Wednesday, March 30, 2011

19 fun things to do with your family--Unit Studies style!

1. Visit your state capital. Take a tour of the capitol building preferably while Congress is in session. If you are really motivated, plan a family vacation to Washington D. C, the seat of American Government. Visit the U.S. Capitol, White House, and National Archives, where the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution are kept.




2. Visit a local speedway and learn more about Auto Racing. Ask if you can meet with a crew to ask questions about the cars and racing in general. Or visit a automobile factory or museum!




3. Take in a Baseball game. There are major and minor leagues, college, high school, and little league baseball organizations to choose from. Don't forget the hot dogs and Cracker Jacks!




4. Throw a Christmas in July party for a local shelter or children's home. Toiletries, toys, clothing and blankets all make wonderful gifts for those in need.




5. Give your children a camera, take a nature walk and let them practice their Digital Photography. You might be surprised to find out what your children see through the camera's eye!




6. If you have a dog, enroll in an obedience class to learn more about dog training. If you don't have Dogs, visit your local no-kill animal shelter or a veterinarian's office for a tour.




7.  Create a timeline of Jesus' life, using craft paper or butcher paper. Easter is a great time of year to do this. You can hang it on the wall as a decoration to remember everything you learned along the way.




8. Spend some time together making and flying a kite. Google for directions. Nothing will thrill your children more than when a kite they've worked so hard to make takes Flight!




9.  Planting Gardens are great fun family projects. How about a pizza garden? Even if you don't have a lot of room, you can plant a container garden and grow some herbs or flowers!




10. Horses can provide great family fun time! Visit a horse farm or rodeo, or take a riding lesson together! Children and adults alike love these gentle animals!




11. Plan the ultimate field trip, working together to identify a Lighthouse in your area or one that your family could visit on a day or weekend trip. Contact the caretaker of the light ahead of time for tour information. Ask questions about its function and purpose. Don't forget your camera for this memory-making field trip!




12. Visit a regional aquarium or Sea World to see marine life up close and personal. Stare down a shark, pet a horseshoe crab, watch a dolphin show. Animals living in Oceans are fascinating and beautiful! It's amazing to learn all the wonderful skills God has created in these amazing creatures!




13. Visit a national cemetery on one of the Patriotic Holidays, such as Memorial Day. Learn about those who serve or have served our country in order to protect our freedoms. Perhaps you have a friend or family member serving their county today. Why not put together and mail a care package to show your appreciation.



14. Pretend you are Pioneers for a weekend. Go camping and really "rough" it. Cook over a campfire, hike the trails, sketch plants and animals you see along the way, sleep out under the stars. Imagine that you are the first family to discover this wilderness!




15. If you live close to the water, perhaps there are Sailing Ships tied up at the marina. Pack a picnic in the early morning and watch these gorgeous ships set sail from a public dock!




16. Scrapbooking is a popular hobby for many moms. Why not scrapbook your school year as a family? Using photos of your children participating in different activities, field trips, or pictures of their creations, put together a "yearbook" scrapbook style!




17. Find a star chart for your location and go out on a clear night to see what you can find in the night sky. If you have a telescope, take a closer up look at the moon. There's a lot out there to observe out there in Space, so take your time and make some memories. Don't forget the blankets and hot chocolate!




18. Create a Thanksgiving journal. Once a week, perhaps after Sunday dinner, sit together as a family and count your blessings, writing in your journal those things for which your family is most grateful.




19. Look for a model Trains sets at  garage sales or a hobby store. Spend some time as a family designing your own lay-out for your family railway. There are library books and websites to help. You might even learn how to build a town around your railway!

Upcoming Conference Schedule

Amanda has been busy, traveling and speaking across the country and on the Internet. Speaking about homeschooling, unit studies, parenting, and getting kids ready for college, Amanda is spreading her encouraging words and enjoying meeting so many of you!

If you would like to hear Amanda speak, there are several opportunities in the coming weeks, both in person and online. 



MidWest Homeschool Convention

March 30-April 2, 2011

Midwest Homeschool Convention Cincinnati, OH 
www.MidwestHomeschoolConvention.com 

Her presentations include: 
  
  • Unit Studies:  Powerfully Simple Tools, March 31, 5 - 6 p.m. 
  • Ten Top Tips for Successful Homeschooling, April 1, 10 - 11 a.m. 
  • Getting Them Ready for College, April 1, 4 - 5 p.m. 
  • Putting the Pieces Together--Making It Work, April 2, 4 - 5 p.m.   


A daily Shopping Hall Only / Exhibit Hall Only pass is available at-the-door for only $10 per day per person (or $20 per family). Click HERE for more information.

Also, don't forget to get your Discounted Parking Coupon HERE!

_____________________________

Ultimate Homeschool Expo 







April 28, 2011, 2PM EST

Ultimate Homeschool Expo

Unit Studies:  Powerfully Simple Tools

Listen free online at Blogtalkradio.com or call in to (347) 205-9175. 

Here's a "sneak peak" into this topic:  Unit Studies Are Tools

__________________________________


Get to Know Amanda Bennett


Listen in as Tricia Goyer of Living Inspired with Tricia Goyer, interviews Amanda to find out how she got started homeschooling, how she made it her business, and learn a little about the woman behind the whirlwind who is Amanda Bennett.

Tricia Goyer Interviews Amanda Bennett



Join the fun with Amanda as she continues to provide the encouragement you need, when and where you need it most, by sharing her homeschooling experience and infectious love of learning. 

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Blog Tour: Expedition Israel



Jerusalem, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee,
Moses, Joshua, David,

Canaan dogs, and the music of the lyre . . .


Get to know the Holy Land—it's more than just a map in the back of your Bible. Expedition Israel will take you there!


Day 1: Where on Earth Is Israel?
Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Israel
Day 3: A Bit of History
Day 4: Cool Things to Know About Israel
Day 5: Fun and Games in Israel

Biblical heroes and history, amazing places, animals, music, games, and foods. This study will ignite a passion for the Holy Land in your children, like no other. The Bible will come alive as they connect the historical Holy Land with the modern day Israel they hear about in the news every day. And they'll learn a little Hebrew along the way!

Come along on this incredible journey. It's an adventure with memories to last a lifetime.
Take a peek inside this unit.



Just in time for Easter, the review team will be posting their thoughts on Expedition Israel over the next several days. Take a tour of their blogs to learn more!

Monday, March 28, 2011

A Note from Amanda...



The past few weeks have had me crisscrossing the continent like never before, and I have seen some amazing sunsets and sunrises from far above the Earth. However, one of the most stunning views was that of the moon last week when it was at its fullest and most magnificent. It took my breath away! What a perfect reminder of God's love for us and His specific creation of the universe and all that it holds. As a child, I memorized Genesis 1, and to this day, it gives me goosebumps to walk through this passage and picture His power!

From the introduction to Magnificent Moon:

"What can compare to this universe that God has created? From the smallest star in the sky to the full harvest moon, God has made each one and fashioned them with amazing and unique features. Let the children see and learn about His creation from some of his mightiest handiwork. The moon is right there in the sky, within easy reach for study and observation, and it is one of His most interesting creations to children who are just beginning to understand the vastness of the universe..."

New Download N Go Release: Easter Promise

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son…..~John 3:16

Resurrection Day. The day set aside each year to reflect on God’s precious gift: Jesus.

Day 1: Who is Jesus?
Day 2: Miracles and Ministry of Jesus
Day 3: Learn About the Last Supper
Day 4: What is Good Friday
Day 5: Jesus’ Resurrection

Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing on through Ascension Day, immerse yourself in the events of Jesus’ last week on earth. Experience the awe and wonder contained in Jesus’ miracles, Passover, the Last Supper, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Watch as Old Testament prophecies come to fruition.

Your children will explore the true meaning of Easter as they investigate this amazing week and grow to understand God’s greatest gift to His children. The promise of Easter changed the world forever. Easter Promise is sure to do the same for your family.



Sunday, March 27, 2011

New Release: Easter Promise

For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten son…..~John 3:16

Resurrection Day. The day set aside each year to reflect on God’s precious gift: Jesus.

Day 1: Who is Jesus?
Day 2: Miracles and Ministry of Jesus
Day 3: Learn About the Last Supper
Day 4: What is Good Friday
Day 5: Jesus’ Resurrection

Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing on through Ascension Day, immerse yourself in the events of Jesus’ last week on earth. Experience the awe and wonder contained in Jesus’ miracles, Passover, the Last Supper, and the Garden of Gethsemane. Watch as Old Testament prophecies come to fruition.

Your children will explore the true meaning of Easter as they investigate this amazing week and grow to understand God’s greatest gift to His children. The promise of Easter changed the world forever. Easter Promise is sure to do the same for your family.





Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Homeschool Village is reviewing Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett...

and there's a giveaway!

Who says learning is defined by a desk and a classroom?! “Go for learning. Go for fun. Go for adventure.”  Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett challenge your family to take learning out of the classroom box!

What adventure would your family enjoy?  ExploreSpring Surprises out in the midst of the new growth now surrounding us!  Have a Constitution Celebration this summer to gain a deeper appreciate of our country’s foundation! This girl of the prairie is ready to find my bonnet and climb in a covered wagon to share Prairie Pioneers with my family!  So are you ready for a learning adventure.....READ MORE!

Be sure to enter The Homeschool Village giveaway. You could win your choice of a Download N Go unit study!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Featured Title: Spring Surprises

Happy first day of spring!


Now that the weather's warming, are your kids out exploring? 

$7.95
How many ways can you combine your child's enthusiasm for learning and exciting activities with all the delights of springtime? Begin counting with this adventure! Download N Go's Spring Surprises is the perfect way to celebrate this new season!


Day 1: What Is Spring?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Spring
Day 3: People and Places of Spring
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Spring
Day 5: Goodies and Surprises of Spring



Winter wonderland has faded into memory, change is in the air, and it is an exciting season for kids of all ages.


Spring is emerging differently for all of us in our own particular places in the world. There's so much to see and discover! Your child will be fascinated by the delights and discovery of change with signs of new growth all about him.


Oh, the surprises of spring are many—and children do take notice! Why not take all of their pent-up excitement and enthusiasm and put it to good use as they spring right into learning about this new season and all that it holds?




Featured Title: Easter

Easter is just 5 weeks away! This coming week is the perfect time to begin your Unit Study Adventure into this blessed and holy time of year. 


$10.95
Unit Study Adventures' Easter is structured as a four-week study, spending each week on key features, with lesson plans for each day of the study. Celebrating Easter, using Amanda Bennett's study, will instill in your children a better understanding of Christ's death and resurrection. The holidays of Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Resurrection day are included as well as events leading up to Jesus' ascension to heaven. Studies include the people and places involved, helping students to investigate and understand these events as well as their history and meaning.There are reading and writing assignments (Read and Discover), spelling and vocabulary words (Words of Wisdom), and biography and geography studies (People and Places to Know). 


Favorite books and Internet sites are included in the lesson plans as well. Each day's lesson plan has been written in two levels. There is a daily lesson plan for Elementary Grades, and one for Junior/Senior High Grades. This study also includes the Easter Notebooking Pages.


Thursday, March 17, 2011

It's $5 Friday!

With the approach of the first day of spring, March winds are roaring across the landscape and the view is certainly getting greener. Change is in the air, and it is an exciting time for kids of all ages. This is a great opportunity to take all of the pent-up excitement and enthusiasm and direct it into interesting areas of learning and the great outdoors. So put an end to boredom in your homeschool and get ready to make some lasting learning discoveries. Set aside those textbooks, endless worksheets, and dreaded tests. Take advantage of the changing seasons and make a few changes in your plans--download some unit studies today and let the adventures begin!

Regular Price $10.95
Now $5
Click here to purchase!
Unit Study Adventures' Gardens: Gardening offers a priceless opportunity to work together on a fun family project, and share thoughts and ideas as you build your own special place of beauty and memories. From pole bean tepees to sunflower houses, what memories they will build! Use this study to share lessons about nature and plants with your children. What makes the seeds grow? Why do we grow things? What does a fresh ear of corn taste like? Imagine together, what it might have been like in the first garden—the Garden of Eden



Regular Price $7.95
Now $5
Click here to purchase!
Download N Go's Spring Surprises: Winter wonderland has faded into memory, change is in the air, and it is an exciting season for kids of all ages. Spring is emerging differently for all of us in our own particular places in the world. There's so much to see and discover! Your child will be fascinated by the delights and discovery of change with signs of new growth all about him. Oh, the surprises of spring are many—and children do take notice! Why not take all of their pent-up excitement and enthusiasm and put it to good use as they spring right into learning about this new season and all that it holds?


Regular Price $10.95
Now $5
Click here to purchase!
Unit Study Adventures' Oceans: Children learn so much when at the ocean – from the texture of sand and sandcastle-building, the thrill of watching a hermit crab take a stroll around a tidal pool, the cool touch of the water and the force of the ocean waves as they splash along the shore. Even if you and your children cannot visit the ocean, perhaps you can visit a lake or river nearby – the adventure and thrill is similar, and there are so many fun memories to make along the way.



Regular Price $7.95
Now $5
Click here to purchase!
Download N Go's Tremendous Trees: Many childhood dreams are found amid dirt, roots, leaves, seeds, and branches. Remember berry picking, tire swings, "maple seed" helicopters, tree forts, and wildflower bouquets? Take in the exciting panorama of Tremendous Trees, from the smallest species to the giant redwood, investigating both common and uncommon trees. Many children dream of having their own tree house hideaway, and they'll love perusing that fun area of this study. There's even an opportunity to design their own dream tree house!

Prices good through midnight (MST), March 18, 2011

Blog Tour: Kite Capers

Spring winds beckon and imaginations soar—
it’s the perfect time for some kite-flying fun!


Spring is beginning to make itself known is some parts of the country. My favorite things about spring -- daffodils, sunshine, rain, and kites!


The review team has been using the Kite Capers Download N Go for the past couple of weeks and are excited to share this fun and whimsical unit study with you!


$7.95
Day 1: What Is a Kite?
Day 2: The History of Kites
Day 3: Kite People and Places
Day 4: Science Secrets of Kites
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Kites

The topic of kites makes eyes sparkle, bringing smiles and delightful anticipation. Every child should enjoy the exhilaration of flying a kite, and if he can design and craft his own—so much the better!

Enjoy this opportunity for high-interest learning, and bring a whole lot of fun memory-making into your studies—suitable for the whole family. How about teaching your students about aerodynamic forces through kite-flying? The possibilities of related themes and extended learning will astound you!

Gear up for an expedition around the globe!

Take a peek inside this unit.

Purchase Kite Capers today!


Wednesday, March 16, 2011

MidWest Homeschool Convention Contest/Giveaway!


Have you been hoping to attend the MidWest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, OH? Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett has been given one Family Registration plus Tim Hawkins LIVE tickets for this much anticipated event, being held March 31-April 2, 2011, to give away!

Our contest will begin March 17, 2011 at 12:01am EST and will end at 4:00pm EST on March 19, 2011.
To enter the giveaway, simply leave us a comment on this post. 
Please remember to read these Contest Rules. It is especially important to note that you must leave an email address or your entry will not be valid. One winner will be drawn soon after 4:00pm EST on Saturday, March 19, 2011.

Congratulations to Jennifer Nevins, the winner of our giveaway!

MidWest Homeschool Convention Contest/Giveaway!


Have you been hoping to attend the MidWest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, OH? Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett has been given one Family Registration plus Tim Hawkins LIVE tickets for this much anticipated event, being held March 31-April 2, 2011, to give away!

Our contest will begin March 17, 2011 at 12:01am EST and will end at 4:00pm EST on March 19, 2011.
To enter the giveaway, simply leave us a comment on this post. 
Please remember to read these Contest Rules. It is especially important to note that you must leave an email address or your entry will not be valid. One winner will be drawn soon after 4:00pm EST on Saturday, March 19, 2011.

Congratulations to Jennifer Nevins, the winner of our giveaway!

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

USAB and NatGeo Maps--An enriching combination!

Join us as we celebrate a new relationship between Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett and National Geographic Maps.

With our shared goal of increasing geographic literacy, USAB and National Geographic are working together to enrich the learning experience of students across the globe. To further this goal, National Geographic Maps is now offering special map pricing to USAB customers. The recommended wall maps, when paired with USAB studies, will heighten your student's learning experiences and boost their awareness of geography.


USAB customers receive 25% off selected National Geographic maps and atlases.

USAB and NatGeo Maps--An enriching combination!

Join us as we celebrate a new relationship between Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett and National Geographic Maps.

With our shared goal of increasing geographic literacy, USAB and National Geographic are working together to enrich the learning experience of students across the globe. To further this goal, National Geographic Maps is now offering special map pricing to USAB customers. The recommended wall maps, when paired with USAB studies, will heighten your student's learning experiences and boost their awareness of geography.


USAB customers receive 25% off selected National Geographic maps and atlases.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Co-op/Multi-user products are now available!



Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is now offering all USAB products for co-op/multi-user use.

Find more information at www.UnitStudy.com.

Explore the world with Amanda Bennett and NatGeo Maps!

Regularly $50


5 continents, 7 countries in 7 weeks. 

Join us as we celebrate a new relationship between Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett and National Geographic Maps.

With our shared goal of increasing geographic literacy, USAB and National Geographic are working together to enrich the learning experience of students across the globe. To further this goal, National Geographic Maps is now offering special map pricing to USAB customers. The recommended wall maps, when paired with USAB studies, will heighten your student's learning experiences and boost their awareness of geography.

To kick off this new relationship, USAB is offering all Expedition series titles on sale this week.


Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Africa is an exciting place full of all kinds of history, geography, and remarkably interesting animals. Most young children have been introduced to the enormous elephants, the desert plain, and Egyptian pyramids, but you'll be surprised by the variety of information and topics your kids will explore during the course of this study!




Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Where would you go? Who and what would you see? The cute koala and the eucalyptus tree? Kangaroos . . . the Great Barrier Reef . . . Aborigines . . . the Outback?
Awaken the curiosity, fun, and adventure in your homeschool—take your family on a lively jaunt to  Australia for a week!






Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Canada is a vast and exciting place full of fascinating people, history, geography, remarkably interesting animals, and more. The hockey games, the arctic tundra, the moose, and the polar bears will catch children's attention, but kids are amazed to learn about the northern lights, Niagara Falls, the sport of curling, and the Canadian Rockies.






Regularly $7.95
Now $6
How will your child measure up, compared to a giant panda? Who is Lottie Moon, and what did she bake to help make friends with the Chinese children? A whole new appreciation for this nation will shine through as geography, science, history, and more are worked into the activities!






Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Most kids know something about Saint Patrick and shamrocks, but there's so much more to this study! From ponies and setters to the language, people, and shamrock-laden places, you'll catch a child's attention when you uncover Ireland's age-old charm. Explore related science, history, and geography themes through a wonderful adventure, learning about this country and all that it holds.




Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Biblical heroes and history, amazing places, animals, music, games, and foods. This study will ignite a passion for the Holy Land in your children, like no other. The Bible will come alive as they connect the historical Holy Land with the modern day Israel they hear about in the news every day. And they'll learn a little Hebrew along the way!




Regularly $7.95
Now $6
Mariachi bands often bring Mexico to mind, but what are they?
Exciting dances can be incredibly fun, and you may already know some of them.
X marks places on the map—some you will have heard about...others will be new finds!
Iguanas are often green, but how long are they?
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday in Mexico, but do you know why?
Old pyramids remain after the Mayan civilization—no need to go all the way to Egypt!



Get all 7 titles in the Expedition Fun Pack for the awesome price of $37.50. Or purchase individual titles for $6 each. Prices good through March 14, 2011.