Welcome to Week 3 and a Great Giveaway!

Good morning, friends! Welcome back to our Thanksgiving Facebook Co-op! Can you believe we're already to Week 3?

Take a peek at this week's learning objectives:

• Discover what the Pilgrims found when they reached America

• Explore the problems in finding a suitable location for their colony
• Examine how the Pilgrims fared the first winter and some of the problems that they faced
• Find out how the Pilgrims interacted with the Native Americans

Don't miss our USAB Geography Studies Specials, your children are going to be begging for more!

Plus - We have a new and exciting giveaway this week--5 winners will be selected to win the all new Expedite board game!

Figure out how to connect the world in this face-paced, exciting, route-building game.  Using your strategy, planning and a little luck, you could Expedite your way to a win!

For 2 - 4 players, 10 years and up.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanksgiving Traditions - Then and Now

 

Over the years, I have often been asked, “What are some of the fun Thanksgiving traditions at the Bennett house?” So today, I am providing two sets of answers—the first from about 10 years ago, and the second set of current traditions, after 18 years of homeschooling. J

 I hope the comparison helps you get a better perspective on what you are doing right now as you study Thanksgiving with your children. I can tell you, the best is yet to come!
 

 1. Then: Planning the holiday weekend with the whole family in early November - who shall we invite, which relatives will be here, what games shall we all play after dinner?

 

Now: We still do this, but now it is mainly via cell phone, email, and text messaging. They all bring plenty of M&Ms and friends, and the board game competitions go on for days, along with plenty of laughter and sharing of memories.



2. Then: Planning the menu so that everyone gets to choose a favorite food to be included.
 

Now: They are all excellent cooks, so this year, they are taking on the menu planning and cooking responsibilities—even cleanup! J

 

 
3. Then: Putting up a blessings tree, making the tree trunk from brown paper, and each family member adding daily, colorful construction paper leaves to the tree. A blessing is written on each leaf—some thing that the family member is thankful for.

Now: I am going to be pulling out some of those precious saved leaves to keep on the Thanksgiving table—so many sweet memories!

 

4. Then: Finding ways to bless others—sharing the blessings by packing Operation Christmas Child boxes for children and taking homemade gift baskets of goodies to neighbors and those in need.
 

 Now: We still make the gift baskets and find ways to bless others, both near and far.

 

5. Then: Bringing out the special Thanksgiving creations collected over the years—a model of the Mayflower, a special Thanksgiving unit study tablecloth, handmade pilgrims and Native Americans, pinecone turkeys, and a basket of some of our favorite holiday books.
 

Now: I still do these things, and it always stirs up plenty of memories and lots of conversation.

 

Enjoy these days, for they ARE the “good old days” for your children!

 

Blessings,

 Amanda B.

"Mom, What is a Veteran?"

How could I connect the soldiers that were part of our lives every day with the concept of veterans and Veterans Day?

I wanted them to know what heroes we were in the midst of, and the heroes that were in their own family history, along with the price paid for the simplest of our freedoms. I explained, we studied and read and talked, and the light dawned.

They understood when the veterans were on the street corners and at the store entrances, offering red poppies. They smiled, watching me thank soldiers that we happened by at the store, in church, in homeschool gatherings, or on long walks. They began to understand and connect what the thanks were given for, how soldiers and veterans are connected, and why we honor these special people called veterans.

 

 

To all of you who are veterans, we offer many heartfelt thanks for your service. You are priceless and a national treasure! To those of you in military families, we thank you for your sacrifices as your family is often moved, separated, and under stress. Thanks, and thanks again.

 

Blessings,

 

Amanda B.

 

 PS - Don't miss our Limited time Veterans Day Study - just $3 through 11/11/12!

More Thanksgiving Favorites to Share

We’re back with more Thanksgiving Book favorites to share. Are you enjoying this special time with your children? We hope you can use these suggestions to make some memories together!

 

Family Read Alouds:

My Name is America: The Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce, A Pilgrim Boy, Plymouth 1620(Dear America), by Ann Rinaldi.  
 

In 1620, an indentured servant named Jasper Jonathan Pierce sets sail with his master and 100 others on the Mayflower, seeking adventure, freedom from the rules of King James's church, and a new way of life in America.

While many people are familiar with the history of the Pilgrims, popular historical novelist Ann Rinaldi delves far deeper into the day-to-day life of these brave pioneers. Beleaguered by internal strife and sickness, the passengers and crew of the Mayflower arrived in Plymouth ill-equipped to last the winter. With the help of several Indians who befriended the settlers, many survived, although a number of them died. Viewed through the eyes of 14-year-old Jasper, who records the events of his first 15 months in America in his journal, the Pilgrims' experiences take on a fresh, current feel. Although Jasper is a fictional character, the other characters in the story were real people, and the events are soundly based on factual accounts. Ages 9 to 12.

  

A Journey to the New World: The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple, Mayflower 1620(Dear America), by Kathryn Lasky.  

 

In this entry in the Dear America series, subtitled ``The Diary of Remember Patience Whipple,'' Lasky demonstrates how vigorous historical fiction can enliven the facts found in most textbooks. The Pilgrims, as they came to be known, traveled in a small cargo ship, the Mayflower, for two miserable months of bad food, unfit drinking water, vicious storms, and sheer boredom on a leaky old vessel that had never been intended for human cargo and lacked even the most basic amenities.

Mem, one of the 34 children among the 102 people on board, tells the story in diary entries. Almost as bad as the journey was what the travelers found when it was over. Mem's story is one of incredible courage in the face of almost insurmountable obstacles, but it is also a story of real people with all their foibles, who refuse to give up no matter what happens. In the course of these inspiring events, Mem herself almost gives up, but a sense of humor and her hopes for the future carry her through the worst of them.  Ages 9-12.

Younger Students:

…If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620, by Ann McGovern.  

 Written in a question and answer format, this delightful book keeps readers busy with all kinds of information about the Pilgrims and their journey – perfect for the inquisitive child filled with questions! Ages 5 and up.

 

Older Students:

Land Ho! 1620: A Seaman’s Story of the Mayflower, Her Construction, Her Navigation, and Her First Landfall, by W. Sears Nickerson.

 

For those interested in the Mayflower and sailing ships, this book has been written by an expert in sailing and navigation. Using tide and sunrise tables, along with other information, the author traces the voyage of the Mayflower to the New World. Ages 14 and up.

 

Be sure to join us on our Thanksgiving Facebook Co-op for community, caring and creativity this season!

Sweet Land of Liberty

We have some Sweet Specials for you this week!

Elections 2012

We the people ARE the government here in America – we elect our leaders to lead our country and represent us through our elections! By voting, we are able to express our own opinions on issues through our choices of candidates. As the next generation begins to mature and prepare to be a part of their communities, they need to understand that their vote is their voice. The freedom to vote and choose our government representatives is a freedom that has been obtained and defended at the cost of many precious lives. They need to understand the election process, the workings of American government and the impact that they can have on the process as well as the future of our country. Written for grades K - 12. Don't miss the FREE companion Lapbook!

 

Inauguration 2013 – Coming December 2012

This two-week study will provide an understanding of what will be happening and the significance of each part of the transfer of power in Washington. We will be looking at the history of inaugurations in America – when and where they took place, how the ceremony changed as the times changed, what was said during some of the inaugural addresses, and much more.

Complete and ready to use, this study contains two weeks of daily lessons written at two levels, one for elementary grades and one for Jr./Sr. High grades. The study requires no other books--it includes Internet links throughout the lessons for the use of the students when other resources are helpful.

 

Free U.S. Presidents' Inaugural Speeches Compilation

To enrich your study of the upcoming inauguration, we also recommend our FREE U.S. Presidents' Inaugural Speeches compilation.  Download yours now!

 

 

 

Save BIG when you buy the entire

 American Government Resource Library!

 

Veterans Day

Veterans Day--what does it mean to you? The history of this holiday is important; it exists because of the strength and conviction of past generations that we should always remember our veterans and their sacrifices for our peace and protection. Use this week-long study to become familiar with veterans, their sacrifices and their courage. Learn more about the American military system, how it protects us, and what is happening these days with our defense.  This wonderful study is non-consumable and can be used year after year and includes notebooking pages too!

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

Welcome to Week 2 of our Thanksgiving Co-op!

Good morning, friends! Welcome back to our Thanksgiving Unit Study FB Co-op! 

If you would like more information on the Fruit of the Spirit FREE printable, or Blessing Tree activity - you can more information here. Jump right in and join us!

 

Beginning Week 2 of the study today, we are getting ready to learn more about the Separatists, their plans to build a new colony, and their journey across the ocean on the Mayflower!

We'll be here to answer your questions and help along the way, as we are using the study, too. You all were GREAT about posting your questions, finds, and ideas last week – please keep up the great work! 

Throughout the weekdays, we will be posting some tips and treasures, along with our insights and ideas. It is our prayer that this co-op effort will provide help, friendship, and fellowship for us all!

Blessings,

Amanda B.

Here are this week's Learning Objectives:

• Learn why the Separatists decided to leave Holland
• Find out how they obtained financial backing to make the trip and build a colony
• Discover how they traveled to America, what their journey was like, and what the Mayflower was like
• Examine what some of the “Saints” and “Strangers” were like, what their roles were, and how they worked together

What Can We Learn from the Pilgrims?

As we study the Pilgrims and the people involved in this "new beginning," the characters of the people, the flavor of their hopes and dreams, their ideas, their work ethic, and their humor come to light. They were hardworking, steadfast in their faith, and committed. When reading about the Pilgrims’ first winter, you can't help but feel the loss of so many loved ones on a personal level.

The resourcefulness and foresight of these religious outcasts helped lay some secure and strong foundations for our country. When they took the time and painstaking effort to write and bring to acceptance the Mayflower Compact, they unknowingly developed the long-lasting concept of freedoms and rights that we Americans enjoy and expect.

Enjoy this season of giving thanks and bringing the harvest home. There is so much to be thankful for, and as homeschoolers, we have even more to be thankful for—the opportunity to really know our children and walk the walk with them, sharing and caring and motivating and learning beside them.

Blessings,

Amanda B.


PS - Join our Thanksgiving Co-op on our Facebook page and  let's share this journey together this year!