Amanda Bennett's Unit Study News
January 2008

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Amanda's Corner

Happy New Year! I hope this finds you warm and resting up from a memorable holiday season. If you are like our family, you've shared plenty of laughter, good food and a few colds. 2007 was a year to remember, and I believe that 2008 holds some great adventures. I look forward to the start of a shiny new year, glancing through the calendar and noting all the birthdays and anniversaries to be celebrated, along with special days and holidays that add to the fabric of our family life.

Last night, we were surprised by a snowfall here in the Appalachians, and it was beautiful. There is nothing like snow settling in the hills and hollows of these mountains. When the sun comes up, the snow and ice on the pines glitter like diamonds - what a way to begin the new year. I will never forget the first big snow that fell after we moved to the mountains. We woke up to a world absolutely covered with snow - creating a winter wonderland. We spent the day building snowmen and snowdogs, learning to make snow angels (we had just moved from Florida), finding out the difference between sledding on a sled and sliding on a cookie sheet, and so much more. Life lessons - painted in our memories and etched on our minds. Never forget to have fun and learn right along with the children. Sweet memories and new knowledge that everyone shares - some of the simple pleasures and treasures of homeschooling.

For the moment, I am keeping busy with homeschooling, writing, and attending basketball games here, there and everywhere. One of our sons has discovered this new sport, and at 6'4" he thinks he likes it! :-)  And in a month or so, baseball begins. So, I will be traveling to plenty of games for two sports this year, and consider myself blessed that he has this opportunity. I don't know about you, but all of our children were completely different in their interests as they grew older. It has not always been easy, but we have worked to help each one develop their unique gifts and talents - and we have learned so much in the process. From mock trial competitions to volunteer work at the local veterinarian, baseball to basketball, learning how to grow trees to tearing apart the engine of my van - will wonders never cease? I hope not - this is the stuff that dreams are made of!

Blessings,
Amanda B.
www.unitstudy.com

P.S.  Don't forget that Easter is early this year - March 23rd. If you are going to use the four-week Easter Unit Study, you can begin it on February 25th to complete it during Easter week.


Homeschool Conference

Midwest Homeschool Convention - This has to be one of my favorite conventions, and it will be held March 27 - 29, 2008. The coordinators work hard to present a well-organized and well-orchestrated convention, and they have done a great job. This year's agenda offers a unique mix of speakers, topics and vendors that will help you and your family with homeschooling in so many ways. Make plans for a few days of learning, fellowship and sharing. After a few months of winter, this should be a wonderful breath of fresh air, a place to ask questions and gather new ideas - much needed by the time March rolls around.


Unit Study Specials

From now through January 14, 2008 -
there will be no shipping charges on orders over $50!

Unit Study Adventure Packs
Each Adventure Pack includes three unit studies
and bonus notebook pages on CDROM -- SAVE!

Spring Adventures Pack 
Only $32.95

Easter, Gardens, Baseball
   
Fast Moving Adventures Pack 
Only $32.95
Flight, Auto Racing. Space

American Adventures Pack
Only $32.95

Pioneers, Horses, Trains
 


Interesting Reading

A New Voice - Tricia Goyer
I wanted to share this link to a new author that is a very gifted homeschooling mom. She has written some amazing fiction and some much-needed nonfiction. Check it out and get ready to have a new favorite author!

"Tricia Goyer is the author of seven novels, six non-fiction books, and one children’s book. Tricia was named Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference "Writer of the Year" in 2003.  In 2005, her book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion. Also in 2005, her novel Night Song won ACFW's Book of the Year for Long Historical Romance.  In 2006, her novel Dawn of a Thousand Nights also won Book of the Year for Long Historical. She’s written over 300 articles for national publications and hundreds of Bible Study notes for the Women of Faith Study Bible.  Tricia lives in Montana with her husband and three kids where she homeschools, leads children’s church, and mentors teenage mothers."

The Homeschooler's Book of Lists
By Sonya Haskins / Bethany
"There are hundreds of moments in an ordinary homeschool day that go along the lines of "Now what was that date again?" "What state is the Granite State?" "Who was president in 1820?" "What does the video game rating "T" mean?"No matter what question comes up, in the topics of history & government, language arts, math, religion, science, geography, language, great people, quotes, computers, arts & music or homeschool, you'll find the answer here! Lists of important dates, people, places and more are arranged in easy to understand formats (tables, lists, bullet points) for you to quickly locate the answer you need. Perfect for reference or even as a fun read to pick up in the middle of the day, you'll learn many new facts with The Homeschoolers Book of Lists! Plus, print out any list with the included CD-ROM. 556 pages, softcover."

*A note from Amanda - I had the pleasure of meeting Sonya Haskins in person at a recent book signing! She has put together an impressive amount of information in this book of lists, and it will save plenty of time for the whole family. I cannot begin to tell you how many World Almanacs, World Atlases and tons of other resources that this book will replace. Along with plenty of reference information, Sonya has taken the time to come up with lists that will specifically help homeschooling families. With the lists on the included CDROM, you can print the list that you need - perfect! Sonya has also written several titles in the series Images of America and Images of Sports, and one of those is Bristol Motor Speedway. She's a NASCAR fan!

For those of you with sports fanatics that are visual learners, a great find!
I have discovered the Flowmotion series for young and old alike. I have ordered the one on juggling for myself - I am still learning!

Baseball Flowmotion Book
By Alan Smith & Alan Bloomfield / Sterling Publishing Company
Always wanted to know the secret to the perfect pitch? What exactly is behind the skill to batting? In this flowmotion book, the act of playing baseball is slowed down, faded, and presented in a way that shows every angle of catching, pitching, batting, and fielding. Each spread includes a description, step-by-step guide, and detailed photograph for the skill and offers an easy-to-follow guide to enhancing your baseball skills.

Basketball Flowmotion Book
By Mark Dunning / Sterling Publishing Company
He steals the ball.. he shoots.. he SCORES! In this flowmotion book, all of these steps are recorded in full-color pictures detailing every step of basketball. Along with these pictures, step-by-step instructions offer a great way to practice your technique and improve your game. Tips for both the offensive and defensive sides of the court are a great guide for players who love basketball and are interested in stepping it up a notch!

Soccer Flowmotion Book
By Ian Howe / Sterling Publishing Company
Dribbling, kicking, and tending the goal are just a few skills touched upon in this flowmotion book. The images included almost seem like a video in the sense that they are set up by frame, showing every step in each skill presented. Also included are equipment suggestions, records to keep track of improvement, and practice tips. This is the perfect book for rookies and soccer veterans alike!

Juggling Flowmotion Book
By Colin Francome / Sterling Publishing Company
 What do balls and cigar boxes and clubs all have in common? They're all fun to juggle! In this flowmotion book, pictures and step-by-step instructions make it easy to learn how to juggle, even if you're starting from scratch. Practice advice and warm-up tricks are included to help you get started and on your way to be a juggling master!

Every Time You Call Me Mommy - an Adoption Blessing
By Kimberly Brougham Kane
A beautiful book from a homeschooling mom! A friend of mine, Kimberly has captured so many special feelings and thoughts for families who adopt as well as those looking for a special way to explain adoption. A very tender book from a very special lady.
"Read along as a wonderful addition comes to a waiting family through adoption. The author shares her family's story of such a journey. Through simple rhyming verse and beautiful illustrations, this little book can be a tool in sharing adoption with a child. It will also serve as a reminder to all believers that through our own adoption into the family of God, we can call Him, "Father." Suitable for open adoptions or just to introduce the concept of adoption to your little ones."

Doesn't She Look Natural?
By Angela Hunt / Tyndale House
"Former Washington adviser Jennifer Graham is willing to  take on anything that would remove her unemployed-single-mom stigma---but when she inherits a Florida funeral home, her self-assurance is rattled. As she heads south with her mother and two sons, she wonders if dealing with death could bring new life into her career---and soul."


Just to Make You Smile

As many of you know, I am working on writing projects that include both fiction and nonfiction titles. In the process of this new education, I have been studying book titles to see what the trends might be. For the fun of it, I thought I would share some of the titles that have caught my eye in 2007, and made me laugh out loud. I have read most of these books, and they are great books - just great books with unique titles!

If You Don't Die to Self, I May Have to Kill You
By Karen Long

Ten Minutes from Normal (sounds like my address)
By Karen Hughes

But Lord, I was Happy Shallow
By Marita Littauer 

Who Put the Skunk in the Trunk? Learning to Laugh When Life Stinks
By Phil Callaway


Learning Links:
 

January Holidays and Special Days

January 2008 Printable Calendar Pages

January Coloring Pages and Activities

Snowflake Coloring Pages

Wintertime Fun Coloring Pages


Happy New Year!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!”

2 Cor. 5:17
 

 


"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Copyright 2008 Amanda Bennett
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AABennett Books, Inc.