Thankgiving - Tuesday Titles

Tuesday is back with more Thanksgiving Book suggestions.  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. Published by Scholastic.

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. Published by Scholastic .

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. Memorable. (Fiction. 9-12)

Younger Students:

…If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620, by Ann McGovern. Published by Scholastic Trade. 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. Published by Michigan State University Press. Ages 14 and up.

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.

Be sure to join us on our Facebook page for more Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure with inspiration, activities and fun!

Welcome to Week 2 of the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure

Good morning, friends! Welcome back to our Thanksgiving Unit Study FB cooperative!

We invite you to share your experiences as you use the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure. We can't wait to see what you have to add.

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! J

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

A Special Friday Giveaway - 5 Winners!

This Friday - we have a special giveaway for you! 

 5 Winners will get a Prize Pack consisting with our Special limited time Veterans Day Unit Study Adventure and Remembering You by Tricia Goyer.  Just in time for Veteran's Day - November 11, 2012!

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.

Tricia's new book, Remembering You, a WWII-veteran-inspired novel, is a tribute to war veterans of all eras. In it Tricia explores the cost of war, the strong bonds of family relationships, and the power of faith and forgiveness.

When author Tricia Goyer took a vacation in Austria in 2000, she hadn't expected a novel to come out of the experience, or for her research to impact the veterans themselves. Remembering You is the fictional story of a television producer who tags along with her WWII-veteran grandfather on a final European tour of the battlefields he fought in. Expecting to record heartwarming stories about her grandfather for her network, she discovers the war has shaped him in ways she never could have imagined.

Meet Tricia Goyer Tricia Goyer is the author of 30 books and has published over 500 articles for national publications such as Focus on the Family, Today's Christian Woman and HomeLife Magazine. She won the Historical Novel of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006 from American Christian Fiction Writers, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. In her fiction novels, Tricia writes contemporary and historical stories that feature strong women overcoming great challenges. She recreates historic wartime eras with precise detail through perseverant and comprehensive research.

To enter this giveaway,  leave a comment HERE (not on Facebook!) telling us how you celebrate Veteran's Day. 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 comments until Sunday, Nov tth. Winners will be chosen randomly, and notified on Monday, Nov. 7th. Our General Contest Rules will apply.

DNG "erupts" with another hot topic! Volatile Volcanoes is here!

From the first signs of ash and steam erupting from the peak, to the lava flow and the explosive sounds that accompany an erupting volcano, these are astounding geographical wonders to behold for kids of all ages. As the rivers of molten rock run down the sides of the volcano, kids ooohhh and aaaaahh and stare with wonder. They are fascinated with these fiery mountains!

Volcanoes make a perfect unit study topic and provide a wonderful learning tool. From the parts of a volcano, to the flow of lava, Volatile Volcanoes is going to take your child on a new and exciting learning adventure!

People are talking about Volatile Volcanoes . . .
 

"Volcanoes! What an interesting topic! If you have children who love learning about the earth and the many mysteries it contains you will love Volatile Volcanoes!

This is such a fun unit! Filled with all kinds of facts and information about volcanoes. This unit covers so many aspects of the volcano. Have you ever wondered how they were formed or where they are found? Maybe you are wondering if there are still active volcanoes today? This unit covers these topics and many others. 

Each day you will learn about a different volcano. The myths and realities of volcanoes. The science of volcanoes!  I especially love all of the hands-on activities that are included!  How about making your very own volcano? Or taking a journey around the world visiting some of the world’s volcanoes via webcam! Maybe you would love to visit an ancient city that was destroyed by a volcano? Or finding out that volcanoes can be found in places you may never have suspected!

The lapbook included with this unit has colorful graphics and is a wonderful tool to record your child’s observations and facts learned during their study of volcanoes. There are even some cute jokes included in this lapbook to add some laughs to your school day! 

This is a wonderful unit! Don’t be surprised if you end up on some rabbit trails as a result of learning about volcanoes!"

—Michele Gerrells, Pittsgrove, NJ

BEST OF ALL . . .

try the brand new Volatile Volcanoes DNG

at the introductory price of $5 through 11/9/11!

Enjoying the Harvest - Part 1

Harvest, the end of the growing season . . . marked by bright orange pumpkins piled high at roadside stands, the spicy, tart smell of apple butter cooking at local orchards, and the excitement of local fall harvest festivals. At the festivals, you can see the county's largest sunflowers, the prettiest canned tomatoes you've ever seen, and the artwork so painstakingly created by children of all ages.

It is a season of reflection, gathering in, and enjoying the fruits of your labor. I'm writing this today to share some of the lessons I've learned over the past few years of homeschooling—the importance of enjoying each moment of harvest in our lives. Whether it is the accomplishment of a child finally learning to tie her own shoes, the excitement of reading his first book all by himself, or the time she points out how pretty the trees look, many times the end product slowly but surely peeks out in the midst of daily life.

As we homeschooled, we faced some unusually tough trials along the way. One of those trials involved a head-on collision with a drunk driver, which resulted in more than twenty surgeries and recovery periods. Through it all, we've homeschooled, and I'm not sure who has learned more, the parents or the children. Before the accident, we were driven by a goal of homeschooling them through high school, keeping our eye on the finished product. One of the lessons from the accident and all of its trials was that we learned to focus more on the daily accomplishments or “moments of harvest.” I want to make you aware of these moments of harvest that should be recognized, savored, and remembered.

Our harvest is not seasonal like a farmer's crop; our harvest is lifelong as we love, nurture, and encourage our family each and every day. And yes, there are days when this is a TALL order, and on those days we can recall the good harvest moments, days when goals were reached, or thanks were given, or smiles and laughter rippled around the dinner table.

Blessings,

Amanda B.

Don't miss this continuing article - Part 2 coming next week.  Subscribe to our RSS or Email feed!  Be sure to stop by our Facebook page as we journey together in the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure.

Yummy Wednesday!

Welcome to the beginning of the holiday season here at the Bennett house! I wish you could be sitting here in the kitchen, talking with me as I make this wonderful banana bread!

This has always been a holiday favorite in our family and a fond memory of my childhood. I can remember the excitement that rippled through the house when Mom would make the first batch of this luscious bread in early November. This was the unofficial beginning of the holiday season at our house—a tradition that has carried down through generations. I hope that you get a chance to try this, and perhaps share one of your family’s favorite recipes here on the blog!

Aunt Barbara’s Banana Nut Bread

(I usually double this to make 2 loaves.)

Preheat oven to 350°.

Mix:

¼ cup soft shortening

¾ cup sugar

Beat in thoroughly:

1 egg

Stir in:

⅔ cup mashed bananas (about 2)

3 tablespoons buttermilk (or 3 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vinegar)

In a separate bowl, sift together:

2 cups all-purpose flower

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

Slowly mix ½ cup chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and flour mixture into sugar mixture. Beat well.

Pour batter into a greased 9" x 5" loaf pan.

Bake about 1 hour at 350°.

Be sure to stop by and visit us on Facebook as we share our way through the Thanksgiving Unit Study Adventure - all month!

Thanksgiving Book Favorites

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. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

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, we're sharing this Thanksgiving Journey together all through the month with activities, inspiration and fun!