Congratulations!

Congratulations to our $100 CBD Giftcard Winner -

Tami from Farmington, PA

Happy Shopping!

Fantastic Friday - $100 Giftcard Giveaway!

Fantastic Friday is back! 

You do NOT want to miss the opportunity to get in on this giveaway - A $100 giftcard to CBD!

Go HERE to register for a chance WIN!

Eight Year Olds and Vocabulary

Part of our evening wind-down when our children were small was settling in for a time of Bible reading together. They enjoyed this time as much as I did, and we all learned so much. There’s something about studying the Bible with young children that can open your eyes to His Word in refreshing new ways.

For example, when our youngest was eight years old, I will never forget the night that we were studying Ezekiel. We were covering the part where Ezekiel says that he didn’t have the words to describe all that he saw in his vision of Heaven. Our son was so frustrated! As he left the room to go brush his teeth and get ready for bed, he turned back to me, shoulders slumped and a sad look on his face, and said, “Mom, I hope the next person that God shows Heaven to has a bigger vocabulary!”

Out of the mouths of babes, indeed.

- Amanda

Summer of Fun - August 2011

Summer is almost gone, but there will still be days when the kids will be singing the old "I'm bored" song that moms dread. Not to worry—we've got just what you need to push through those long, hot days and make some great memories along the way!

Our terrific team has been busy creating a special gift to help you and your crew enjoy this summer, one exciting day at a time. We have made an exciting and FUN interactive calendar for the summer months of June, July, and August. You can download each month, print the monthly calendar for refrigerator decorating, and get ready for:

• Coupons
• Weekly Blog Giveaways
• Daily Activity Ideas
• Fun Internet Resources

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.

Developed for each month of summer, these fun-filled calendars:

• Are our gift to you—completely FREE. Share them with your friends! Even non-homeschoolers will enjoy these value- and learning-packed, fun-size resources.
• Contain coupons for discounts on unit studies from USAB's growing selection of no-prep-required unit studies.
• Are loaded with fun, low- or no-cost activity suggestions.
• Offer 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, where you'll find daily posts to inform and inspire you. Amanda's 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.

Download the final issue of the Summer of Fun Calendar, filled with entertaining and educational resources. You will be asked to register for our mailing list, which you will want to be on so that you will stay informed as new titles and special offers are announced. If you are already a subscriber--thank you! Just hit the "Submit" button and you will automatically be sent an email with your direct access to the Summer Of Fun Calendar for August 2011.

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

The August 2011 calendar
is our gift to you
completely
FREE!

Trees, Animals, and Baseball—Hear God Laughing?

While some of you might already know, let me bring the rest of you up to speed. I’ve learned through homeschooling that God does, indeed, have a sense of humor. Of the many things that I was not gifted with at birth, there are three that stand out.

First, I am not a huge indoor-animal lover. Animals are great if they are outdoors, and I love going to the zoo or seeing a wolf running along outside of the van when the windows are closed. So it should come as no surprise that the Lord gave us a child who loved animals of all types, indoors and outdoors, and we homeschooled through it all. At the height of her veterinary college years, we had five dogs, all indoors. What was I thinking? See, I told you that God has a sense of humor. Today, she is a gifted emergency veterinarian! 

 Second, I grew up in a football household. My dad was a quarterback for two different college teams during his college career, and that was the only real sport at our house. All three daughters and one son had to learn how to throw a proper spiral! Any other sport wasn't considered a real sport, particularly baseball. So why was it so surprising when our youngest son ONLY wanted to learn more about baseball and spent hours upon hours throwing a baseball at the brick wall outside? You guessed it—he is a 6' 4" baseball player, and he is just about to begin his college career as a pitcher. Humor, once again. 

 Third, and this one really touches my heart, (and I'm sure God is laughing AND smiling with me) I have a brown thumb when it comes to trees and outdoor landscaping, totally. On the other hand, my husband's degree is in agriculture and he can grow anything. Our oldest son inherited that gift from his dad; he loves all things landscaping-oriented, and he and his dad manage our TREE farm! :) Our tree farm has touched many lives; our trees are shipped all over the country as gifts for all kinds of events: new babies, marriages, memorials, and so on. This was our son's idea, which has enabled us to brighten up lives with our trees. Imagine—they grow trees, while I can kill a silk plant! :) 

 God DOES have a sense of humor. If I can homeschool three kids whose strengths are my weakest points, and they can go on to excel at these specialties in spite of my limits, then I know He can do anything. :) Stay with Him and you will not go wrong. Life will never be boring, I can guarantee that! 

-Amanda

Unit of the Week - Tremendous Trees Download N Go

Trees always bring out the kid in us. If there is a tree with low branches nearby and kids with time on their hands, at least one will be in the tree in just a matter of time, sitting on the low branches or stretching a bit to move higher for a better view. One of the things that has always captured the attention of most children is the idea of building a tree house!

From bark and roots to leaves and tree rings, children can find so much fascinating information to learn about trees that will keep them wanting to learn more. Since they are the biggest plants on the planet, kids are interested in trees—they are great swing holders, animal homes, shade makers, squirrel playgrounds, and kite catchers!


With the Download N Go™ unit studies, you are about to begin a new kind of learning experience. Each study is one week in length, having five daily lessons with lapbook components for each day. The name, Download N Go™, comes from the concept that these studies are ready to use as soon as you have downloaded them. No preparation or waiting time or other expensive resources are required. A few inexpensive items are needed for the lapbook—a simple file folder, a glue stick, safety scissors, brass brads, and crayons or markers. That’s it—simple, effective, and what a way to learn!

As you and your children set off on this Tremendous Trees adventure, get ready to learn all about trees—the life cycle, major parts, different types, and even dendrochronology! Join in the fun as we learn about trees from the smallest species to the giant redwoods, investigating both common and uncommon trees.

Did you know that the word “tree” is mentioned in the Bible 277 times? Trees were an important part of Creation, and continue to play a vital role in our lives today. So get ready for the adventure, and thanks for spending a week with us as we take off learning about trees around the world.

Take a peek inside this unit.

Be sure to check our Facebook page this week for more learning activities, links and fun to go with this unit!

$5 Frenzy Deals - ALL WEEKEND!

You do NOT want to miss out on this!

Amanda had so much fun partying on Facebook and Twitter - that she can't stop!   All of this week's $5 Frenzy Titles are still available at this incredibly low price all weekend long!

Here's a list:

Download N Go Simply Soccer, $5

Download N Go Sunny Seashells, $5

Download N Go Winter Wonders, $5

Download N Go Autumn Treasures, $5

Download N Go Independence Day, $5

Unit Study Adventures Trains, $5

Unit Study Adventures Dogs, $5

Unit Study Adventures Baseball, $5

Unit Study Adventures Gardens, $5

Unit Study Adventures Christmas, $5

Check out all our great deal on our Specials Page!

Final Giveaway - TEN - One Year DNG Curriculum Packages!

Our Grand Finale Giveaways - TEN WINNERS of a One Year Download N Go Curriculum Package!

One full school year (36 weeks) of fun and adventure for your K - 4 student! This set includes the following one-week studies:

Amelia Earhart Astonishing Animals Ben Franklin Chocolate Challenge Constitution Celebration Crazy Cartoons Creation Camouflage Crunchy Cookies Davy Crockett Dolphin Days Easter Promise Expedition Africa Expedition Australia Expedition Canada Expedition China Expedition Ireland Expedition Israel Expedition Mexico

George Washington Goofy Gecko Handsome Horses Hoppin’ Popcorn Kite Capers Lewis & Clark Magnificent Moon Pizza Party Prairie Pioneers Rocking Robots Roller Coasters Simply Soccer Sunny Seashells Terrific Tigers Tremendous Trees Twisting Tornadoes Valentine’s Day Whale Tales

What a variety of topics! PLUS, we're throwing in some great BONUS items to help you get started with unit studies or just jump start your new school year. There's something for everyone in this amazing set!

BONUS items include:

• the exclusive Birthday Bonanza unit study
• the NEW DNG Teacher's Guide
• Unit Studies 101, a 140-page guide to using and creating unit studies
• a coupon to purchase the soon-to-be-released Passport United Kingdom study for only $5 (delivered via email)

Your best year yet is here and ready to begin! You only need to add math and language arts to complete your year's curriculum.

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have TEN WINNERS of this giveaway!


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

7th Giveaway - 2 Chances to Win! -Tricia Goyer Prize Pack - 3 Books!

Our 7th Giveaway is a THREE-Book Prize Pack by Tricia Goyer!  We will have 2 WINNERS!

Book One: Praying for your Future Husband

From when we were small girls, most of us dream of "The One," our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we'll find him. The great news is that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband!

Authors and good friends Robin Jones Gunn (Christy Miller series) and Tricia Goyer (author and former teen mom) believe God answers women's prayers for husbands—even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate … while also asking God to prepare their own hearts.

In Praying for Your Future Husband, Robin and Tricia share their two vastly different experiences, including the things they did right and the mistakes they made on the path to meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter includes helpful Bible verses, prayers, and practical application, along with true stories of women who prayed for a husband and how God answered in remarkable ways.

God has a beautiful romance prepared for you. Prayer is the key to unlocking the love story … with your future husband and with God, the lover of your soul.

Author Bio

Robin Jones Gunn has written more than 70 books, including the well-loved Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series, and more than 4 million copies of her books have sold. Robin and her husband have been married for more than 34 years, and they have two grown children.

Tricia Goyer, the author of more than 25 books, has drawn from her experiences as a teen mother and leader of today’s generation to be a voice of hope for women. Tricia has been married for more than twenty years and is the mother of four children.




Book Two: My Life, Unscripted


Trisha Goyer has created a practical, highly accessible book to encourage teen girls to take control of the "script" of their lives rather than live it controlled by outside influences. Sharing from her own not-so-perfect past, as well as insights from other teens, My Life, Unscripted, invites girls to allow God to help them write their own unique story. Perfect for a teen Bible study or fellowship group!








Book Three:  From Dust and Ashes


Publisher's Description

It is 1945 and a group of American soldiers liberate a Nazi concentration camp. Helene is the abandoned wife of an SS guard who has fled to avoid arrest. Overcome by guilt, she begins to help meet the needs of survivors. Throughout the process, she finds her own liberation - from spiritual bondage, sin, and guilt. Readers will be intrigued and touched by this fascinating story of love, faithfulness, and courage amidst one of the darkest chapters of mankind's history.

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will select TWO winners! 


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to visit Tricia Goyer here.

6th Giveaway - Linda Kozar Prize Pack - Babes with Beatitude & Misfortune Cookies

The 6th Giveaway is a TWO-Book Linda Kozar Prize Pack



First Book: Babes with Beatitude

"The blessed life"...that's what the word beatitude actually means...and that's the life God created you to live. The 366 devotions (yes, there's an extra one for leap year!) you hold in your hand were written with today's busy woman in mind. Each message is short, but more than sweet, as it delivers powerful words of hope, purpose, direction, and encouragement. For every day of the year, you'll find an uplifting scripture, a straight-to-your-heart message, and a "Beatitude Check" that gets your outlook on straight for the day ahead.

Second Book:  Misfortune Cookies (Until the Fat Ladies Sing Mystery Series #1)  

When even the fortune cookies hint at calamity ahead, watch out!

Best friends Sue Jan and Lovita run a beauty shop/boutique in the little West Texas town of Wachita. They share a passion for food and fun. But one day, over lunch in a Chinese restaurant, Lovita opens a fortune cookie with a sinister message: “Your father was murdered. . .” a clue that leads them to God, an international spy ring, and several devastatingly handsome strangers. A most unlikely pair of detectives, these girlfriends “comb” the countryside with style, sarcasm, and lots of Szechwan. This tale is like good take-out food—definitely worth bringing home.

About the Author

Linda Kozar is an author, journalist and speaker, the recipient of the 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year Award, and four previous awards for writing. Her first novel, Misfortune Cookies, will be released by Heartsong Presents--Mysteries in November 2008, followed by two sequels in 2009. She is the cofounder and director of Words for the Journey Christian Writers Guild--South East Texas Region, in The Woodlands, Texas. She and her husband, Michael, have two lovely teen daughters, Katie and Lauren.

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded.


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to visit Linda Kozar here.

5th Giveaway - Starting a Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp

Our 5th Giveaway is:
Starting a Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp

Are you a teenager looking for a job?
Running into roadblocks?
"These days teenagers cannot get hired for entry-level jobs because adults are taking the jobs. Sometimes they can find a job, but don’t have a car to get them there. Or sometimes the job is not flexible with a teenagers life and the teenager is forced to choose working or sports, school or friends.

But you need some money! What can you do?

A micro business is a small and manageable business. It fits into your life. You can work as much as or little as you want, usually from home and when it’s convenient for you. You can also make good money-sometimes better than working fast food or at the mall."

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded.


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to visit Carol Topp's Website- Microbusiness for Teens to see her curriculum!

4th Giveaway - Five Winners! - 1 Year Home Educating Family Magazine Subscription

 

Our 4th Giveaway:

Our amazing friends at Home Educating Family Publishing have generously donated FIVE 1-year magazine subscriptions for our next giveaway!

About Home Educating Family Magazine:

"HEFM is committed to addressing those topics that influence us most deeply, such as parenting, marriage, biblical manhood and womanhood, and the family's important roles in the church and the government. At the same time, we give you immensely practical advice on implementing the newest and best ideas in homeschooling!

HEFM is for families who want their children to be able to think and thoughtfully engage the culture. Homeschoolers have the advantage of avoiding some of the worse elements of our world, but we also have the responsibility of changing our world. HEF hopes to give you the encouragement, inspiration, and information to do just that!"

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below.   We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have FIVE WINNERS of this giveaway!


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST,  Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to check out the Special Offer - just for our fans on our sidebar!

3rd Giveaway - Fiction Prize Pack - Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills & Wounded Heart by Adina Senft

Book One: The Wounded Heart

When a business offer turns into something more personal, Amelia is torn between what logic tells her is right, and the desire of her heart.

A widow with two small children, Amelia Beiler is struggling to make ends meet. She is running her late husband's business, but it's not what she was raised to do, which is run a home. When she gets an offer for the business from Eli Fischer, she's only too relieved to consider it-especially when it looks like Eli's interest might include more than just the shop. But when she begins to experience strange physical symptoms and is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it's difficult not to question God's will. If she pursues the treatment she believes in, she risks going under the bann. But how can she allow Eli to court her when she can't promise him a future?

Includes instructions to make the quilt block featured in the novel.

Author Bio: Adina Senft grew up in a plain house church and was often asked if she was Amish. (The answer was no.) She holds an MFA in writing popular fiction from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania, where she is part of the adjunct faculty. Between books, Adina enjoys playing the piano and Celtic harp, making historical costumes, and spoiling her flock of rescued chickens.

Book Two - Sworn to Protect - autographed by DiAnn Mills





"Danika Morales has sworn to protect our borders. But that oath has come with a price. Two years ago, her husband was shot and killed trying to help undocumented immigrants—the very people Danika, a Border Patrol agent, is responsible for deporting. His murder was never solved. Now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads Danika to believe her husband’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy, and it appears that she’s the next target. When the Border Patrol discovers that one of their own is leaking top-secret information, Danika turns to the only person she can trust—a doctor at the local medical clinic. Together they search for answers before more innocent lives are destroyed."

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded.


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

2nd Giveaway - Three Chances to Win - Tiger Mouse Pads by National Geographic

Our 2nd Giveaway is THREE of these gorgeous, National Geographic tiger mousepads.

"The mouse pads in our colorful collection feature a high-resolution reproduction of one of the beautiful wildlife photographs that National Geographic is known for, a nonslip rubber base, a protected hard surface suitable for either a standard or optical mouse, and facts about each animal."

A perfect accessory to remind you of your Terrific Tigers DNG, don't you think?!

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have THREE WINNERS in this random drawing!



Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST,  Thursday, July 21st, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to check out the Special Offer on our sidebar from NatGeo Maps as well.

1st Giveaway - 10 Chance to Win - A Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance by Heidi St. John

Heidi St. John is a wife, mother, and homeschool mom of six children. In her book, The Busy Homeschool Mom's Guide to Romance, you will see a transparent view of a homeschool mom who looked deep within to find "That Girl" whom her husband married. In a busy household, it is easy to forget that your first love is the Lord, and your second love is your husband. Our children are not supposed to usurp our love for the Lord or our husbands.

The St. Johns are presenting "Real Life Homeschooling" workshops all across the U.S. this summer and are looking for hosts for evening workshops. Visit FCHM 2011 Road Trip to learn more.

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. TEN winners will be selected.


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 5:00 pm CST, Thursday, July 21, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

It's PARTY TIME - Again!

We had so much fun on Tuesday's Facebook Party that we couldn't wait to do it again!

Today - we are going to be hosting a Twitter Party from 2-3 pm (CST). 

Here's a little "pre-party" planning instructions for you....

First, you want to follow us @Unitstudies on Twitter (if you haven't already).

To help you locate all the fun - check out the hashtag #USABParty.  Then, grab that cool drink, get the kiddos involved in something educational, and join us for the party!

To enter the giveaways, leave your email address in the comments on the Blog. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded.

Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only.

You'll be able to enter the giveaways for up to 2 hours after the party - we don't want you to feel rushed.

Are you ready to party!

Congratulations Facebook Party Winners!

We had a great time at our Facebook Party, so glad you could make it!


Here's the winners of our Great Giveaways!  Thanks to all who participated!  Be sure you check your email inbox (and that spam folder too).  We are still waiting on a couple of winners to respond!



Giveaway #1 - Well Planned Day - Student Planner
Kathleen P.,   Dandridge, TN

Giveaway # 2 - National Geographic Tiger Mousepads
1-  Dana  L.  Georgetown SC
2 - Taylor W. Williamsport, MD
3 - Everyone - check your email inbox (maybe even that spam folder) We have contacted a winner we need to confirm!

Giveaway #3 - Autographed copy of Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills
Are you the winner?  Check your email!

Giveaway #4 - Home Educating Family Magazine - 1 Year Subscription
1 - Colleen S.  Derry NH
2  - Lori V.  Canton, MS
3  - Charley C.  Glendale, OR
4 - Wendy E., Chandler,  AZ
5 - This could be you...check your email!

Giveaway #5  Microbusiness for Teens by Carol Topp
Are you the winner?

Giveaway #6 - Autographed copy - Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis
Kayla A.  Warrensville, NC


Giveway #7 - One Year DNG Curriculum Packages
1 - Nicole L. Southbridge, MA
2 - Jenifer N. Mason, OH
3 - Penny K. Dawsonville, GA
4- Debbie P.  New Castle, DE
5 - Laura W.  Moorcroft, WY
6- Amy G.  Canton MS
7- Pamela H.  Fostoria, OH
8 - Kathy B.  Jasper, GA
9- Susan A.  Emmitsburg, MD
10 - Check your email, you may have won!

If you missed the fun on Facebook - you can join us TODAY on Twitter from 2-3 pm (CST)! Here's a tip:  @Unitstudies and #USABParty will help you find us.

Amanda will be live again, answering your questions.  We'll have fun, freebies and more great giveaways!

See you there!

The Shuttle and the Swing Set

For most of our children’s lives, we lived just about 30 miles south of Cape Canaveral on a small barrier island, and we loved it! Besides being able to hear the surf and feel the ocean breeze every time you stepped outside, you also had a prime spot to watch all the shuttle and rocket launches from the comfort of the back yard or, in the case of the kids, from the top of the swing set. They watched more launches with wonder over the years, and never tired of seeing the next one. The night launches were stunning and unforgettable.

After moving to the mountains of Tennessee, we stayed busy with establishing the farm, building our house, and having all kinds of great new adventures. One evening while watching the news, we heard about an upcoming shuttle launch. The older kids were lamenting that they wouldn’t be able to see it in person, and our youngest turned and asked with utter amazement, “You mean we won’t be able to watch it from the top of the swing set?” Um, epic fail at the concept of place in the world, I imagine. Somehow he had missed the reality of moving to a new part of the world and what that meant.

After explaining the difference in location to him using the globe, he understood the concept. However, he wound up the conversation with “I always thought that we could see everything from the swing set. It always worked when I was a kid before!” Ah, the simplicity of childhood . . . and the priceless fun and wonder that it brings into our lives.

- Amanda

Final Giveaway - TEN WINNERS of a One Year Download N Go Curriculum Package

Our Grand Finale Giveaways - TEN WINNERS of a One Year Download N Go Curriculum Package!

One full school year (36 weeks) of fun and adventure for your K - 4 student! This set includes the following one-week studies:

Amelia Earhart Astonishing Animals Ben Franklin Chocolate Challenge Constitution Celebration Crazy Cartoons Creation Camouflage Crunchy Cookies Davy Crockett Dolphin Days Easter Promise Expedition Africa Expedition Australia Expedition Canada Expedition China Expedition Ireland Expedition Israel Expedition Mexico

George Washington Goofy Gecko Handsome Horses Hoppin’ Popcorn Kite Capers Lewis & Clark Magnificent Moon Pizza Party Prairie Pioneers Rocking Robots Roller Coasters Simply Soccer Sunny Seashells Terrific Tigers Tremendous Trees Twisting Tornadoes Valentine’s Day Whale Tales

What a variety of topics! PLUS, we're throwing in some great BONUS items to help you get started with unit studies or just jump start your new school year. There's something for everyone in this amazing set!

BONUS items include:

• the exclusive Birthday Bonanza unit study
• the NEW DNG Teacher's Guide
• Unit Studies 101
• a coupon to purchase the soon-to-be-released Passport United Kingdom study for only $5 (delivered via email)

Your best year yet is here and ready to begin! You only need to add math and language arts to complete your year's curriculum.

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have TEN WINNERS of this giveaway!


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

6th Giveaway - Amish Prayers by Beverly Lewis

Our 6th Giveaway is - Amish Prayers: Heartfelt Expressions of Humility, Gratitude, and Devotion by Beverly Lewis - Autographed Copy!

Here a brief description:
" This exclusive authentic translation from the original German--with an introduction by Beverly Lewis--will give readers insights into the spiritual foundations of the Plain people. Each prayer is paired with a Scripture passage to draw readers closer to God. This hardcover illustrated gift book is perfect for old and new fans of Amish fiction alike."

About the Author
"Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in nine languages worldwide.  Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado."
 To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. 


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

5th Giveaway - Starting a Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp

Our 5th Giveaway - Starting a Micro Business for Teens by Carol Topp

Are you a teenager looking for a job?
Running into roadblocks?
"These days teenagers cannot get hired for entry-level jobs because adults are taking the jobs. Sometimes they can find a job, but don’t have a car to get them there. Or sometimes the job is not flexible with a teenagers life and the teenager is forced to choose working or sports, school or friends.

But you need some money! What can you do?

A micro business is a small and manageable business. It fits into your life. You can work as much as or little as you want, usually from home and when it’s convenient for you. You can also make good money-sometimes better than working fast food or at the mall."

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. 

Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to visit Carol Topp's Website- Microbusiness for Teens to see her curriculum!

4th Giveaway - 5 Chances to Win! Home Educating Family Magazine 1 Year Subscription

Our amazing friends at Home Educating Family Publishing have generously donated FIVE 1-year magazine subscriptions for our next giveaway!

About Home Educating Family Magazine:

"HEFM is committed to addressing those topics that influence us most deeply, such as parenting, marriage, biblical manhood and womanhood, and the family's important roles in the church and the government. At the same time, we give you immensely practical advice on implementing the newest and best ideas in homeschooling!

HEFM is for families who want their children to be able to think and thoughtfully engage the culture. Homeschoolers have the advantage of avoiding some of the worse elements of our world, but we also have the responsibility of changing our world. HEF hopes to give you the encouragement, inspiration, and information to do just that!"

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have FIVE WINNERS of this giveaway!


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to check out the Special Offer - just for our fans on our sidebar!

3rd Giveaway - Sworn to Protect - Autographed Copy by DiAnn Mills

Our 3rd Giveaway is something to keep you up at night, reading!

Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills - Autographed Copy!

Here's a review:

"With this heroine, DiAnn Mills has created a complex and compelling new character, one who will win your heart and respect. Sworn to Protect brings to vivid life the dangerous and unpredictable world of the Texas Border Patrol. Very enjoyable! (Mindy Starns Clark, best-selling author )"

From the Back Cover:

"Danika Morales has sworn to protect our borders. But that oath has come with a price.
Two years ago, her husband was shot and killed trying to help undocumented immigrants—the very people Danika, a Border Patrol agent, is responsible for deporting. His murder was never solved. Now, a recent string of attacks and arrests leads Danika to believe her husband’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy, and it appears that she’s the next target. When the Border Patrol discovers that one of their own is leaking top-secret information, Danika turns to the only person she can trust—a doctor at the local medical clinic. Together they search for answers before more innocent lives are destroyed."

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded.

Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

2nd Giveaway - 3 chances to win! - National Geographic Tiger Mousepads

Our second giveaway is THREE of these gorgeous, National Geographic tiger mousepads.

"The mouse pads in our colorful collection feature a high-resolution reproduction of one of the beautiful wildlife photographs that National Geographic is known for, a nonslip rubber base, a protected hard surface suitable for either a standard or optical mouse, and facts about each animal."

A perfect accessory to remind you of your Terrific Tigers DNG, don't you think?!

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. We will have THREE WINNERS in this random drawing!



Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to check out the Special Offer on our sidebar from NatGeo Maps as well.

1st Giveaway - Well Planned Day - Student Planner

Our friends at Home Educating Family Publishing have graciously donated a copy of their Well Planned Day - Student Planner as our first giveaway!

Here are some details for you:

Help your children learn to work independently! The Well Planned Day Student Planner is designed specifically for students in elementary and middle school years. The Student Planner comes in two design options and features full color pages, spiral bound pages with perforated corner tabs for easy reference. With over 175 pages, this convenient 9"x6" size planner is has it all: July - June monthly and daily layouts, monthly special projects and notes, weekly Bible verse with corresponding catechism (Westminster Shorter), and famous quotes. The student planners also have an extensive reference section on English, Writing, Mathematics, US Geography, World Geography, States and Capitols, US Wars, US Presidents, Solar System, and Space . Perfect for any student attending school or homeschooling!

2011-2012 Features
* Over 175 Full Color Pages
* Spiral Bound
* Convenient 9"x6" Size

Full Year Planner: July 2011 - June 2012

To enter the giveaway, leave your email address in the comments below, NOT on Facebook. We must have a way to contact you; comments without an email will be discarded. Finally, let us know if you would like the Floral Design (left image) or the Lines Design (right image).


Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. Contests are open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 4:00 pm CST, Tuesday, July 19, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Be sure to visit Home Educating Family Publishing to see all of the amazing tools they have to offer! See our sidebar for a special offer, just for USAB Fans!

We're having a PARTY!

Today is the BIG PARTY on Facebook!

If you're wondering what you need to do, here's a little "party planning" instructions for you.

First, you need to go and Like us on Facebook (if you haven't already).

Then, put your kiddos down for a nap...and meet up with us for some fun times, freebies, discounts and great giveaways from 1-2 pm (CDT). Just show up on our Facebook Page (the main USAB page, not our event page), and the fun will begin!

During our party, Amanda will be live - answering your questions. We will have freebies and of couse - great giveaways!

To enter our giveaways, you will follow the link to our Blog and leave a comment HERE (not on Facebook!) for the giveaways you are intersted in. You will need to leave your email address so we can contact you (entries without it will be discarded). You will be able to leave your comment for up to 2 hours after our party, we don't want you to feel rushed! Winners will be choosen randomly, and notified on Wednesday, July 20th. Our General Contest Rules will apply.

This is a great time to become a follower of our blog, you won't want to miss all of our exciting news coming this fall..

We are looking forward to spending some time with you, are you ready for a Party?!

Win a $100 CBD Gift Card

 

In addition to our 1-2-3 Offers, we are excited to announce a $100 Christian Book Distributors gift card giveaway to help with preparations for the upcoming school year!

But wait, there's more . . . check out the UnitStudy.com Specials Page. We've got products up to 50% off for a limited time.

To enter the giveaway, leave us a comment below with your email address. We need a way to contact you; entries without email addresses included will be discarded.

Please read the Contest Specific Rules before entering. The winner will be chosen by random drawing soon after 9:00 p.m. (CDT), Friday, July 29, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Only U.S. residents are eligible for USAB contests.

It's Celebrate Parents Week!

This week, we want to Celebrate Parents!

Parent's Day is on July 24th. What is Parent's Day? Why should we celebrate it?

This is from The National Parents Day Website

Why Parents' Day?

"In every culture and time period, the family has stood as the most fundamental human institution. Family is the starting point of life, the sustainer of well-being, and the school of love. The most powerful of human bonds is the parent-child relationship.

Is there any more important calling than that of nurturing and raising a child?"

Parents' Day is a great time to recoginze and celebrate this high calling we have been given. In honor of Parents - we want to celebrate together!

Our Parents Fun Pack, is a great way to focus in on Mom and Dad with our Mother's Day Download N Go and our Father's Day Download N Go studies. These units are more than just a study of one particular day. You and your child will learn about influential mothers and fathers of the Bible and so much more! Each unit is full of fun recipes, crafts and activities to celebrate our Parents as well.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page for other fun ways to celebrate Parents Day this week.

And, don't miss our Facebook Party on Tuesday, July 17th 1-2 pm(CDT), and our Twitter Party on Thursday, July 21st 2-3 (CDT). It's a great opportunity to ask Amanda your questions, and of course - great giveaways, freebies and discounts!

Fantastic Friday

Remember looking up in the sky at the stars? Well, with this you can create your very own starry sky in your bedroom.

Contents: night sky domes of northern and southern hemispheres, lamp, detailed instructions including star charts of both hemispheres. 4 AA batteries required, not included.

To enter the Fantastic Friday giveaway, simply leave us a comment below (not on FB) telling us you what your favorite Night sky memory is. 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, July 17, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

A Personal Invitation!

We're having a PARTY (actually two parties) and you're invited!

Join Amanda on Tuesday, July 19, from 1 - 2 p.m. (CDT) on the USAB Facebook page.

She'll be online to answer your questions and talk about using unit studies in your homeschool. Here's your chance to ask her what you want to know! Leave your questions below in the comment so that we can answer them at the party.

Mark your calendars! You won't want to miss this wonderful opportunity to chat with Amanda, share some laughs, and receive special coupon codes for free products, and don't forget the giveaways!

RSVP here!

You can also join us on Twitter on Thursday, July 21, from 2 - 3 pm (CDT) for some more fun!


Can't wait to see you there, bring your friends!

Milky Way, Shooting Stars and Memories

One of the first things that we learned about summer nights in the country was that the Milky Way was directly overhead, and that it was HUGE! Having moved here to the dark nights of the Appalachian Mountains from the bright city lights of Florida, we were stunned to find out what we had been missing. Once we added a telescope, we were totally hooked. God’s creation was never easier to see, and the thrill of watching the night skies has never lessened.

Since those early discoveries, we have made it a top priority to watch the evening skies with our children. From meteor showers to passing comets, we have made great use of the night sky news from sources like www.SpaceWeather.com.

Another discovery that we made by watching the sky was that we could actually spot satellites as they passed overhead. We watched many shuttles, the International Space Station, and many other satellites tumble in and out of the sunlight, and what a thrill that was! We spent many a night outside on the picnic table, watching for shooting stars and satellites, and we have made so many memories.

Pick a fairly cool night and head outside. Your children can learn things like knowing how to find the North Star and the constellations and so much more. No electricity required--just go outdoors with your crew, and watch creation fly by!

Unit of the Week - Magnificent Moon Download N Go

Moons, walking on the moon, moon rocks, moon trees, the man in the moon, even moon cookies!

The Unit of the Week is Magnificent Moon Download N Go. Studying the moon will open up your child's imagination and curiosity about everything out there in the night sky!

 

When I was growing up, we spent many nights outside learning about the stars, the constellations, and the moon. I used to dream about being an astronaut, blasting off in a rocket to travel the universe and see it all! I will never forget the night that men first walked on the moon—seeing it on television and then running outside to look at the moon in the sky and dream about going there one day. I haven’t made it to the moon yet, but I was able to go to college and become an engineer who studied rocket
science and eventually write these studies for children.

With Magnificent Moon, I hope that kids of all ages can learn more about the moon and become inspired, too! They can’t seem to see enough of that bright white orb hanging in the sky, and that is where learning begins.

With Magnificent Moon, you and your child will learn about the moon: the features of the moon, how it causes our ocean tides, where men have walked the surface of the moon, and so much more. With the Internet, your child can watch a lunar eclipse, rockets launched to the moon, lunar landings, and the amazing astronaut walks on the 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.

Be sure to check our Facebook page often this week to see more links, activities and FUN to go with Magnificent Moon! 

You won't want to miss out on our week of inspiration from Amanda, fun ideas to go with this unit, Terrific Tuesday, and of course, our Fantastic Friday giveaway!

Fantastic Friday

Fantastic Friday time!  This week, our friends at National Geographic  have graciously donated an awesome tool for you to use.  A 51" x 40" - United States Wall Map!

Here's a great description from them:

"Introducing a new series of National Geographic maps designed specifically for kids. Our new graded-series of maps are the first to address the unique needs of K-12 students as they advance their understanding of our world.

Unlike other classroom poster maps, ours utilize the Winkel-Triple projection, which provides the best combination of size, shape, and distance giving students the best visual representation of the Earth’s surface. This solves the effect seen on other maps where Greenland appears larger than South America.

Our Beginners' Series maps of the U.S. and the world are easy to read and perfect for young learners in kindergarten through third grade."

Be sure to visit National Geographic's website to see all their cool tools (perfect additions to your unit study!)

To enter the Fantastic Friday giveaway, simply leave us a comment below (not on FB) telling us you where your favorite Baseball team's location is.  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, July 10, 2011. Winners will be notified by email and announced here on the blog, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

Sports for the Unaware

I don’t know about you, but I grew up in a football household. My dad was a college quarterback, and we all learned to throw the football with him from the time we were old enough to throw a spiral. We shared his love of football and made it a point to know the game so that we could all share in the football experience, from local high school games to Sunday afternoon NFL games. That was OUR sport.

Imagine my surprise when our kids all wanted to play baseball or softball, in the case of our daughter. What? Baseball wasn’t a REAL sport! Seriously? Okay, fine, we’ll just see how long they stick with it. Boy, were we wrong. Now, many years later, we are STILL going to baseball games and probably will be for some time to come.

All the while, I’ve been trying to learn the rules and strategy of this game. I have learned about left-handed pitching, switch hitting, bat regulations, pitching limits, hand signals, bunting, and much more. I look at my husband from time to time as we sit on the bleachers and have to smile. We were so unaware when we were planning our children’s futures at birth. We are still learning!

-Amanda

What is this?!

The Summer of Fun - July Calendar is now available!

If you don't have it yet, get your Free copy here. You're going to want to look it over right now . . .





because the topic of today's post is that black and white box on the ad on the last page of the calendar. Did you notice that?

What is it?

It's a new tool for you to use!  It's called a Quick Response Code (QR).  You can scan it with your iPhone, Android or other smart phone and get quickly linked to information you are interested in.  Unlike traditional bar codes, you don't need a special scanner to read it, just a scanning app on your smart phone; and the two-dimensional QR Code can hold much more information than a bar code.

These handy tools have been widely used in Japan, and have now made their way to us.  Have you ever seen something new to you, and then after "discovering" it, you start to see it everywhere?  Well, that's what you are about to experience with QR Codes--you're going to be seeing them everywhere!! The next time you're in the grocery store, watch for them; they've been seen on bottles of dish soap, cartons of fresh strawberries, magazines, even web pages on the Internet.

At USAB we love finding ways to help you get the information you need and want, quickly and easily. QR Codes will do just that.

Go ahead, give it a try . . .

If you don't already have a scanning app on your phone, look for one where you buy apps (a search for "QR reader" or "QR scanner" will probably take you to what you need). After you've downloaded it to your phone, scan the QR code in the July Summer of Fun calendar or the one shown in this blog post, then start watching for other QR codes around you.  You'll be amazed at where you find them and what information they lead you to.