Happy Birthday American Pioneer - Johnny Appleseed!

With the arrival of autumn in many places in America comes the time to harvest the apple crop from nearby farms and orchards. When this country was still quite young and pioneers were moving west to new lands, one man helped provide food for their new land. Who was Johnny Appleseed, and how was he involved in the spread of apple trees across America?  This week we celebrate his birthday!

Here's a few fun links from Autumn Treasures Download N Go to get you started learning about this famous American pioneer:

Johnny Appleseed

Johnny

The Legend of Johnny Appleseed

All About Apples: Good for cooking, craft projects, and more

Here are some of the books that complement this unit study. You do not need them all- just try to find a few that sound interesting for your students.  Unit study tip: When working on unit studies, it can be so helpful to take a laundry basket and redefine its purpose—it will now become the unit study/library book basket! This way, the books are easier to locate when you need them, and it really does become a habit after a while. Read on!

Johnny Appleseed, by Reeve Lindbergh. ISBN 0316526347

Johnny Appleseed: John Chapman, God’s Faithful Planter, by David R. Collins. ISBN 0880621346

Johnny Appleseed: The Story of a Legend, by Will Moses. ISBN 0142401382

Red Are the Apples, by Marc Harshman and Cheryl Ryan. ISBN 0152060650

Apples, by Jacqueline Farmer. ISBN 1570916942

Ten Red Apples, by Pat Hutchins. ISBN 0688167977

How Do Apples Grow? by Betsy Maestro. ISBN 0064451178

The Apple Pie Tree, by Zoe Hall. ISBN 0590623826

Applesauce, by Shirley Kurtz. ISBN 1561480657

More fun learning adventures are waiting for you and your child. Use code "Apple4U" to get Autumn Treasures Download N Go for just $4 through 10/1/11!

Don't forget to load your wagon with our Wild West Adventure Week special prices!

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!)

Celebrate George Washington's 279th Birthday!

Happy President's Day from 

Unit Studies by Amanda Bennett!

Regular Price: $40

Sale: $27.90

In honor of the Father of Our County, we have put together a special bundle to make it easy for you to teach your children about American government, the U.S. Constitution, our founding fathers and patriotic holidays.  A combination of Unit Study Adventures and Download N Go, this Patriotic Fun Pack will give you 11 weeks of unit studies centered around American history. What a great way to finish out your school year, beginning this holiday week! For just $27.90, you'll receive all of the following downloadable units: 

Regular Price: $10.95

American Government Unit Study Adventures 

We know that we need to teach our children the basics of American government, but how can we study it so that we all stay interested while real learning takes place? The people and events in the history of American government tell a tale that brings the basics of our government to life. Who were the Founding Fathers, and why are they still such hot topics of debate? Just exactly what was the "Great Compromise" and what difference did it make? And, wait until you learn about the Electoral College and the real reason for its creation. Given this precious gift of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" as American citizens, the next generation needs to learn the importance of what it means to be an American and what part the government plays in their daily lives, and how they can make a difference.

Regular Price $10.95

Patriotic Holidays Unit Study Adventures 

Patriotic Holidays was written to help parents teach their children about patriotism, the true history and meaning of our uniquely American patriotic holidays. It is packed with information for spending a week on each of the American patriotic holidays:

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

Regular Price $7.95

Constitution Celebration Download N Go™ 

Share your convictions regarding love of freedom and country with your children while learning about men in powdered wigs and hot woolen clothes, struggling to create the most significant document ever seen in this country. From May 25 to September 17, 1787, they spent long, hot hours in the heat of summer to accomplish a commendable task—save the Union and unite the 13 Colonies.

Regular Price $7.95

George Washington Download N Go™ 

There's so much to discover about this favorite American soldier and President! Wouldn't it be a perfect month to let the learning sparks fly and add a little week-long celebration in honor of him to your studies? Perhaps even plan a party!

Regular Price $7.95

Ben Franklin Download N Go™ 

Was Ben Franklin an inventor or a founding father? And what were some of his inventions? Your child may know some facts about Benjamin Franklin, but the whole family will learn more with these activities. "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."—Ben Franklin

Purchase the Patriotic Fun Pack today!

On sale through February 26, 2011

The cure for cabin fever....unit study-style!

I don't know about you, but I'm already counting down the days to spring.  For many of us, it's cold and snowy, and aside from some sledding and snowman-building, time spent outside has been limited! Cabin fever has set in!

We have the cure for your cabin fever......fun titles your students are sure to enjoy and that will take everyone's minds off the cold weather.

Regularly $10.95
Now $5
Sale ends 1/31/11

From Unit Study Adventures, take off with our 4-week Space unit study. 

This unit study will help your children begin to see just how vast the universe is and how amazing God's creations are. From studying the early astronomers to the men and women who have traveled into space, learning about our solar system and galaxies, and so much more -- the study of space opens up a child's world as well as their imagination and curiosity about everything that is in the night sky. 

Regularly $10.95
Now $5
Sale ends 1/31/11

Also from Unit Study Adventures, the Scrapbooking unit study will inspire creativity for you and your students.  Scrapbook your unit studies, or spend some time scrapbooking photos from Christmas, that last birthday party, or last summer's vacation. If you're like me, all of those pictures remain on your hard drive, loosely organized.  Are you  surprised to find out that there were famous scrapbookers, like Mark Twain and President Grover Cleveland? Learn the history of scrapbooking while preserving your precious memories with this 4-week unit study!

Regularly $10.95

Now $5

Sale ends 1/31/11

We have one more Unit Study Adventures title that will really have your crew looking forward to spring....spring traing, that is! Our 4-week unit study, Baseball, will not only excite the sports-lover in your house, it will also teach them more geography, history, and science that you can imagine. So, batter up, you're sure to score with this one!

Regularly $28
Now $20
Sale ends 1/31/11

From Download N Go, our Cabin Fever Fun Pack is sure to keep everyone busy learning, creating, and having fun!  With 4-one week unit studies, this fun pack will just about get you to spring! Titles in this bundle include:

Winter Wonders

Expedition Canada

Magnificent Moon

Hoppin' Popcorn

From winter nature walks, to phases of the moon, the arctic tundra to cornfield mazes, there's so much to do and see with this engaging fun pack!


Join our mailing list!

New Release: Prairie Pioneers

What do the Oregon Trail, John Deere and sod houses have in common? Pioneers, of course!

Prairie Pioneers: Conestoga wagons filled with supplies, rugged trails taking months to cross, courage and hope amidst danger.

There’s so much to learn about pioneers!

Day 1: What is a pioneer?

Day 2: The Story of Pioneers

Day 3: Science Secrets of the Prairie

Day 4: Lessons to Learn from Pioneers

Day 5: Cool Things About Pioneers

Pioneer life was in some ways much simpler, but in other ways, so much more difficult than life today. Your children’s imaginations will go wild with thoughts of wagon trains and Native Americans, bison and cooking by the campfire.

Come follow the pioneers from the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, along the Oregon Trail, to the great American West.  Learn what their daily lives were like, what chores the children were in charge of, what they ate, the challenges they faced, and the rewards they received for their perseverance and faith!

Take a peek inside this unit!

Purchase Prairie Pioneers today!

Boomerang Fun and Kindle Winner Announcement!

First things, first! The winner of the Kindle, in our 12 Days of Christmas Celebration, is Sharon Rodriquez, from California! Congratulations Sharon!!

The next bit of great news is that we have decided to Boomerang most of the 12 Days of Christmas specials! So for those of you who were traveling,  taking care of sick kids, or just regretted not picking up one of these awesome deals, you now have a second chance!

These specials will only last until Sunday night, January 9, 11:59 MT.

Tremendous Trees
Regularly $7.95
Now $2

Autumn Treasures, Summer Sensations
Winter Wonders, Spring Surprises
Regularly $7.95 each
Now $4 each

Scrapbooking, Gardens, Trains, Dogs
Regularly 10.95 each
Now $4.95 each

American Government,
Digital Photography, Horses
Regularly $10.95 each
Now $5.95 each

Swimming Fun Pack
Regularly: $24
Now $15

Expedition Fun Pack
Regularly $30
Now $20

Take Flight Fun Pack
Regularly $30
Now $20

Mom's Favorite Fun Pack
Regularly $28
Now $14.95

Melodious Fun Pack
Regularly $34
Now $19.95

Joyful Noise Fun Pack
Regularly $34
Now $20

Day 6: 12 Days of Christmas with Amanda Bennett

On the 6th day of Christmas, I hope I win the prize.....a brand new Kindle, JUST MY SIZE!!

Today, we're celebrating the 6th day in our 12 Days of Christmas special!

We hope that you've already taken a couple of minutes to enter to win a Kindle.  All you have to do is enter your email address at the bottom of the 12 Days of Christmas webpage, click the "Win a  Prize" box and submit, and you'll be entered to win in our drawing on January 7!

Now back to the specials! Three of our favorite Amanda Bennett Unit Studies are available to you for $5.95 each! The titles include:

Digital Photography One of the things that is most amazing in children is their sense of wonder. When you capture their interest, you capture their sense of wonder and open the door to learning. This new unit study on digital photography helps to capture their wonder and investigate the world around them, while learning about science, history, geography, and art at the same time. Using this four-week unit study, they will learn about how a digital camera works and how to use one. They will also learn about some of the basic elements of good composition and other important aspects of taking a good picture.

American Government The people and events in the history of American government tell a tale that brings the basics of our government to life. Who exactly were the Founding Fathers, and why are they still such hot topics of debate? Why did they want to not only break away from England, but form a new and very different form of government? Just exactly what was the “Great Compromise” and what difference did it make? And, by the way, wait until you learn about the Electoral College and the real reason for its creation. 

Horses From a stick horse to a rocking horse, we are introduced to horses at an early age, and continue to be mesmerized by them throughout childhood. With thoughts of being cowboys and cowgirls, children play in imaginary haylofts and ride magnificent horses in their minds. This study uses this interest and curiosity to help them learn about history, science, geography and the care and keep of horses.

Each title is downloadable and ready for your immediate use! Enjoy!

Blog Tour: Ben Franklin

Is it time to learn a little American history at your house?
Are your kids fascinated with inventors?
Would you like to learn about character qualities from a quality character?

Our review team has been doing just that this week with Ben Franklin!  Check out their reviews below by clicking on the Linky Tool.  The team will begin posting their reviews on November 18!

As an added bonus, Ben Franklin is also this week's DNG Special.  You can purchase this fascinating study for just $6.25, until November 22.

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New Release: Lewis & Clark!

Our latest Download N Go title is now available.  Lewis & Clark is sure to take your entire family on a wild and crazy adventure!

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

"This sensational story excites imaginations. It has everything:"

• Adventure into the unknown
• Discovery of new plants, animals, territories, and peoples
• Science, history, and geography
• Curiosity and courage
• Dedication and teamwork
• Fascination and feats
• Drama and danger
• Pioneers and patriots
• Hunger and survival
• Plus many men of wonder and one skilled woman

We have a waterfall of knowledge and inspiration at our fingertips through technology and the expertise and service of others. What Amanda Bennett and The Old Schoolhouse^® bring you with this unit study is astounding! And what a delight for your children who eagerly desire a closer connection to God’s marvelous world!

Lewis & Clark is a lively choice! With this unit study/lapbook, your child will splash and trudge alongside the team for each Adventure of the Day while investigating the route taken and the various Indian tribes they met along the way. Many other treats abound, such as seeing the growth of America unfold on an animated video!

Your young explorers will navigate through these questions and tons more:

• How do you navigate your way through nature?
• What dangers did the explorers meet, and how did they overcome such great obstacles?
• Did Seaman, Lewis’s famous dog, make the entire trip with his master?
• What animal they called a “barking squirrel” so charmed Lewis that he sent a live one on a four-month journey to Washington, D.C.?
• What do Lewis and Clark mean to us today?

There are games, map work, crafts, and a plethora of great Internet resources! Learn lessons in character, such as bravery, courage, and perseverance!

Each day your child will explore and investigate, creating and adding more learning components to his Lewis & Clark lapbook, building a wonderful reminder of all that he is learning, to be enjoyed for years to come.





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!

The daily journey is filled with high-interest fun in an interactive format:

• 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

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Purchase Lewis & Clark here!

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Birthday Bash: Thursday Special

Download N Go is one year old and the party has started!  For this entire week we'll have a different special deal each day, for 24 hours only. You'll find all of the daily specials on the SPECIALS page of the Download N Go website, so be sure to check back every day through Saturday, October 9! Each deal will begin at midnight EST and run for 24 hours.

We're also celebrating with a FUDGE contest.  Check out the details here and be sure to enter to win 1 pound of delicious fudge from Fudge by Design!

Thursday's special deal is the Davy Crockett for $5.50!!

History is skipping over a few of our heroes, and they are slowly fading away. That doesn’t have to happen when you are in charge of your homeschool!

Davy Crockett is one of those patriot heroes that you’ll want your children to know about and remember. This brave frontiersman, family man, congressman, and man of integrity loved to stand up for what he believed was right, even when that was not an easy thing to do.

“Be always sure you are right—then go ahead.”
—Davy Crockett

DNG Birthday Bash: Wednesday Special

Download N Go is one year old and the party has started!  For this entire week we'll have a different special deal each day, for 24 hours only. You'll find all of the daily specials on the SPECIALS page of the Download N Go website, so be sure to check back every day through Saturday, October 9! Each deal will begin at midnight EST and run for 24 hours.

We're also celebrating with a FUDGE contest.  Check out the details here and be sure to enter to win 1 pound of delicious fudge from Fudge by Design!

Wednesday's special deal is the Patriotic 3-Pack for $17.76!! This bundle includes the following titles:

Constitution Celebration Influential men in powdered wigs and woolen clothes—
free men, united in secret, struggling to create the most significant document ever seen in this country . . .Travel back through history alongside the Founding Fathers for a memorable week of hands-on adventure and intrigue.

Benjamin Franklin Is it time to learn a little American history at your house?  Are your kids fascinated with inventors?Would you like to learn about character qualities from a quality character?

Was Ben Franklin an inventor or a founding father? And what were some of his inventions? Your child may know some facts about Benjamin Franklin, but the whole family will learn more with these activities.

George Washington Does character “count” in your curriculum?

Awaken the curiosity, fun, and adventure in your homeschool—learn from (and all about) “The Greatest Character of the Age”—George Washington!

There’s so much to discover about this favorite American soldier and President! Do you remember the legend of George Washington and the cherry tree? It’s perhaps one of the most familiar character lessons young children learn. From his efforts to throw a rock all the way across the river to his persistent battle for freedom, George Washington has become someone who is much admired. Children today can learn from the examples that he set with his own life and pursuits.

For even more savings, be sure to check out the Vendor Hall at The Schoolhouse Expo for a code for 20% off the  Pick 19 Bundle or use the code 20DNG19EXPO for 20% off the Pick 4 Bundle!

Constitution Day Special!

September 17, 2010 is the 223rd anniversary of our nation's founding document. To celebrate this momentous occasion, we've put together an inspiring Patriotic Bundle.  For the low price of $17.76, you and your children can explore the Constitution with Constitution Celebration, and delve into the lives of 2 of our nation's founding fathers, George Washington and Ben Franklin.

Or, if you would prefer, you can purchase any of these titles individually for $6.50.

On sale now through midnight, September 18.

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As an added bonus, for the low price of $76, choose any Semester Bundle:  Fall, Spring, or Pick 19!

That's 19 DNG titles for just $4 each!

Hurry, this special will also end at midnight, Sep 18!

New Release: Constitution Celebration!

We the People . . . establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Influential men in powdered wigs and hot woolen clothes—
free men, united in secret,
struggling to create the most significant document ever seen in this country . . .

The most important document written in the history of our country has to be the Constitution. In this study,your children will appreciate just how hard those now-famous men worked to create it!

From May 25 to September 17, 1787, they spent long, hot hours in the high heat of summer to accomplish a commendable task—save the Union and unite the 13 Colonies despite their differences. It’s an event worth commemorating, don’t you think?

Share your convictions regarding love of freedom and country with your children, and help them to understand a little more about American history, our country’s origins, and our republican form of government. Purchase Constitution Celebration today!

We're flying high at DNG!!

In 1932, Amelia Earhart set the woman's transcontinental speed record, flying solo 2,447 miles, coast to coast, in 19 hours, 5 minutes, August 24-25.  To celebrate the amazing achievements of this record-setting aviator, we're offering a deal on our Amelia Earhart Download N Go and on an Amelia Earhart/Kite Capers DNG package!  Soar to new heights with  these delightful, memory-making units.

Amelia Earhart

Kite Capers

Here's the flight plan.  You can fly solo by purchasing Amelia Earhart at 20% off OR increase your air time and get the Amelia Earhart AND Kite Capers Fun Flight Bundle for 20% off.

Are you ready for take-off?  Because  as an added bonus, we're also taking 25% off the already discounted prices of some of our bundles!  The 38-Week, Full School Year Bundle , the Spring Semester Bundle, and the Fall Semester Bundle are all discounted!

As always, when you purchase the Full School Year Bundle, you will receive Birthday Bonanza as a bonus (this is THE only way to get Birthday Bonanza), as well as 2 more books, written by Amanda Bennett,  Unit Studies 101 and Unit Study Journal. That's a total of 39 Download N Go units, plus 2 more Amanda Bennett books for just over $140!! Wow! Now we're really flying high!

These specials will only run for 3 days, Monday, August 23 through Wednesday, August 25.   And yes, Monday does begin at 12:01am EST! So hurry and scoop up those awesome deals as soon as the clock strikes midnight!!

Fun Flight Bundle

Full School Year Bundle

Fall Semester Bundle

Spring Semester Bundle

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And the winner is.....

Sarah!

Sarah, you are the winner of our Happy Birthday, Davy Crockett contest and the $20 gift card from amazon.com

Please shoot me an email so I can get some information from you!

mcrabtree @ thehomeschoolmagazine.com

You have 48 hours to contact me, or a new winner will be chosen.  Thank you!

Happy Birthday, Davy Crockett (and a contest, too)..

Today, August 17, we at Download N Go are celebrating Davy Crockett's 224th birthday!    This past spring, we released the Davy Crockett Download N Go, and it has been a huge hit among homeschoolers.  And why not?  This amazing American hero has inspired many children to wear coonskin caps and tell tall tales about bears!  There have been songs written about him and television shows re-enacting his fascinating life.  Children are drawn to his sense of adventure and reputation for honesty and doing the right thing.

So, in honor of Davy Crockett, we'd like to give you all an opportunity to win a little prize.  Just leave a comment here on the blog with 2 facts about Davy Crockett.  The contest will run for the 24 hours of Mr. Crockett's birthday, August 17 at 12:01 am to 11:59 pm EST.  A winner will be drawn at noon on Wednesday, August 18 and announced here on the blog and on Facebook.  The prize?  A $20 Amazon.com gift card!

If you haven't already purchased the Davy Crockett Download N Go and now feel inspired to, you can find it here.  But be forewarned, you'll probably have to find a coonskin cap and Kentucky long rifle for all those at home reenactments :)

(note:  contest open to residents of the U.S. only) (note #2--TOS Crew members are not eligible)

August 17 is Davy Crockett's Birthday!

Tuesday, August 17, 2010 will be the date of Davy Crockett's 224th birthday.  It's the perfect time to celebrate this American hero with our Davy Crockett Download N Go.  Here's what the DNG website has to say about Davy Crockett:

There are heroes in history we should take to heart
and share with our children . . .This is one of them!

Davy Crockett: a pioneer, hunter, storyteller, soldier,
legislator, patriot, and legend of the Old West . . .

Let’s find out about “The King of the Wild Frontier”!

Day 1: Who Was Davy Crockett?
Day 2: People and Places in Davy Crockett’s Life
Day 3: Science Secrets of the Frontier
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From Davy Crockett
Day 5: Remembering Davy Crockett

History is skipping over a few of our heroes, and they are slowly fading away. That doesn’t have to happen when you are in charge of your homeschool!

Davy Crockett is one of those patriot heroes that you’ll want your children to know about and remember. This brave frontiersman, family man, congressman, and man of integrity loved to stand up for what he believed was right, even when that was not an easy thing to do.

“Be always sure you are right—then go ahead.”
—Davy Crockett

And as a special treat, the lapbook for Davy Crockett has been revised.  It's better than ever!

If you happen to live near East Tennessee, this Saturday, August 14,  there will be a celebration of Crockett's birthday at the Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown!

Davy Crockett--on sale now- ONE day only!

To celebrate Davy Crockett's upcoming birthday on August 17, the Davy Crockett Download N Go is on sale, today only, 20% off!

There are heroes in history we should take to heart
and share with our children . . .This is one of them!

Davy Crockett: a pioneer, hunter, storyteller, soldier,
legislator, patriot, and legend of the Old West . . .

Let’s find out about “The King of the Wild Frontier”!

Day 1: Who Was Davy Crockett?
Day 2: People and Places in Davy Crockett’s Life
Day 3: Science Secrets of the Frontier
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From Davy Crockett
Day 5: Remembering Davy Crockett

History is skipping over a few of our heroes, and they are slowly fading away. That doesn’t have to happen when you are in charge of your homeschool!

Davy Crockett is one of those patriot heroes that you’ll want your children to know about and remember. This brave frontiersman, family man, congressman, and man of integrity loved to stand up for what he believed was right, even when that was not an easy thing to do.

“Be always sure you are right—then go ahead.”
—Davy Crockett