Something Yummy!

How about chocolate at breakfast? One of the most fun kinds of breakfast that our children like to make is homemade pancakes sprinkled with chocolate chips as they cook. They even would make creative art designs with the chocolate chips! Here is the Clark recipe for what came to be known as Chocolate Chipper Pancakes at the Bennett house. Thanks to Laura Clark for her recipe!

Chocolate Chipper Pancakes

Dry ingredients:

 • 1 cup flour

 • 2 teaspoons baking powder

 • 1 tablespoon sugar

 • ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet ingredients:

 • 1 cup milk

 • 1 egg

 • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

 • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Mix together the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix. Cook on a hot, buttered griddle, adding chocolate chips in the design of your choice!

Now, it's your turn - Share your favorite Chocolate Recipe with us in the comments below.  And, don't forget to check back for Fantastic Friday...it's going to be yummy!

In Search of Chocolate Perfection

As newlyweds facing our first Christmas in our new home, we both wanted to bring a bit of our own Christmas memories into this special holiday. While my memories involved things like banana nut bread and pecan coffee cake, my husband’s mother had kept their holidays filled with all kinds of family heirloom special treats and homemade candies. One of his favorites was the chocolate fudge she made—perfectly creamy and smooth, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. And so the search began. 

For our first few Christmases, he tried all kinds of fudge recipes from people at work, neighbors, and my Southern Living magazine. We taste-tested all kinds of his creations, and the holidays smelled delicious at our house! He learned all he could about fudge making, even buying a big slab of marble for the pouring of the fudge in its final phases. Another GREAT addition to our kitchen was when he discovered that using a mixer in the beating phase was a key component to creating just the right texture. I was all smiles the day he bought a blue KitchenAid mixer. Oh, the suffering along the way to finding the perfect fudge-making process—sheer delight! 

As hard as he tried, he couldn’t get the product to be quite the way he remembered his mom’s fudge. He finally picked up the phone and called her, pen and pad of paper at hand, and asked if she would share her now-famous recipe. When she told him that she always used the recipe on the Hershey Cocoa can, he was stunned. “That’s it? THAT’s the recipe?” He now had just what he needed, and the rest is delicious history. 

And we live happily ever after, with his fudge on special occasions, and a big blue KitchenAid mixer on the counter, and big chocolate-loving smiles all around!

- Amanda

Unit of the Week - Chocolate Challenge Download N Go

It's mouth-watering fun for everyone!

Delve into science discoveries, such as learning about how chocolate comes from a bean pod—that makes it a vegetable, right? Develop an understanding of the basics of how chocolate is made and where it comes from. Learn about rainforests and the ancient Maya and Aztec uses of chocolate. Research the amazing stories of some of the world's foremost chocolatiers!

Day 1: Chocolate - What is it?
Day 2: Chocolate - The Story
Day 3: Chocolate - The Types of Chocolate
Day 4: Chocolate - The Science of Chocolate
Day 5: Chocolate - Have a Chocolate Party!

What better way to start off Summer, than with chocolate (for that matter, what better way to start anything than with chocolate!)

Our Unit of the Week is Chocolate Challenge Download N Go.  Stay tuned to our Facebook page for lot's of fun activities, links and Terrific Tuesday specials this week.  So grab some chocolate and enjoy!

If you want to hear what our review team thought of this unit - here's a link to our Blog Tour.

Memorial Day

Here's a note from Amanda's files, written for Memorial Day a few years ago. We thought you would enjoy reading it as we celebrate Memorial Day this year!

Happy Memorial Day! I hope this note finds you well and getting ready for a special weekend and a celebration of remembrance for those who have given their lives for our freedom. We're busy here, putting up our patriotic kites in the den, flying the flag at every opportunity, and wearing an interesting collection of all-American T-shirts that we've made and purchased over the years. I've even put small flags in my porch planters! We have so much to be thankful for, and so much to remember.

How's your garden growing these days? Our corn is almost a foot tall, and the flower seeds have sprouted and some are already blooming. For this city kid, the corn growing in the field is still an amazing sight. Tomato production is big in our county, and it looks like they will have a banner year. I'm now searching for new pickle recipes, as well as creative ways to use zucchini squash. I hope that your garden adventures are productive this year, as well as educational for the whole family. I imagine that the entrepreneurs here will soon begin trying to figure out how to market from the garden on eBay . . .

Last weekend, our oldest son graduated from high school, and what a celebration we had! Family from all over the country came to help mark the special occasion, and we're still emailing special photos around the country as we savor the time spent together with an eye on a promising future. My new niece, at the ripe old age of three months, made the 12-hour car trip. We had a wonderful time with her and had to search the basement to find the cradle for re-assembly. Time flies so quickly, and your homeschooling days will go by much faster than you can even imagine. Enjoy these days, and create some special memories for your children. Work to develop your relationship with each child while you have the time together—a truly priceless investment.

We will enjoy this holiday weekend here on the farm and keep the focus on Memorial Day, remembering the sacrifices of so many for our freedom. Appreciate our freedoms, because they certainly have been protected by the lives of many brave men and women over the past centuries. Pray for our leaders and our troops in these days. Like many of you, we've got family in harm's way today, defending and protecting our country and our freedom.

Counting our blessings this Memorial Day,
Amanda B.

Have they asked about Memorial Day yet?

Have your kiddos asked you why we celebrate Memorial Day yet? Mine just did, and I had a vague, "kinda" answer for them.

Well, Amanda has a LIMITED time offer for you to help you answer them.

It's the Memorial Day Unit Studies Adventure, and for a limited time you can get it for just $4.

Memorial Day, a day when we take time to remember all of the people that have given their lives for American freedom. They gave up promising futures, families, hopes, and dreams—for all of us. Let's remember to use this day as an opportunity to honor them, remember them, and learn more about their sacrifices.

As time has gone by, many traditions associated with Memorial Day have been left behind and forgotten. Now, if you ask many children what Memorial Day is about, they remark, “The day the pool opens!” or “The beginning of summer!” It is time that we reclaim the memorial—the remembrance of those who fought so proudly so that we can be free to enjoy our precious God-given liberties.

Memorial Day is structured with lesson plans for each day of the study. Each day's lesson plan has been written in two levels. There is a daily lesson plan for Lower Level (elementary grades), and one for Upper Level (Jr/Sr High grades).

There are reading and writing assignments (Read and Discover), spelling and vocabulary words (Wise Words), biography studies, and projects for the whole family. Favorite books and Internet sites are included in the lesson plan as well as a large resource collection of Internet sites.

This wonderful study is non-consumable and can be used year after year and includes notebooking pages too!

*Memorial Day is a limited-availability excerpt from Patriotic Holidays, a four-week study which devotes one week to the exploration of each of the American patriotic holidays:

• Memorial Day
• Flag Day
• Independence Day
• Veterans Day

Learn even more about our uniquely American holidays with Patriotic Holidays

It's Time for Fantastic Friday!

I hope your week was a wild  Roller Coaster ride like ours! In case you missed it, we introduced our Summer of Fun - June 2011 FREE Calendar on Tuesday. The response to it was AMAZING! If you haven't gotten yours yet be sure to check it out here.

But, since we are on a wild ride, that's not all we have for you this week! Our friends at Apologia have graciously donated our Fantastic Friday Giveaway for this week. A copy of How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. For Your Kids by Rachael Carman.

Here's a little to get you started: "How well do you really know your children? Sure, you love them, but do you even like them? What has God shown you about who they are and who they will become? As with so many things, the first step to having a heart for your children is knowing your heavenly Father. As you seek daily to share his heart with your kids, Rachel Carman uses the word HEART to help you remember and focus on what really matters."

Rachael is an author and speaker for Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
She is the wife of 25 years to Davis Carman and the mother of 7 children.
Davis and Rachael own Apologia. Four times a year, Rachael leads Apologia
Live retreats for homeschool moms.
Visit Rachael and the Apologia Live team at http://blog.apologia.com/liveWe will be sending the fortunate winner of our random drawing this book, compliments of Apologia!

To enter, simply leave us a comment below (not on FB) telling us you what you like best about your children. For one extra entry, "like" us on Facebook. Be sure to leave a separate comment HERE letting us know you do! You must leave an email address for us to contact you in case you win. Entries with no email address will be discarded.


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering.The winners will be chosen by random drawing soon after 9:00 pm CST, Sunday, May 29, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Blog Tour: Sunny Seashells

Sunny Seashells Download N Go

 Picture a sunny beach, lapping waves, bare feet, and your children walking along a shore—either as children or years from now as adults, scanning the sand for a treasure.


What are the best shelling places in the world? How is a seashell formed?
How are pearls created? Are there different types of seashells in different parts of the world?

Day 1: Seashells--What Are They?
Day 2: Seashells and History
Day 3: Types of Seashells
Day 4: The Science of Seashells
Day 5: Seashell Party!

When they spy a seashell will they know all it offered a tiny creature in the waters below? Or know which type of seashell lies in their hand And understand its place in God's amazing plan?

Take a peek inside this unit

 

Click here to purchase Sunny Seashells

See what the Review Team thought of this unit study!

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Sharks and Smells and Back to the Future

When we lived in Florida, the older kids had an opportunity to participate in a workshop on sharks at the local Discover Museum, and they jumped at the chance. From digging for shark teeth in the huge sand pit to the video on local shark species, they loved every minute of the day. When it came time to go and do their own shark dissections, they were on their own; I am not one that handles those kinds of things very well, particularly the smell of formaldehyde. Somehow it takes me back to my own high school days of frog dissections and screaming girls and nausea—GROSS! 

When all of the kids tumbled out of the dissection room, they were so excited with what they had seen and couldn’t wait to tell me all about it! We piled into the family van and headed for home, full of memories, shark teeth, and there was that dreaded smell again! Windows down, air conditioning on full blast, we did make it all the way home without any major incidents—hurray! Through it all, they kept chattering on and on about all that they had learned and been able to do and never even noticed the SMELL.

I discovered that sometimes the pluses of hands-on learning greatly outweigh the things like unattractive smells and other temporary obstacles. They never noticed the SMELL. They had learned so much and couldn’t wait to share. What a difference a positive attitude and learning environment can make!

I still can’t stand the smell, but it was one of my first huge moments of clarity when I could easily see that the way they learn has so much more to do with the memory and retention than anything else. The rest, as they say, is history!

-Amanda

Here's some Help to get your Summer of Fun Calendar!

The Summer of Fun Calendar - June 2011 has been in HIGH demand!  So high, in fact, that our shopping cart reached it maximum 500 freebie limit early each day...

So, to help you get your hands on this fabulous freebie - we have another access point for you!

When you go to this link:
http://www.unitstudy.com/Summer_of_Fun_Calendar.html

You will be asked to register for our mailing list, which you will want to be on - that way you will get priority for the July and August 2011 releases.

 If you are already a subscriber - Thank you!  Just hit the submit button and you will be automatically sent an email with your direct access to the Summer Of Fun Calendar - June 2011.

Thank you so much for your patience...I know waiting for this wonderful freebie is hard! 

And, here's another tip for you... the  June Calendar contains a promo code to get an additional $4 off the June Summer Fun Pack, which is on sale through 6/30 for only $30.  You can use the promo code, and get it for just $26!  Got to love a deal!

So, go get your Summer of Fun Calendar, and let's have some FUN!

Amanda Bennett's Summer of Fun 2011

Summer is quickly approaching. The days are warming up, the garden is planted, and the grill is fired up and ready for weekend cookouts! This is the season that we waited for through the long, cold, winter months, and now it’s time for some fun!

As we all know, the great outdoor fun begins in the summer with a rush outside. But before you know it, the kids become bored with the wide-open feel of summer days.

Don't worry, though—we've got just what you need to get through those long, hot days and make some lasting memories along the way. The Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett (USAB) team has been busy creating a special gift to help your crew enjoy this summer, one exciting day at a time.

Introducing
Amanda Bennett's Summer of Fun 2011

Created with you and your children in mind, it has just what you need to:

• Squash the "I'm bored" chatter.
• Keep their minds busy and curious.
• Save money.
• Enjoy chances to win fun prizes.

Download it now here!

All fun for summer 2011!

Developed for each month of summer, we will be offering a unique calendar for June, July, and August of 2011.

Be sure to get it early...only 500 available per day!

Each of these fun-filled calendars:

• It's our gift—completely FREE. Share them with your friends! Even non-homeschoolers will enjoy these value- and learning-packed, fun-size resources.
• Contains coupons for discounts on unit studies from USAB's growing selection of no-prep-required unit studies.
• Is loaded with fun, low- or no-cost activity suggestions.
• Offers a wealth of links to great, family-friendly, Internet resources.

In addition to the great coupons and summer inspirations offered in each Summer of Fun Calendar, USAB is also sponsoring weekly blog giveaways throughout the Summer of Fun.

Bookmark the USAB blog (www.unitstudy.blogspot.com), where you'll find daily posts to inform and inspire you. Amanda has been blogging about her homeschooling journey, tips, treasures, and ideas that work, as well as–amazingly enough–she’s even sharing recipes! Make sure to enter the weekly drawings for summer-themed, fun-for-the-whole-family prizes.

Take advantage of these inspiring Summer of Fun treats from USAB. Start now!

Download the Summer of Fun Calendar for June 2011, filled with entertaining and educational resources. Each day contains a clickable link to a fun idea that will keep your children busy and engaged. Then, don’t forget to watch for the July and August issues of the Summer of Fun Calendar later this summer.

Download it now Here

With these resources on hand, you’ll be set for an unforgettable Summer of Fun!

Buggy Beginnings

Buggy Beginnings . . .

For those of you who aren’t aware, my husband and I have been married for MANY years, and that suits us just fine.  We’ve grown up together, raised three children, made some amazing memories, and then, well, there are his collections. Over the years, his tastes in collecting have changed, and that series of changes is a story of its own.

When I met him in college, he was majoring in entomology: insects to him, bugs to the rest of us. Part of his studies included developing a huge collection of all kinds of insects, all pinned, labeled, and kept in these glass-covered display drawers. Enough to give most of us nightmares, in my humble opinion.

What I didn’t know BEFORE marrying him was that the bugs that he caught for his collection had to be stored in bags in the FREEZER until he had time to sit down and pose and pin these creatures. Now just let me say, the whole premise of being a perfect new wife usually involves dinner preparation and candlelight, right?

Suffice it to say I did NOT know that frozen hamburger looked that much like a bag of frozen bugs! Oh my word—you can’t imagine my surprise when I arrived home from work that day and got ready to cook dinner with the freezer bag of “meat” that I had been thawing in the refrigerator. No meatloaf that night!

Collections change, people change, but love remains. I’ll share more about our adventures with his collections one of these days. Right now, I think I’m going to go find him and give him a hug for giving up bugs . . .

-Amanda

Shhh...I'm telling you first!

My wonderful hubby always says I'm early for everything...I think early is better than late, don't you?!

So, I just wanted to let you know that our newest title - Independence Day Download N Go is now available for purchase!

You can be one of the early ones, before everyone else gets it too!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our Fantastic Friday Giveaway winner last week -
Stephenie Pyles of Evensville, TN!

She will be proudly waving her new American Flag this summer.

I'm so excited for tomorrow's news...you will be too!

Unit of the Week - Rollercoasters Download N Go

There are some things that every child looks forward to with great anticipation, and one of these is finally being old enough and tall enough to ride the roller coaster!

Using this fascination, this study helps them learn about roller coasters, experience the fun of designing their own roller coaster, and have fun watching roller coasters speeding around their tracks across the globe. This topic is a winner around the world, and what better way to learn about gravity and Isaac Newton’s first law of motion?

From the history of roller coasters to the science of how a roller coaster works, there is much to be learned in this study!

For a Sneak Peek - take a look at this video link (but, hold on tight!)

Just for you, get this unit on sale this week at http://unitstudy.com/RollerCoasters.html

Check out our Facebook page for links, activities and fun to go with Unit of the Week - Roller Coasters Download N Go!

(We have exciting announcements for Summer vacation coming this week, be sure to check back!)

Fantastic Friday

Fantastic Friday is finally here...

I hope you have had the time to learn more about our Flag and are enjoying the newest Download N Go - Flag Day.

Here's your chance to win our giveaway for the Unit of the Week -
An Original Quality Set 'N Sell Complete Flag Kit including: a 6 Foot 2-section durable tin plated pole, 3 -by-5 Feet U.S. Flag, Gold Metal Eagle Ornament, Mounting Bracket and hardware!

You can fly it with pride - in time for our Patriotic Holidays!

To enter, simply leave us a comment below (not on FB) telling us you what you like best about Flag Day.  For one extra entry, "like" us on Facebook. Be sure to leave a separate comment HERE letting us know you do! You must leave an email address for us to contact you in case you win.  Entries with no email address will be discarded.




Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering.The winners will be chosen by random drawing soon after 9:00 pm CST, Sunday, May 22, 2011.  Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Sea Turtles, Eggs and Night Walks

Along the eastern Florida coast from April to September, huge sea turtles make their way onto the beach late at night to lay their eggs, cover the nest, and then return to the ocean waves before the sun rises in the east. When this season begins, the beaches come alive at night, busily walked by families and folks of all ages, watching for the sea turtles to wash up in the waves and head for the beach for a night of egg laying. When we lived on the Space Coast, this became a fun evening adventure for our crew, and we learned so much about these gorgeous animals.

Armed with things that varied from insect repellent to flashlights, we packed up and headed for the beach. And we were never disappointed, even if the sea turtles took the night off! We learned important things, such as how beautiful the water was at night as the moon rose, and how the waves would absolutely glow when a bottle rocket was fired into the surf. You’ll just have to trust me on that one.

When the turtles did show up, we had great lessons in patience and turtle anatomy, along with lessons on leaving the turtles and their nests alone. Later in the summer, we would return to these places and watch newly hatched baby turtles struggle for the surf to begin the cycle all over again. These were priceless lessons on just how fragile life is and what it means to be stewards of this earth.

-Amanda

Wild Wednesday!

I just love alliteration don't you?  Terrific Tuesday, Fantastic Friday, and now - WILD WEDNESDAY!

But, WILD is the only adjective to describe this wonderful deal we have for you...

Convention Season is coming to a close, and we have some shelves to clean off before all our exciting summer plans get underway (keep posted...you won't want to miss these!)

So, while we are wildly cleaning house - we have a WILD Deal for you!

We're calling it the "Convention CD Special"

You can get all 41 of the 1 week Download N Go Unit Studies on CD.

Price: $130 (reg. $260)

All 19 Unit Study Adventures on CD

Price: $120 (reg. $250)

Go WILD and get our ENTIRE collection on CD - that's 117 weeks of FUN learning!
Price: $230 (reg. $510)

Here's the really WILD deal - We'll pay the shipping! (shhh don't tell Amanda...)

You have to hurry, this deal will only last until 5/31/11!

Terrific Tuesday Time

It's Tuesday... and we know what that means!

Head over to our Facebook Page and get in on the Terrific-ness of Tuesday.(I know terrific-ness isn't a word...but, it describes it perfectly!).

You can be some of the first to have this BRAND NEW title in the Download N Go series...but, you'll have to hurry!








And, while you're shopping, be sure to check out our Patriotic Fun Pack, it's on sale this week only for just $32, regularly $40.

The Patriotic Fun Pack features Two of our Unit Study Adventures (K-12, 4 week): American Government and Patriotic Holidays. AND, three Download N Go Unit Studies (K-4, 1 week): Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Constitution Celebration.

That's a total of 11 weeks of fun learning, for just $32!

Congratulations

Congratulations

Julie Cross of Naples, FL on winning the Lewis & Clark book giveaway for last week's Fantastic Friday!

Be sure to check back often, we have some fun surprises planned for you this summer...

Unit of the Week - Flag Day Download N Go

Announcing the latest title in the Download N Go series, and the Unit of the Week.....
Flag Day! 

You can be some of the FIRST customers to get a look at this BRAND-NEW unit!

Red, white, and blue—when we hear those words stated together, we automatically think of our flag! It is a patriotic symbol of America, fought for and died for, cared for and appreciated. 

This unit will take you on learning adventure.  Here's what you'll discover each day:

Day 1: What Is Flag Day?

Day 2: The History of Flag Day

Day 3: Celebrating Flag Day

Day 4: Patriotic Songs and Symbols                                         

Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets for Flag Day

Pick up Flag Day Download N Go this week and you'll be prepared to celebrate Flag Day on June 14th!

Be sure to check our  Facebook page for lots of fun links to go with this Unit, and our Terrific Tuesday offer!

Fantastic Friday is Back

It's finally Friday! 

For this week's Fantastic Friday - we have a great giveaway for you...  It's just what you need to complete your study of Lewis & Clark.  It is filled with fun hands-on learning activities.

To enter, simply leave us a comment telling us you want to win this book.  For one extra entry, "like" us on Facebook. Be sure to leave a separate comment here- NOT on Facebook, letting us know you do! You must leave an email address for us to contact you in case you win.  Entries with no email address will be discarded.

 The winners will be chosen by random drawing soon after 9:00 pm CST, Sunday, May 15, 2011.  Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering.

Fabulous Friday is Back!

It's finally Friday! 

For this week's Fabulous Friday - we have a great giveaway for you...  It's just what you need to complete your study of Lewis & Clark.  It is filled with fun hands-on learning activities.

To enter, simply leave us a comment telling us you want to win this book.  For one extra entry, "like" us on Facebook. Be sure to leave a separate comment here letting us know you do! You must leave an email address for us to contact you in case you win.  Entries with no email address will be discarded.

The winners will be chosen by random drawing soon after 9:00 pm CST, Sunday, May 15, 2011.  Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering.

Blog Tour: Chocolate Challenge

Chocolate Challenge   It's mouth-watering fun for everyone!

Day 1: Chocolate - What is it?
Day 2: Chocolate - The Story
Day 3: Chocolate - The Types of Chocolate
Day 4: Chocolate - The Science of Chocolate
Day 5: Chocolate - Have a Chocolate Party!

Delve into science discoveries, such as learning about how chocolate comes from a bean pod—that makes it a vegetable, right? Develop an understanding of the basics of how chocolate is made and where it comes from. Learn about rainforests and the ancient Maya and
Aztec uses of chocolate. Research the amazing stories of some of the world's foremost chocolatiers!

Click here to purchase Chocolate Challenge.

See what the Review Team thought of this unit study!

A Note from Amanda

Tree Forts and No Regrets  

There are several moments in your life as a homeschooling parent that will stand out in clear focus as your children grow up. One of those moments came for me at the high school graduation of our oldest child, and it came in the form of a repeated sentiment during graduation ceremony when parents stood at the podium to express their feelings to their graduating child.  

The repeated sentiment was one of regret that they had never made the time to build a tree fort with their child. Hmmm . . .  

As I stood there waiting for our turn to speak, I couldn’t help but reflect on what that might say about our efforts as homeschooling parents. Perhaps we get so wrapped up in covering all of the academics that we lose sight of some of the fun and amazing things—things like building tree forts, counting shooting stars, and hiking and camping with our kids.  

I pray that you aren’t one of the parents standing at graduation with regrets about the fun and amazing things that you didn’t do with your child. Create time for the delightful moments of discovery and adventure that are there for the taking when the kids are young. Trust me, the time flies all too quickly, so don’t wait. Get out there and go exploring!  

Blessings,

Amanda B.

What are You Reading this Week?

Today, I have a couple of book suggestions for you. The Lewis & Clark Expedition has captured my children's imagination. Two of their favorite members of it - were not Lewis & Clark, but Sacagewea and Seaman.

Trivia Time: So who were these members of the Expedition? (Leave me a comment, if you know...)

To discover them, I encourage you to check into these wonderful books.

You can get it at Amazon - click here

Check it out on Amazon - click here




And, just for fun - here's a fun video link from the unit for you. Just click here to watch it!

Don't forget to check our Facebook page for more Lewis & Clark links, activities, and fun stuff.
Our Fantastic Friday Freebie is a great giveaway you won't want to miss!

It's Terrific Tuesday!

Merry Terrific Tuesday!

Why not check out Prairie Pioneers Download N Go? It's a great unit to complement the learning adventure you started with Lewis & Clark!

"When I think 'prairie,' inevitably, I think of the inquisitive Laura Ingalls in her long dresses and braids, Ma tending to the children, and Pa ever ready to save the day. However, brace yourself! In Amanda Bennett's Prairie Pioneers DNG, the great adventure truly begins!

Listen to what another mom had to say about it firsthand -

"This unit study is engaging, action-packed, and guaranteed to please both boys and girls. Everything needed to transport to days gone by is found in this all-inclusive Prairie Pioneers DNG. Embedded video clips, kid-friendly websites, vivid graphics, lapbooking components, and notebooking pages provide students an entire week of educational fun. . . .

As the various prairie trails are highlighted, this DNG also exposes the many hardships endured and challenges faced by the early pioneers. In addition, it calls attention to the fierce tenacity, endurance, strong commitment, dedication, and unwavering faith exhibited by pioneers both young and old. I truly appreciate that my children are engrossed in history while at the same time they are being taught such wonderful character traits. . . .

By the end of this study, I believe, someone will inherit the nickname 'Half-Pint,' there will be Lincoln Log Cabin constructions scattered throughout my house, bunkbeds will be converted into covered wagons, we'll be mining for gold, and asking for large livestock as new pets. Personally, I'm hoping that my children have a better appreciation for even our longest of road trips. Oh well, I can dream, right?"

—Angela Wells, Frankfort, KY


Check out some sample pages here.

So, for your Terrific Tuesday Deal... check out our Facebook page!

Congratulations Kindle Winners!

Congratulations to our 2 fortunate winners of the Kindles and Sunny Days Fun Packs!

Denise Gray, MN

and

Celina Baker, FL

Have a fun time reading on the beach this summer!!

Unit of the Week - Lewis & Clark Download N Go

Welcome back to - Unit of the Week!

This week it's time to take a journey with Lewis & Clark (and celebrate the anniversary of their historic exploration!)

Bison, buckskins, beauty, and liberty—the uncharted wilderness lies waiting.

Build character and curiosity with excitement, fun, and adventure! Take to the trail with Lewis & Clark for a mapping and science exploration through the wet, wild, wonderful American West!

Day 1: What Brought About the Adventures of Lewis and Clark?
Day 2: Who Were Lewis and Clark?
Day 3: Science Secrets of the Expedition
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From Lewis and Clark
Day 5: Remembering Lewis and Clark

How do we know so much about the Lewis and Clark expedition? They told us! They kept detailed notes in journals, and they provided examples of hundreds of new species of animals and plants, presenting a wide window through which we can examine their amazing story and findings.

Children will learn about the outgoing president, Thomas Jefferson, and his efforts to put this discovery team together, along with the team's preparations to head west into the unknown. They will meet Sacagawea and her young son, Pomp, as well as Lewis's dog, Seaman!

There are many journeys worth studying. This may be the best yet!

This unit is on sale this week - only $5.95 (through May 14th)

Be sure to head over to our Facebook page for fun activities, links and specials this week.

And, DON'T forget our Terrific Tuesday... (last week, 12 fortunate readers got a FREE unit!)

Mother's Day and the Miracle of Babies

Years ago, back when I thought I knew everything in the world that needed to be known, I was blessed with my very first Mother’s Day gift – a precious baby girl that stole our hearts for forever. We had read all of the books on parenting, taken childbirth classes, and had purchased the very best car seat available. The bright yellow paint was still drying on the nursery walls when I went into labor, even though the doctor had assured us that we still had weeks to go – my first lesson in flexibility as a parent.

After a 23-hour labor and spontaneous shouted discussions of why we took all of the childbirth classes, our sweet baby girl made her appearance. We couldn’t help falling in love with her, and couldn’t get enough of just looking at her – pink chubby cheeks and beautiful bright blue eyes. She was, indeed, a miracle. Remember that feeling – the realization that you had been given your own miracle, a gift from God Himself? That moment was one of THE most powerful that I have ever experienced, when I realized that miracles still happen and I had just been blessed with my very own.

Born just a few days before Mother’s Day, we were able to bring this bundle of joy home on Mother’s Day, my very first Mother’s Day as a mom. I will never forget the memory of sitting there with the best Mother’s Day gift that a mom can be given – the gift of my own miracle, wrapped in a soft cotton blanket and sleeping so peacefully. Her busy stretching and grasping fingers and fascinating expressions kept us entranced for hours of baby-watching that day, my very first Mother’s Day.

Enjoy this special Mother’s Day and remember your own Mother’s Day miracles. They are precious in His sight!
Happy Mother’s Day!

Amanda Bennett

Unit of the Week - Fantastic Freebie Friday!

I hope everyone has been enjoying the Unit Study Adventure - Trains as much as we have at our house.  All week we have had fun train activities and reciepes on our Facebook page as well. (If you haven't checked it out yet...now would be a good time - Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett - go Like us right now!)

It's not too late to get it for the sale price of $6.95 good through 5/7/11.

Onto the best part of Unit of the Week - the freebie!  (Each week we will offer a fantastic freebie for you, so be sure to check back here often...)

The Trains Notebooking pages are our gift to you this week.  Just click here for your copy.  Enjoy!

Don't forget to celebrate National Train Day on May 7th. 

There are some great activities at Amtrak's online site (they are celebrating 40 years!) , including a Train activity book and Origami Train model to download free.

See you next week!

Don't Miss out on the Kindle Giveaway!!!

Don't miss out on the Giveaway...there's still time to head over to our Facebook page and enter!

Here's some of the details:

Grand Prize Win a Kindle and the Sunny Days Fun Pack of unit studies!
Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi. Read at the pool, the park, the beach . . . with no glare with a Kindle Wireless Reading Device (Wi-Fi, 6" Display, Includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers)! Read more at Amazon.com.

Sunny Days Fun Pack
Six fun-filled unit studies are included in this summer-themed fun pack: Summer Sensations, Sunny Seashells, Dolphin Days, Oceans, Digital Photography, and Scrapbooking. Everything you need for a summer of fun and adventure.
Read more at UnitStudy.com.

Two winners will be drawn and a total of two prize packages will be awarded (Grand Prize and Second Prize are identical).


Prize Eligibility
Only persons residing in United States who are at least 18 years of age can enter.
Sweepstakes Starts
April 25, 2011 @ 12:00 am (CDT)
Sweepstakes Ends
May 06, 2011 @ 11:59 pm (CDT)

Bottle Brushes and Life Lessons

Years ago, back when our kids were younger, I had my own collection of baby bottle brushes. No, not for bottles – but for cleaning hard-to-clean things like Mason jars, test tubes, and Lego pieces that got stuck in places that they shouldn’t have been, like chocolate cake or mashed potatoes. Oh, the places that they go, but that’s a story for a different day.

I recently discovered that somehow, over the years, the bottle brushes had gotten lost or tossed. I was trying to clean up some recently discovered wayward Lego people and pieces that I discovered in the basement. As a speaker at online events, I like to line the Lego people up on my laptop during online speeches, so that I have an audience to talk to – it’s awful to try to give a presentation to hundreds and hundreds of people and only have a screen to stare at!

Lesson learned – sometimes the tools of early childhood can be very useful later in life, so hang onto them! From action figures to bottle brushes, I am still learning. Heading out now to buy a set of baby bottle brushes. That should get everyone in town talking, and make my family wonder what I’m up to…

Amanda Bennett

Trains and Your Future!

Remember the Trivia Time from Monday?... (you don't want to miss the Monday posts for Unit of the Week!)

I asked you what 4 feet, 8.5 inches had to do with trains and the future? Do you know?

Well, 4 feet, 8.5 inches is the standard railroad gauge (that's the distance between the rails). How does that affect the future? Let me tell you, its the gauge used by the English who built the US Railroads. Still not clear, the English used this gauge because the jigs and tools they used were used pre-railroad to build wagons. Further, the wagon makers used this spacing in England because of the wheel ruts. Just where did those wheel ruts come from - Imperial Rome (their war chariots made them...) The Romans made the chariots just wide enough to accomodate the backends of two war horses - you guessed it - 4 feet 8.5 inches wide!

But, what about the future? The Space Shuttle has two big booster rockets attached to it's main fuel tank. The solid rocket boosters are made in Utah, and have to be shipped to the launch site - via the railway. The route to the launch pad takes them through narrow tunnels in the mountains, about the width of the railway track. I know you know it...4 feet, 8.5 inches wide!

Here's the message, what we do today does have a long lasting impact. Don't choose to school one way, just because it's the way it's always been done. Be bold enough to widen your family's tracks! Try something new (like the Trains Unit Study) and see where it takes them!

"The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereupon my soul is grooved to run" Moby Dick, Herman Melville, 1851

Cooking and Amanda B.

Not necessarily something that goes hand in hand. And some would say that was an extreme understatement. However, there are a few things that I can cook, and people actually travel great distances to eat these dishes. Well, at least from as far away as the south 40.

Probably the top pick is my Mesquite Spaghetti. And no, the recipe’s a family secret–you’ll just have to use your imagination on that one.

Next, my mom’s pound cake recipe– to die for! I seem to have a knack with this recipe, or perhaps the Lord felt sorry for my lack of cooking skills and let me have this one by grace. It is absolutely picture-perfect every time.

Well, except for the time that Jim Dear (remember Jim Dear from Lady and the Tramp?) decided to take the cake out of the oven when the timer went off and I wasn’t around. He soon learned the importance of letting the cake cool in the pan for a bit BEFORE flipping it onto the cake plate. He created “counter” pound cake. Need I say more?

Last, but not least, my homemade rolls. My bread machine makes me a hero in my own home, and my rolls are homeruns every time. Very simple, and people think these rolls are something special. Please don’t tell them otherwise.

Cooking and Amanda B.–always interesting and very entertaining!

Amanda's Pound Cake

Ingredients:
1 C butter, softened
1/2 C Crisco
3 C sugar
5 eggs
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3 C flour
1 C milk

Directions:
Cream butter, Crisco, and sugar. Add well-beaten eggs and mix. Sift all dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Add vanilla and beat well. Bake at 325 degrees in greased and floured tube pan for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until cake leaves sides of pan.

It's Terrific Tuesday!

In honor of our Unit of the Week - The 4-week Unit Study Adventure - Trains, we have a great Terrific Tuesday deal for you!

Get this Unit for just $6.95 (regulary $10.95)

And, you still have time to get in on our Amazing Facebook Contest - Amanda's giving away Kindles (yes, you can put all your units right into the Kindle, and take them with you!!!)But, hurry this ends on Friday, May 6th!

Head over the the Unit Studies Amanda Bennett Facebook page and get signed up - you could be our winner!

Introducing.... UNIT OF THE WEEK

Welcome Monday!

We have exciting news to share with you... we are going to be featuring our "Unit of the Week". Each week, we will introduce you to another exciting way to refresh your homeschooling.  Be sure to check frequently, we will have links, freebies, discounts, and lots of fun stuff to celebrate with!

This week's Unit of the Week is the Unit Study Adventure - Trains. Be sure to check out our Sale price...only $6.95!

All aboard! Come along and join us in the unit study on Trains! From learning about the history of trains, all about trains and steam engines and inventors, we will have quite an adventure as we launch into this study. With the Internet, we can watch train cams from around the world, visit railroad museums and "see" all kinds of trains and rolling stock. We can read original newspaper accounts of the famous "Golden Spike" and the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, and so much more!

Did you know that May 7th is National Train Day?, celebrating Amtrak's 40th Anniversary (check it out here)

How about studying the Transcontinental Railroad - May 10th - it's completion anniversary!

No other books or resources are required for the Trains Unit Study -- the wealth of online information adds so much to the study. Each day's lesson plan has been written in two levels. There is a daily lesson plan for Lower Level (elementary grades), and one for Upper Level (Jr/Sr High grades). 103 pages, printable for your family's use. The study can be used for grades K - 12. This downloadable study includes the Trains Notebooking Pages!

Trivia Time: What does 4 feet, 8.5 inches have to do with trains and the future? (leave me comment if know!) Check back this week to find out!

Don't forget to head over to our Facebook page...We will have special Terrific Tuesday offers each week to go with our Unit of the Week!