The Thanksgiving Fun is Just Getting Started!

Good morning, all! For those that are just joining us, welcome! You are joining us in the first week of our four-week ThanksgivingFacebook Co-op, and we are already enjoying the group effort!

 

Many families are working through the Thanksgiving Unit Study together.  As part of the co-op, we have designed a four-week plan that allows us to share some helpful finds, our new Fruit of the Spirit Bible study and printable activity, ideas, and encouragement - oh, and some other surprises over the next four weeks, too. :)

 

The Fruit of the Spirit Bible study/printable activity has been designed as a companion for the Thanksgiving co-op. You can download the Free printable     and jump right in anytime.   We will be continuing the Fruit of the Spirit Bible study with devotional posts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through the Co-op, taking a look at each component in the days ahead.  

The Blessings Tree is a simple idea that I had when our children were young and I wrote the very first Thanksgiving study. I was trying to come up with a fun way to "count your blessings" for them so that it would be a fun thing to do each day. We were living in Florida at the time, and I missed the autumn leaves and their colors, and the idea of the Blessings Tree was born. :)

 

It is described in the Thanksgiving Unit Study, and has been a hit with families - you wouldn't believe some of the stories that parents share about the things that kids write on the leaves! :) It is an optional project for the family to do to help keep this season focused on blessings and giving thanks. We'd love to see pictures of your family's tree!

 

 

Blessings,

Amanda B.

 

PS - SAVE some of the most precious leaves - years later, they will bring back great memories, many smiles, and a good perspective on the path that you followed.

Thanksgiving Favorites to Share

As we celebrate Thanksgiving together this year, on Tuesday's we will be highlighting some well-loved book suggestions for Read-Alouds, Younger Students and Older Students from the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure.


Family Read-Aloud:

William Bradford: Plymouth’s Faithful Pilgrim, by Gary D. Schmidt. Published by William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.

A terrific book for the family, particularly for ages 10 and up. The author carefully walks the reader through the childhood, developing faith, and experiences of William Bradford. The book
brings together the details of the Separatists – their emigration from England to the Netherlands and then to the New World. The artwork, maps, and photos add depth and unforgettable meaning to the story of this man and his work to establish a vital colony.  

Younger Students:

Samuel Eaton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy , by Kate Waters.Published by Scholastic Trade.

Step back in time and spend a day with seven-year-old Samuel Eaton as he helps to bring in the rye harvest-a man's job-for the first time. Exited to be doing such grown-up work, he perseveres through blisters and soreness, and at the end of the day earns the compliment of being invited him to help with later harvests. Learn what clothes are worn, what chores had to be done, what people ate, and other information about what life in 1627's Plimoth Plantation. 40 pages with glossary and historical information, softcover. Ages 4 and up.

Sarah Morton’s Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl, by Kate Waters. Published by Scholastic Trade.

See what a day in the life of 9-year-old Pilgrim Sarah Morton was like! A classic Thanksgiving book, photographs of Plimoth Plantation interpreters show the chores, games, education, garments, and lifestyle of 1627 alongside the story of Sarah's friendship with her friend Elizabeth and her family's life with a new stepfather. 32 pages with glossary, softcover.

 

 

Older Students:

The Landing of the Pilgrims , by James Daugherty. Published by Random House.

 

In England in the early 1600s, everyone was forced to join the Church of England. Young William Bradford and his friends believed they had every right to belong to whichever church they wanted. In the name of religious freedom, they fled to Holland, then sailed to America to start a new life. But the winter was harsh, and before a year passed, half the settlers had died. Yet, through hard work and strong faith, a tough group of Pilgrims did survive. Their belief in freedom of religion became an American ideal that still lives on today.

James Daugherty draws on the Pilgrims' own journals to give a fresh and moving account of their life and traditions, their quest for religious freedom, and the founding of one of our nation's most beloved holidays—Thanksgiving. Ages 10 and up.

Be sure to join us on Facebook for our Thanksgiving Co-op, we're sharing this study together all through the month with community, caring and creativity!

Welcome to our 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Co-op!

I just wanted to take a minute to invite you to join us for the Second Annual Thanksgiving Co-op on our Facebook page! Starting this morning, we’re kicking off this fun, online event, which will run through Thanksgiving.

 

What better way to help families using the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure, than to have a month-long cooperative with our Facebook friends? I’ll be answering your questions as you and your family work through the study.  We're looking forward to enjoying  the community: sharing fun and laughter, caring: sharing tips and encouragment, and creativity: sharing recipes, crafts, resources and more!

In addition,  each weekday during the Thanksgiving Co-op, we will be sharing Scripture, devotions, recipes, activities, and lots of Thanksgiving fun.  You do not want to miss a single day! 

 

 

 

 

Let's Get Started! 

 Here Are Our Learning Objectives For Week One:

• Define “thanksgiving”
• Discover what the Reformation was, and how it impacted churchgoers of England
• Find out who the Separatists were, and why they had to leave England
• Learn about the Pilgrims emigration to Holland - where they went and what they discovered there

I Am Not in This Alone. Ever.

When I’m on the road, speaking to parents about homeschooling, parenting, family life, and running a business, I am often asked, “How do you get it all done and still stay sane?” Great question! First, I have learned to give thanks for each and every day, enjoying them as if they were my last. I try to remember to grab quiet moments to reflect and watch with wonder—the children, the clouds, a dazzling sunset, the ever-changing trees, and whatever else catches my attention.

I’ve learned to make a habit of looking for God’s fingerprints in unexpected places, and I treasure the discovery of His touch. I live each day with great expectation, anticipating miracles and blessings and insight at every turn in the path, instead of worrying or expecting the worst.

My faith makes this a reality—day-by-day expectations of seeing God’s hand and knowing that I am not in this alone. Try it on for size. We serve a mighty God!

Blessings,

Amanda B.

Here We Grow Again!

Thanks for helping us celebrate Download N Go’s third birthday this month in such a BIG way! With 50 titles and more on the way, we are thankful for you, our customers, and we’re working hard to plan for growth. This series, like a young child, is growing in amazing and fantastic ways, and we are thankful that it is such a successful learning tool!

 

 

 

As we continue to expand the series, we are working to accommodate the growth and improve our existing products. While doing this, we are updating some of the titles. If any of your past purchases are impacted, we will contact you via email to let you know how to download your updated version of the product.

 

Thanks again for making the DNG birthday so much fun and for spreading the word about this winning series. Keep an eye on your email inbox—we’ll keep you posted if you need new download links for any of your past purchases.

 

You all are the best customers we could ask for! As always, if you have any questions or come across any study in which the links don’t work, please let us know right away! We'll take care of you!

 

Blessings,

 

Amanda B.

We're Cooking Up Holiday Fun and a BIG Giveaway . . .

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett is celebrating Thanksgiving in a big way this year, with a BIG, BIG giveaway. The winner of this giveaway will receive THEIR CHOICE of . . . 

KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart stand mixer (approx. $349 value)

or

$300 Amazon gift card 

Just imagine this new, shiny, red KitchenAid Mixer sitting on your countertop and all the memories you could be cooking up with your family during the holdiay season! 

Or, how about a $300 Amazon Gift Card? . . .  Now that will make a big dent in your shopping list.

Don’t miss YOUR chance to win, CLICK HERE to sign up today!

Don't miss our 2nd Annual Thankgiving Facebook Co-op - Let's take the Thanksgiving journey together this year - RSVP today!  The co-op begins Monday, October 29th.

• Community - We'll be sharing fun and laughter
• Caring - Teaching tips and encouragement
• Creativity - Ideas, recipes, resources and craft projects

Stop by our Facebook page - we'll have special "Getting Ready for the Co-op" tips for you each day this week! 

And Don't forget to get your Thanksgiving Unit Study for just $6 this week - get ready to join the fun!

What a Bright Idea!

In honor of Thomas Edison's invention of electric lighting - we have a bright idea for you!

 

Heroes of Invention - Stories of Bravery and Courage

 

Today only - 55% off with code Lightbulb55

Regularly $10.95

 

 

Using fascinating stories of early inventors, Amanda has assembled 18 historical stories of various inventors from centuries past. Using stories of these inventors (written in the 1800s), she has developed a wonderful collection that teach not only about the inventors and their inventions, but also about the history of the time, the trials they endured and how they stayed committed to their ideas.

 

This collection is perfect for the student who is imaginative and creative. Help them to see how others have used these special traits as a blessing!

 

Do you have a student who is an "out-of-the-box" type of thinker? A bit different, and in need of some encouragement? This collection of stories can be a breath of fresh air for them, and an assurance that it's okay to be different! 

 

With many illustrations and clickable Internet links throughout, you will find that these stories are interesting and educational, moving the student along through changes in civilization with real people and real struggles.  God has woven all of these people and events together in a most captivating way, and these studies help students grasp this concept.

 

In this series of story collections, Amanda has rediscovered and rewritten stories of heroes throughout history for today's students. Unlike her unit studies, these stories simply tell the captivating tales of history's heroes in story format.

 

Take a peek inside this 111-page collection.

 

Code good through Midnight (MST) 10/19/12

 

October Thoughts About Learning and Marriage and LIFE!

It’s a frosty morning and I’m enjoying the smell of wood burning in the fireplace as I sip my coffee. The seasons are marching on, and this one is beautiful. I hope that you and your crew are getting ready for a new season of life and learning.

 I used to wonder if we would lose our love of learning once the kids were grown and moving on to their life’s adventure. I imagine that some of you wonder the same thing as you look ahead. Wonder no more—the love and thirst for learning continue, and the children still call for help with ideas, bosses, businesses, and more. ;)

 Can you picture me still sitting up here in the mountains, writing and investigating and having the time of my life without children around? If you said yes, you’re right. That’s exactly what I do when I’m home!

My husband and I are enjoying the time together. We’re very thankful that we anticipated this phase of our life during our years of homeschooling and took some special steps to make this a time of wonder and fun. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to our Top 10 Tips for Successful Homeschooling MP3, it’s worth the time to listen to some of the things that we learned along the way, particularly about taking care of our marriage as we raised and homeschooled kids.

 

Blessings,

Amanda B.

Autumn Means Fundraising for Busy Homeschoolers

   

As a mom of homeschooled kids, this season always opens up a time of sports, co-ops, planning for mission trips, and plenty of other great adventures. This ALSO begins the time where fundraising ramps up and everyone looks for new and effective ways to pay for these plans.

 Here at the Bennett house, we’ve been involved in all kinds of fundraising for baseball and basketball teams, and on and on – selling citrus, chrysanthemums (you should have seen our van pull up for deliveries J), Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Christmas gift wrap, candy, and so much more.

However, they were pretty commercial endeavors, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve discovered a new kind of fundraising that involves families on both sides of business. At last. And I LOVE their balsam wreaths – the smell and the look of the fresh evergreens are perfect for the season.

Wreaths of Maine is a wreath-making business in Maine, begun 30 years ago, and they work primarily with homeschooling groups and families trying to raise funds for all kinds of projects. I can tell you that their handmade wreaths are gorgeous, and that they are so appreciated by the recipients!

From their website:

“Fundraisers are for groups, families, and individuals that need to raise funds. That is where Wreaths of Maine helps. Thousands of homeschooling families have been earning money selling Christmas wreaths and those funds have gone to pay for music camps, science fair traveling expenses, trips to museums and one student saved up to buy a horse...”

 

If your group or clan is looking for a great way to do some fundraising, check out this business. Visit their Facebook page and their website, ask all of your questions, and see what you think. I know where my wreath will come from this year!

 

Blessings,

Amanda B.

Simple Holidays and Homeschool Memories

The first holiday season of our homeschooling years was such a game changer at our house. In previous years, we had stayed busy, rushing from school plays and events to church activities, and the holidays went by in a blur. As a new homeschooling mom, I was determined that we were going to learn about the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, the history and meaning of each one, as well as spend time together as a family, building traditions, finding ways to help others, and making memories.


 You can do the same thing with your family! Spend time investigating all the wonders of autumn and then get ready for our second annual Thanksgiving and Christmas Facebook co-ops. Learn more about our co-ops here, and then make plans to join us! Connect with other families around the world as we explore these traditional holidays and consider just what they mean in our lives. You'll be inspired by the insights and practical ideas of other homeschoolers just like you!


Whatever the ages of your crew, be sure to spend time making memories that they can pass on to their children.

 

Blessings,


Amanda B.

Don't miss this fantastic giveaway . . . 

 

This week we have a BEAUTIFUL giveaway to help you get ready for the holidays. Our friends at Wreaths of Maine have generously donated a Classic Christmas Wreath decorated with Austrian Pine cone, holly berries and baby breath, measuring 2 feet wide and hand made from fresh fragrant balsam fir front and back making it an extra thick wreath. The prize winner's wreath will be shipped to arrive the week after Thanksgiving.

You've Got a Second Chance!

Even though we're coming to the end of DNG's birthday celebration week, you haven't missed out on the chances to save! We're not ending the fun and savings yet.

Until midnight (MST) tonight, we are giving you a second chance to save big on Download N Go studies. We're bringing back ALL of the daily specials from this week!

Astonishing Animals reg. $7.95, sale $3 Bountiful Bread reg. $7.95, sale $3 Chocolate Challenge reg. $7.95, sale $3 Crazy Cartoons reg. $7.95, sale $3 Crunchy Cookies reg. $7.95, sale $3 Expedition China reg. $7.95, sale $3 Expedition Israel reg. $7.95, sale $3 Expedition Mexico reg. $7.95, sale $3

Hoppin' Popcorn reg. $7.95, sale $3 Kite Capers reg. $7.95, sale $3 Pizza Party reg. $7.95, sale $3 Rocking Robots reg. $7.95, sale $3 Roller Coasters reg. $7.95, sale $3 Simply Soccer reg. $7.95, sale $3 Whale Tales reg. $7.95, sale $3

Birthday Bonanza

just released for individual purchase, is on sale this week!

Last chance--TODAY only--$5!

It's been a crazy-fun week, but we're not letting it end yet. Help us wind up a wild week of celebrating with this last day of savings!

Blessings,

Amanda B.

 

 

 

 

Congratulations Friday Winners!

Our Final Friday Winners of the $10 USAB Gift Coupon are....

R. Blaise

J. Shod

J. Betchtel



I am thrilled to have celebrated this special occasion with you!  Thanks so much for sharing your stories, pictures, questions, and ideas with us - you all are our TOP concern, and you are so important to us.  

Thanks for making these first three years of Download N Go some of the best yet!

 

Blessings,

Amanda B.

DNG is 3! Friday Fun is about to Begin!

Hurray! It's time to PARTY! We are marking the third birthday of the Download N Go series with some serious savings and fun. After three years, this series has grown to more than 50 titles of favorite topics and places, and it's time to share in the celebration!

Don't miss a single day--each will have its own dynamic deals--make sure to visit us daily!

Friday Specials

Today Only
Get these Download N Go studies for only $3 each

Pizza Party, Expedition Mexico, Simply Soccer

Don't miss your chance!

Birthday Bonanza Download N Go is now available--

Just $5 all week long.

This is your chance! 

Today we'll be selecting three customers who made purchases to receive a $10 USAB gift coupon. Use it now, save it for later, or give it to a friend!

 

 

Come back tomorrow--we'll announce the daily winners right here! (check your Inbox as well!)

Congratulations Thursday Winners!

The Thursday Winners of the $10 USAB Gift Coupon are....

K. Malingowski 

M. Anseil

 

H. Duering

Make a purchase today, and you'll be included in the drawing for our FINAL three USAB $10 Gift Coupons tomorrow!

DNG is 3! Check out Today's Specials!

Hurray! It's time to PARTY! We are marking the third birthday of the Download N Go series with some serious savings and fun. After three years, this series has grown to more than 50 titles of favorite topics and places, and it's time to share in the celebration!

Don't miss a single day--each will have its own dynamic deals--make sure to visit us daily!

Thursday Specials
 

Today Only
Get these Download N Go studies for only $3 each 
 

Rocking Robots, Hoppin Popcorn, Expedition Israel
 

 

Don't miss your chance!
 

Birthday Bonanza Download N Go is now available--

Just $5 all week long.

We're thanking YOU, our customer,
every day this week!

Each day this week we'll be selecting three customers who made purchases during the previous day to receive a $10 USAB gift coupon. Use it now, save it for later, or give it to a friend!

 

Check back here to see if you win (and check your Inboxes!)

Congratulations Wednesday Winners!

Congratulations Wednesday Winners!

The Wednesday Winners of the $10 USAB Gift Coupon are....

B. Flescher

K. Swenson

J. McDougal

 

Make a purchase today, and you'll be included in the drawing for 3 USAB $10 Gift Coupons tomorrow!

DNG is 3! Check out Wednesday's Specials!

Hurray! It's time to PARTY! We are marking the third birthday of the Download N Go series with some serious savings and fun. After three years, this series has grown to more than 50 titles of favorite topics and places, and it's time to share in the celebration!

Don't miss a single day--each will have its own dynamic deals--make sure to visit us daily!

Wednesday Specials
 

Today Only

Get these Download N Go studies for only $3 each

Crunchy Cookies, Roller Coasters, Astonishing Animals

Don't miss your chance!

Birthday Bonanza Download N Go is now available--

Just $5 all week long.

We're thanking YOU, our customer,
every day this week!

Each day this week we'll be selecting three customers who made purchases during the previous day to receive a $10 USAB gift coupon. Use it now, save it for later, or give it to a friend!

Come back -we'll announce the daily winners right here! (check your Inbox as well!)

Congratulations Tuesday Winners!

The Tuesday Winners of the $10 USAB Gift Coupon are....

C. Lee

K. Cook

D. Wooley

 


Make a purchase today, and you'll be included in the drawing for 3 USAB $10 Gift Coupons tomorrow!

DNG is 3! Did You Win? Tuesday Specials are Ready!

Hurray! It's time to PARTY! We are marking the third birthday of the Download N Go series with some serious savings and fun. After three years, this series has grown to more than 50 titles of favorite topics and places, and it's time to share in the celebration!

Don't miss a single day--each will have its own dynamic deals--make sure to visit us daily!

Tuesday Specials
 

 

Today Only
Get these Download N Go studies for only $3 each 
 

Chocolate Challenge, Expedition China, Crazy Cartoons

 

 

Don't miss your chance!

Birthday Bonanza Download N Go is now available--

Just $5 all week long.

We're thanking YOU, our customer,
every day this week!

Each day this week we'll be selecting three customers who made purchases during the previous day to receive a $10 USAB gift coupon. Use it now, save it for later, or give it to a friend!

 

Monday's Winners are....

L. Hamilton, R. McFarland, D. Rice

Come back tomorrow--we'll announce the daily winners right here! (check your Inbox as well!)