were too busy with other things, but my mom made time -- and what a time we had! She would take down the sunny yellow teapot, and prepare tea or hot chocolate. She'd have a plate of cookies (usually animal crackers) there on the kitchen table, along with favorite tea cups for each of us. We would tell her about our day, and she'd listen and smile, offering comments when needed. To this day, the ritual of having a cup of tea and animal crackers or cookies is so very comforting to me, and how I appreciate her gift!
As you all work together on a unit study, try to make a special time of reading together. Whether around the fireplace or circling the kitchen table, this is a wonderful opportunity to slow things down, grab their attention, and create some wonderful memories. To make that time together special, I suggest that you try to have tea or cocoa and cookies while you are reading to them. As you read and discuss the book at hand, they get to savor some thoughts as well as special treats.
This simple routine gives them something to look forward to, and provides you all with some time to regularly get together and read and talk and share -- a blessing for today and perhaps for their future.
Take the time to make some memories -- it is too easy to get in the habit of marking time, tearing off days on the calendar. And by the way, thanks for the memories, Mom!
Just a quick note to say that a dear friend recently lost her mother, and the memories of their times and adventures bring smiles to this special family’s faces even today. Take time to make some special memories, whether it is tea time, special one-day-a-month adventures with each child, or treasure hunting together on walks through the woods or along the beach. These ARE the special times, and thank our Heavenly Father for parents that take the time to make the memories!
Winter Olympics Unit Study
Buy, download, and begin NOW!
www.unitstudy.com
Join in the fun and learning as the games continue through February 26th!
Learning Links:
Measuring God’s Love Coloring Page
http://www.sermons4kids.com/measuring_colorpg.htm
Measuring God’s Love – a message for children
http://www.sermons4kids.com/measuring.html
Holiday Pillowcases – Have you seen the cute heart fabric that is probably on sale for the next few days? Perhaps it would be fun to make cotton pillowcases as a family for grandparents, aunts & uncles, and friends. For simple-to-follow instructions for making pillowcases, check out this link: http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/pillowcases1.html
How to Make a Hard Candy Wreath
http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/hardcandy.html
History of Valentines Cards
http://pressroom.americangreetings.com/archives/val05/cardhistoryval05.html
Valentine Coloring Pages
http://coloringpages.net/valentine.html
More Valentine Coloring Pages
http://moodypublishing.com/coloring-page/valentine.html
Making Waves!
Amanda’s Winter Olympics Mini-Unit was published in the new This Old Schoolhouse e-newsletter on unit studies!
Follow this link: http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine.com/e_newsletter/Unit_studies/Unitstudies_e_Newsletter_01_06.php
LOVE
And now these three remain:
faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love;
I have drawn you with loving-kindness.
Jeremiah 31:3
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish
but have eternal life.
John 3:16
And Jesus said,
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these.”
Mark 12:30-31
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