Creation Camouflage DNG Review

Hello again from my 3 boys and I.  We have been quite busy this past month between celebrating Thanksgiving and preparing to celebrate Christmas.  During that time we typically take it a little easy for school.  And let me say that Download N Go is such an easy way to get a simple day of school in for us!  We have really been blessed to do these and offer our review of them.

For those of you not familiar with Download N Go, here is a brief overview of what they are.  Download N Go (DNG) is a combination of Unit Studies and Lapbooking.  A DNG covers one subject and lasts 5 days (or one school week).  Each day covers something different.  It is a PDF (Adobe Acrobat Reader File) that you download to your computer and print what you need and use the computer file to access the websites that are linked in the file.  All the research has been done for you!  This is AWESOME for those of us who may not know where to begin or are just way too busy to do any research.  Amanda Bennett, who is the author of the DNG line has done a WONDERFUL job in researching, compiling and organizing everything for you.

The next part is the lapbooking activities.  Now don’t get scared when you see the word lapbooking.  It really is quite simple.  It took us about 2-3 to really figure out what we wanted to do with ours but there really is no wrong way to put a lapbook together.  Amanda even has links to show how to put a lapbook together.  It couldn’t be easier than that!  Amanda really wants to make this as friendly and easy as she can for everyone to use.

Our review for Creation Camouflage.  Genesis 1: 24-25 (MSG)   God spoke: "Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind: cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds."  And there it was: wild animals of every kind, Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.  God saw that it was good.

WOW!  Don’t those verses just amaze you?  God created EVERY living creature on this planet.  Cattle, reptiles, wild animals of all kinds, and bugs too!  He created every living thing!  He knew what they needed to live.  He designed everything.  From the stripes on the Zebra, to the color changing skin of the Chameleon; He knew they would need to blend in with their surroundings.  It is just simply amazing that He created all of that!

This past week we had the opportunity to work on Creation Camouflage.  What a treat!  From learning about many different kinds of animals and how they are able to camouflage themselves to their surroundings, to learning about where they live and why those places were created just for them.  Our days were spent watching some amazing videos and getting so much information from the websites.

One of the days had us rolling in laughter at the video we were watching.  I had taken it upon myself to add some sound effects to the video which make it all the more fun.  We probably watched that particular video 4-5 times with me doing the sound that made it extra funny.

Each day covered a different animal and their habitat.  Whether it was really rainy, super dry or even very cold every animal has its own form of camouflage.  It was amazing to learn where these animals lived, how they camouflaged themselves and why.  We also learned that the camouflage can be used as a form of defense for some creatures!  God certainly knew how to give each living thing what they needed!

So here is just a sample of what is covered each day.

Day 1: Hiding in Plain Sight
Day 2: Getting to Know the Rain Forest
Day 3: What Is in the Desert? (video where I made the kids laugh is this day)
Day 4: Hiding in the Ocean
Day 5: Cool Things About the Tundra

See what I mean about a variety?!?  This unit was great at giving just a glimpse at the awesomeness of God’s creation!  You will LOVE each day!  I love how we have been able to use some of the trips we have done and tied them in to this unit study.  We went to Arizona to visit family last year and the boys remembered that and when we were working on day 3 they were telling me some of the stuff from that trip.  I love how this unit triggered those memories.   Now we have to go to the beach, someplace VERY cold (not that Southwest PA isn’t cold right now) and then the rain forest.  Oh do I see some travels in our future.  For now it is just nice to be able to watch the videos and talk about what we have seen, read and learned from these units.

Here is a peak inside the DNG Creation Camouflage Unit.



GIVEAWAY!!!

So I have been authorized to do a Giveaway of Creation Camouflage!  YAY!!  1 lucky person will win this unit for free!  The contest runs from December 19^th – December 26^th.  After that date, I will choose1 person at random.  The rules and how to enter are below.

Leave a comment for EACH of the items you complete.  So if you complete all 3 leave a comment for each one so that you will have more chances to win!  J

#1. Share your favorite Animal/bug/creature

#2. Share this blog on your own blog or Facebook page

#3. Tweet about this blog

**TOS/DNG affiliates including the DNG Review Team and TOS Crew are not eligible**

To Order Creation Camouflage go here. It is on sale until Midnight December 18^th for $5.95 and goes back up to $7.95 on Sunday December 19^th.

Take a look at the Download N Go Blog.

Here is the Blog Tour for Creation Camouflage.

**I was given this item in exchange for my honest review**

Creation Camouflage SALE & a Giveaway

Take time to go to the blog page for DNG & Creation Camouflage! They are having a SALE on Creation Camouflage for $5.95 and there is also a giveaway! The details are here.  Take a look, enter for the giveaway and also get in on this great deal!  Also stay tuned for my Review on this product later this week!  :)

**If you are a member of the DNG Review team, TOS Crew you are not eligible for the giveaway.

Benjamin Franklin Download N Go Review

My boys and I are really enjoying the Download N Go (DNG) Unit studies!  We had never done anything quite like them in our prior 3 years of homeschooling.  When the opportunity to work through the unit studies and review them presented itself, I didn’t hesitate.  We had finished 3 years of a “traditional text-book” curriculum that was driving my son (and myself) up the wall.  Who wants to do 20-30 writing papers a day?  It was insane.  So this year we decided to do a more classical/eclectic approach to our schooling.  We do have a couple of text-books but mostly we read, do activities together and work on the computer for a couple of subjects.  The DNG units seemed to fit right in with our new way of learning.

For those of you who are not familiar with Download N Go, they are a series of unit studies that take 5 days to complete.  Amanda Bennett, the creator of DNG, has done all the leg work for you so all you have to do is open the PDF file, print the necessary pages and work through the unit.  Amanda also offers GREAT book lists to correspond with each day.  There is also a lapbook tie in to the unit studies.  Now don’t let lapbooking scare you!  It’s really quite simple!  Amanda has even put links in the front to help guide you in the adventure of lapbooking if this is new to you.



“Well done is better than well said”, Benjamin Franklin.

There was so much we learned about Ben Franklin this past week!  He was an inventor, musician, statesman and more!  Each day we learned a different thing about him.  I was so surprised at what I didn’t know about him!  (and I was homeschooled!)  There is so much that I didn’t know that was amazing.  (I will leave that to you to find out by purchasing the Benjamin Franklin DNG.  It is on special for $6.25)  I am so glad that my kids are getting such a wonderful education at home.

My boys LOVED watching the videos.  (they are 8 & 3)  Some of them were really “electrifying”.  **wink**  It is so fun watching their eyes light up and enjoy learning.  I am now planning a trip to Philadelphia (since we don’t live too far from there).  We love how several of the DNG unit studies have tied in to when we travel.  There is so much to do that I would love to spend more than a week on these units, but it is nice to feel that sense of accomplishment when it is completed.  It encourages the kids to do more and to finish so we can move onto the next unit study!

Here is what was covered each day.

Day 1: Who Was Ben Franklin?
Day 2: People and Places in Ben Franklin’s Life
Day 3: The Accomplishments of Ben Franklin
Day 4: Lessons to Learn From Ben Franklin
Day 5: Remembering Ben Franklin




So, to end this review, I will give you another quote from Ben Franklin.  “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin

Here is some more links for you on the DNG Unit Study of Benjamin Franklin.

DNG Blog

DNG Benjamin Franklin Blog Tour

Purchase Benjamin Franklin Download N Go here for $6.25 until November 22^nd.

Take a peek inside the Benjamin Franklin Unit Study

**legal info**  I was provided a copy of this product for my honest review.

Expedition Australia Review

G’Day Mates!  Here is my family’s review of the Download N Go Unit for Expedition Australia!  For those of you who are not familiar with Download N Go, they are weekly unit studies that have a tie in to lapbooking.  (it’s not as scary as it sounds)  We have had the privilege of reviewing titles for Download N Go (which I’ll refer to as DNG forth going) for the past 3 months.  It has been a blast and a great way to take a break from the everyday routine.  We just add math and some phonics/language work in and you have a complete day!  We love doing this because it brings us all together.

Amanda Bennett, the author of the DNG unit studies, collects all the information for you and puts it in one central location.  This is such a GREAT help as we are a very busy family with 3 boys.  No more struggling to come up with a plan.  Everything is done for you!  She also comes up with some great additional reading.  The library is an invaluable resource.

We are also find lapbooking to be fairly easy as well.  At first it does seem intimidating but once you do a couple, it is really quite simple.  Amanda includes several links about lapbooking in the beginning of each DNG so that if you are not familiar with it you can quickly become acquainted with lapbooking.

So now onto Australia!  Might I say that now my children want to become world travellers!  Each day we learned about a different city, animal, new words in Aussie style.  It was great!  There was so much covered each day.  My oldest son loved how we learned how an Australian might say something we say here.  Some of the words had us laughing so hard we were crying.

The images of Australia are just simply exquisite.  We discovered how the country of Australia has a diverse set of climates.  From its vast deserts, to its beautiful seascapes, Australia is a BEAUTIFUL country.

Amanda chose some wonderful videos and awesome websites to go with this unit.  Each day covered something different and the content was beautiful.   We enjoyed learning about their culture, music, lifestyle, the natives, and some very cool stuff in between.

Here is what was covered each day.

Day 1: Where on Earth Is Australia?

Day 2: Some of the Special Places in Australia

Day 3: A Bit of Australian History

Day 4: Cool Things to Know About Australia

Day 5: Fun and Games in Australia

Take a peek inside the unit!



We also had the opportunity to talk to a dear friend of mine who happens to live in Australia.  Andrea and her family live in Melbourne.  She was so sweet to take the time out of her day to talk to us.  Jonathan asked her several questions about Australia, the land, language and her family.

DEAL ON Expedition Australia & a Contest!

So this weekend into Monday, Expedition Australia is on sale for $5.95 till 9PM Monday, November 8^th.   There is also a contest on the DNG blog!  The contest is for a giveaway of 2 Australia Political Maps from National Geographic!  Take a chance to go to the DNG Blog and enter the contest there.

**NOTE** If you are affiliated with TOS or DNG, you are not eligible to enter.

I was given a copy of this item for my honest review.

Take a look at the blog specials page too!

Terrific Tigers - Download N Go Review

Lions, and Tigers, and Bears, OH MY!!  So I get a little nostalgic when we were offered the chance to do a review for Download N Go's unit called Terrific Tigers.  The first thing I thought of was the line from the Wizard of Oz where Dorothy, Scarecrow & the Tin Man were walking through the forest to get to the Emerald City.  But did they run into any tigers, fortunately (or maybe not) they didn't.  Depends on your point of view.  And after doing this study, I think they might have benefited by having a Tiger along.

For those of you who are not familiar with Download N Go, this is a WONDERFUL way to do learn about so many different topics.  It is mainly unit study based (where you study one topic at a time) and it incorporates lapbooking.  (don't worry, lapbooking isn't a scary thing)  All the information on how to put together a lapbook is in the first few pages of a Download N Go (which will be referred to as DNG from now on).  The DNG is great because it has all the information you need.  No need to do any planning/research on your part!  And this is particularly helpful if you are a mom of 3 boys!  (or any number of kids honestly)  To have everything done for you is such an amazing thing and I am so grateful that the author, Amanda Bennet, does all this for us.



Terrific Tigers was absolutely wonderful!  To start off you get to see some amazing video's about baby tigers.   My kids asked if we could have one and I then asked them how they were going to afford feeding them as they need to eat a good bit of meat.  :-)  There are so many amazing facts about them that you uncover doing this unit study.  Each day we learned something different, saw great videos, viewed websites with awesome information.  There were things that we didn't know about these amazing animals that were discovered this past week.

It was also a real eye opening unit for us.  To realize that these precious animals are on the brink of Extinction is just so sad.  We were put here to take care of God's creation and it was hard for my oldest to realize that there are people who don't think that God's creation is special and that we are to take care of it.  He now wants to let others know that these creatures are important to God too.

The best part was while during this study we found out, not through DNG but through our local Zoo, that the Siberian Tiger there just had a fresh set of cubs!  We were thrilled to see pictures of these beautiful animals and read the blog about them.  What a way to finish our week on Terrific Tigers.   BTW here is the blog about the new baby Tigers at Pittsburgh Zoo.

So, what will you learn about in Terrific Tigers?  Take a look what the main topic for each day covers.

Day 1: What Is a Tiger?
Day 2: Getting to Know Tigers
Day 3: Where Are the Tigers?
Day 4: The Science of Tigers
Day 5: Cool Things About Tigers

Here is a peek inside the unit for Terrific Tigers!



So what are you waiting for?  Take a dive into something different, Fun and that will keep your kids begging for more!  (At least mine do)  ;-)  Go here to purchase Terrific Tigers.

CONTEST

Now for the Fun part!  I am authorized to do a giveaway!!  WOOHOO!!  1 lucky person will be able to win Terrific Tigers from DNG!  I love Freebies! **TOS/DNG affiliates including the DNG Review Team and TOS Crew are not eligible**

In order to qualify for this giveaway the main thing is to comment on this blog.  In order to get other entries do one or all of the following 3 things and comment to let me know you did them.  Also, you will need to leave your e-mail so I can contact you regarding your free unit of Terrific Tigers.

#1. Share your favorite Tiger Species

#2. Share this blog on your own blog or Facebook page

#3. Tweet about this blog

There it is!  Very simple to do!  :)  I will contact the winner via e-mail regarding the Terrific Tiger Freebie.  Also, feel free to stop by the Download N Go Blog!  There you can see reviews on this unit and others!  It is a great place to stop and visit and sometimes they even offer great specials!  Here is the link to the Terrific Tigers Blog Tour.

Now for the legal line.  I was given a copy of this product in order for my honest review.

Happy 1st Birthday Download N Go!!

Download N Go is having it's 1st Birthday this week! WOOHOO!! What a better way to celebrate by having a Birthday Bash!!! (I love Birthdays!!)
So to celebrate they are having a CONTEST on their blog. ** drum-roll please** There are going to be 20 winners and the prize is... Wait for it...keep waiting... ok I can't keep you waiting any more. It's FUDGE (aka chocolate to us women)!!! Winners will receive 1lb of Fudge from Fudge by Design! YUMMY!!!
Also, there will be special deals EVERY day this week! So feel free to stop by and wish Download N Go a Happy 1st Birthday!

Download N Go Blog Post about the Contest

Download N Go Deal Page

The Contest and ALL specials end on Saturday, October the 9th.

Download N Go Review - Autumn Treasures

Download N Go Review – Autumn Treasures

Oh the beauty of Autumn.  This is such a wonderful time of year.  The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and cool & we are enjoying the beauty of God’s Creation.  Download N Go’s Unit called Autumn Treasures was such a great way to wind down our summer and prepare for fall. One can never get enough of the beautiful fall colors.  The reds, yellows, oranges and browns are just gorgeous!  We are blessed to live in an area where we can see all the changes.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="210" caption="Autumn Treasures Cover"][/caption]

My boys seemed to enjoy this study.   Jonathan, who is 8, did say that autumn made him sad.  When asked why he said it’s because the leaves, plants die and the animals either sleep or go south.  I had to remind him that it was only temporary and part of God’s design for Earth.  Jordan, who is 3, loves to sit with Jonathan and I while we work on the lapbook.  He always wants to be part of whatever we are doing.  These are a wonderful way to include him.

From discovering the how’s and why’s of the weather changing to enjoying some awesome information about apples, each day was a new experience.  The videos were captivating to the boys.  My personal favorite, since the boys didn’t know the band, was the one with the Moody Blues song.  I was singing along with the song while watching the video with the boys.  It was great.

Here is what was covered each day.

Day 1: What is Autumn?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Autumn
Day 3: People and Places of Autumn
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Autumn
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Autumn







[caption id="" align="alignright" width="287" caption="Inside Autumn Treasures"][/caption]



It was so much fun to go through this with my boys.  I am really enjoying these unit studies with my boys.  They really do enjoy learning and I am enjoying the time we get to spend together.

You can purchase Autumn Treasures for 20% off through September 24th!  What a GREAT Deal.  Click here to go to the store.

Also, feel free to follow the blog tour for Download N Go.  There are many families reviewing these wonderful products.  There are many reviews for the units available.  Take the time to see what others are saying about Download N Go and Autumn Treasures!

Download N Go Review - Constitution Celebration

Constitution Celebration Review

This review is for Download N Go's Constitution Celebration.  I am so excited to be asked to review this product.  With everything going on in today’s society I have wanted to do something like this for our schooling but didn’t know exactly where to begin.  This product gave us a great start!

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="350" caption="Constitution Celebration Cover"][/caption]

The information in this unit study was well searched and very easy to follow.  We weren’t able to get any extra books from the library this time however, I don’t think we needed them as we had so much information already included plus I had some other books at home that went along perfectly.

The links to the videos were very good and kept my children’s attention.  (I have an 8 year old and our 3 year old watches with us)  There was even one particular video that had some of our favorite TV characters.

Each day covered different information about the Constitution.  The topics for this particular unit include the following.

Day 1:  What Is the Constitution?

Day 2:  What Is the History of Constitutions?

Day 3:  Constitutional Convention

Day 4:  Secrets of the Constitution

Day 5:  Goodies and Gadgets of the Constitution

We also worked on the lapbook (will have pictures soon) that was part of this unit.  The activities that went with this were great.  My oldest son loves to cut them out and put the lapbook together.  We also went to Washington DC while we did this study and we are incorporating some pictures from the trip in the lapbook.  That is another great thing that is great about these studies:  they can be done anywhere!

These unit studies provide so much flexibility!  They are such an easy way to do school.  All the work is done for you.  You just have to print what you want to print and use the information from the links to enjoy the study.  I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to review the products.  I wouldn't have thought that you could learn so much about one topic in a week but with the Download N Go products you really do.

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="269" caption="Inside Constitution Celebration"][/caption]

Now for the one thing I have to say in my review.  I was provided a copy of this product for free for my honest review.

You may purchase this item by clicking here.

Download N Go Review & Giveaway - Pizza Party!

Who's ready for a Pizza Party?  My next review is for the Download N Go Pizza Party!  Can you think of anything better to study?  (well maybe chocolate, but that's the mommy in me talking here!)  Again, I was given a free copy of this product for my honest review.

When we began this study I knew my boys would be excited, but the word "excited" doesn't seem to describe how they felt when we began each day.  The videos and internet links were great!  My 3 year old just loved it.  Even though it doesn't count to his school yet, I was so thrilled to see him want to sit with his brother and I every day and work together.  It really was enjoyable for all of us.  :)

[caption id="" align="alignright" width="335" caption="A peek inside."][/caption]

There was so much in this study too.  Between the famous people who lived in Italy to the cities with their famous buildings, the music and of course the food!  Italy is known for it's food and probably most famously for it's pizza.  Just typing my review about this study makes me hungry!  I guarantee that you will either be inspired to make your own pizza or order one from your favorite pizza place.

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="210" caption="It's a Pizza Party!"][/caption]

Here is the list of daily topics you will enjoy learning about with this study.

Day 1: Pizza—What Is It?

Day 2: The Story of Pizza

Day 3: Types of Pizza

Day 4: The Science of Pizza

Day 5: Let’s Have a Pizza Party

Do I have you drooling yet?  Is your tummy growling?  I hope so!  I hope that you will enjoy this study as much as me and my boys did.  People, places, experiments, and PIZZA!  What more could you ask for in a study!

It has been such an awesome experience with my boys to work on these unit studies together.  They make learning fun, easy and it is quite the time saver too.  Amanda does all the research so you don't have to.  This is a great help to us busy moms!  So I encourage you to take a look at the Download N Go website.  There are SO many studies available that there is sure to be one to strike your fancy.

Also, take the time to go to the Download N Go Blog and follow the reviews of the products there!  We are having a blast with these products and love to share our experiences.  :)

GIVEAWAY!

Now for the fun part!  I have been given permission to do a giveaway for one copy of Pizza Party!  YAY!!  I enjoyed this so much and would love to share it with someone else!  So here's the info.  The deadline for the giveaway is September 12th @ Midnight.   The ways to enter are as follows.

1. Leave a comment below.
**For extra entries do one of all of the following and be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did so.
2. Share on Facebook about the giveaway.
3. Tweet about the giveaway.
4. Like Download N Go

5. Share on your own blog about the giveaway.

Sure seems easy doesn't it.  ;)

Deadline is September 12th @ Midnight

One other thing!  The DNG Pizza Party is on sale right now!  WOOHOO!!  for $5.00 you can purchase this awesome study!  Click here to order this study at this great price! The price of $5.00 is ONLY good until September 5th @ Midnight!  Take advantage of this great offer!

Quick info about a GREAT Giveaway!

Checkout the Download N Go Blog for an Awesome Giveaway!!   This is a great opportunity to get some awesome products.  For all the information and details be sure to go to the DNG Blog.

Download N Go Roller Coaster Review

Hello Blog world!  This is my very first product review.  I must say at first how very excited I am about this!  When this opportunity presented itself I was thrilled to be a part of it.  I was given a free copy of the product in exchange for my honest review of it.

So let me give you some basic info about me and my family.  My husband and I met online back in 1998 and got married in 2001.  We decided even before we got married that we would educate our children at home.  We wanted them to have a solid Christian foundation in their education and learning experiences.  We now have 3 boys ages 8, 3, and 7 months.  Homeschooling has been a true blessing for us.  I have been able to enjoy my children as they grow up.  Lord knows that time goes all too quickly.  Plus I am able to individualize the education and goals for each child.

When I first heard about the product Download N Go, I was very intrigued.  I am familiar with unit studies (which is basically what DNG is) because my mother used them with me and my sister when we were educated at home.  We had a blast with unit studies then and I figured my boys would have a blast as well.  The unique feature of this specific set of unit studies is that it incorporates Lapbooks.  I had never heard of a lapbook but I will say that, with some assistance,  my son found creating one quite easy!

The first unit study I am able to share with you for review is Download N Go's Roller Coasters.  When my two oldest boys found out we would be doing a study on Roller Coasters they were thrilled!  We went to Kennywood (an amusement park in the Pittsburgh area) last year so this was just a great way to follow up even though it has been almost a year.  Both boys rode roller coasters and are looking forward to our Kennywood trip this year.  Our oldest is now going to be able to ride the Phantoms Revenge and has been telling me that I will be taking him on the ride.

I wasn't quite sure what all I would find in a DNG unit study as they are really for 5 days of study.  Was I surprised!   Each day covered something different.  These were the topics covered each day.



Day 1 - What is a Roller coaster?

Day 2 - The History of Roller Coasters (This was really interesting)

Day 3 -  People & Places of Roller Coasters

Day 4 - Science Secrets of Roller Coasters & Rides

Day 5 - Goodies & Gadgets of Roller Coasters

There were so many videos and informational links for each day.  The book suggestions were really good.  We used our local library's loan program which allows us to borrow resources from libraries in the the Greater Pittsburgh area.   The books suggested covered several age/grade groups.  It let my middle child enjoy being part of the study as well.  Every day my boys asked what we would learn next about roller coasters.  There were so many different facts that I didn't even know!



I wound up taking the unit to my local Office Max to have it printed.  I would have the DNG file opened on my PC and also have the printed version with us so we could fill in the pages.  We put them in a notebook and also made our first lapbook.  I think next time I will definitely print it up in color instead of black & white. Though it does give the kids an opportunity to color the illustrations.  It does provide several pages for drawing which was great for my oldest!  He loves to draw and make pictures for others.  This was right up his ally.

It was such a great treat to share this experience with them and I am looking forward to doing more Download N Go Unit Studies with my boys.  I know this will be a great way to enhance our education experience.  This is definitely a great way to get away from the textbook and do more specific topics to study.

Take a glance at what is in the Roller Coaster Unit here.

Feel free to follow the Download N Go Review Team as we review other DNG unit studies.

You can also purchase Roller Coasters and other Download N Go studies from The Old Schoolhouse Store.

Now for the fun part!  I have been authorized to do a giveaway!  YAY!!!   Here is how to participate.

The giveaway deadline is Monday, August 23rd, 2010.

1. Leave a comment below.
**For extra entries do one of all of the following and be sure to leave a comment letting me know you did so.
2. Share on Facebook about the giveaway.
3. Tweet about the giveaway.
4. Like Download N Go

Just a quick update

My boys & I are working on the Download N Go Roller Coasters Unit study.  What a blast we are having!  So stick around and look for my full review this weekend as well as pictures of our completed lapbook!

Download N Go

YAY!  I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.  I was chosen to help review Download N Go (DNG) products!  YAY!!  You may be wondering what a Download N Go might be.  DNG  is a unit study tied into lapbooking.  I have never done unit studies with my boys nor have I created a lapbook.  This is an awesome opportunity for me to try something new with my boys and also help others by giving my honest opinion of a product.  There are weekly topics for DNG which is absolutely wonderful.  You can spend as much time on the units as you want too!  My first review will be on the unit for Roller Coasters.  When my son found out he was like, "Cool mom!  Now we need to go to Kennywood so I can ride the Phantoms Revenge and write about it!"  I just have to love how this has gotten my child interested in learning.  :)  So I want to give some info for those of you who may not know what Unit Studies or Lapbooking are all about.  This is from the Download N Go website.

What is a Unit Study?

Download N Go™ studies are daily lessons and lapbook instructions woven together with eye-pleasing pages and interactivity based on exciting themes—ready for immediate use.

There are no expensive resources required; these units are  complete and very affordable.

Unit studies  are a wonderful way to learn. Many homeschoolers love this method because it works so well for simultaneously teaching multiple age levels. Each unit is designed to be one, very full week (five days) of hands-on learning adventures for kids from K- 4th grade. These studies consist of concise, topical material, reinforced by a variety of activities, including lapbooking.  The units explore exciting topics such as roller coasters, chocolate, seashells, Davy Crockett, and Africa.

What are some other benefits?

• Students learn more detailed information with an  in-depth study of a topic. Capturing children’s natural curiosity with many exciting themes to choose from opens up the path to deeper understanding and  better retention.

• Unit studies encourage the use of  imagination, creativity, and thinking skills. The basic subjects are covered while reinforcing other academic abilities.

• The topic studied is perceived as a  whole instead of bits and pieces scattered throughout their education. They are not likely to forget what they have learned and experienced!

• It’s a  fun way to learn and bring the whole family together!

Why is lapbooking a great choice for learning?

Lapbooking brings a lively, creative project appeal to this series in a simple, ready-to-use format.  Daily lapbooking templates are ready to just print and use.  Have you ever created a lapbook with your child?   These activities are made to be easy enough for a beginner, but "meaty” enough for children who have been lapbooking for a long time.

I can hardly wait to experience all of the different topics available through Download N Go.  I know this will add so much to our homeschool year.  I am also looking forward to sharing my reviews on the units with you all!

Here are the links to the Download N Go website, Store and all of the review team blogs.  I hope you find this information helpful.  :)

Download N Go Website

Download N Go Store

Download N Go Review Team

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

No, I am not going to say Christmas, though that is a line from a Christmas song and there are already people posting a countdown of days until that most wonderful Holiday.  But I am talking about School!  That seems to be a wonderful time of year!  This year it is especially wonderful to my family because we are electing to do something different.  We had been stuck in the rut of textbook schooling and while my children did learn, they would often get frustrated with this approach.  It took me reading 2 books and realizing that I am the one who would be better suited for textbook learning while my wonderful boys are more hands-on in their learning.  So, this year we are going with an eclectic/classical approach.  More hands-on activities for the boys (which I know they will love), trips to the library, running outdoors while it is still nice out and focusing on what they need.  I am quickly learning that all children have different approaches to learning and also the speed at which they learn.  I was a very independent learner and picked up on things rather quickly.  My oldest can pick up on things fairly quick.  But he is a boy who has the "I have to keep moving" bug.  He just can't sit still.  LOL!  I don't know a boy that can though.  Our Middle child is 3 and is always on the go.  There is just no way he would do well in a public/private school setting.  These are just a couple of reasons why we homeschool.  So back to this year.  I have purchased most of the school supplies we plan on using this year and I am SOOOO excited about using them.  Jonathan, our oldest, also seems very excited.  He was requesting we open the boxes as soon as our books arrived.  :)   We are also taking a trip to DC this year and going to incorporate that in as part of our schooling.  SO exciting!!  It's always fun to visit new places.  So much to see and learn!

Great deal at the Schoolhouse store!

I don't know about you but I LOVE homeschool magazines!  Specifically The Old Schoolhouse Mag!  It has been an inspiration & blessing to me in so many ways.  From Curriculum to devotions.  Well right now The Old Schoolhouse is having this GREAT sale on their magazine subscription!  1 yr for $17.76!  YAY!!  This deal is good through the 4th of July!  Take advantage of this AWESOME offer homeschool families!  There are also GREAT bonus' that go with this deal.  So go to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine and take advantage of this GREAT offer!

Looking Forward

Excited!  I must say that I am really excited for the up and coming school year!   There were so many choices out there and I spent all day yesterday debating on what I was going to use for some of the subjects!  My amazon.com shopping cart has my choices for piano, language, writing and history.  I am also supplementing those items with many of the things I have purchased or received free from The Old Schoolhouse!  I have a hard drive with a dedicated folder just for homeschooling items.  I have SO much to choose from!  It is wonderful!  I HIGHLY recommend signing up for their newsletters as they have such a wealth of information, inform you of great sales and have also included freebies.  I would not be without their e-mails!  They also have some awesome free things right now.  The first two are the Homeschool 101 Digital Supplement & Product Reviews.  Some very valuable information, especially if you are just starting out homeschooling and are looking for curricuum ideas & reviews.  They are also having their Win Big Promotion!  This runs all summer long and is a great way to win Awesome products for your homeschool.    Another website that publishes freebies daily (though they are on summer break right now) is Homeschool Freebie of the Day.  You sign up for their e-mails and they notify you what the products will be for the week.  Can you see that I love free things??  :)  

I will also say that alot, if not most of the curriculum I am choosing this year is something that I will be able to use with my other children.  The first 2 years of homeschooling I followed a more "Traditional Textbook" approach and my oldest and I were often at odds with each other.  He found it VERY repetative and needed more stimulation.  This year we are going with a classical/eclectic/charlotte mason approach.  More "Real books" & hands on projects.  My husband and I could both tell that while our oldest was learning, he was getting to the point of not liking to learn and that is something we didn't want to happen.  Thus the change in approach of teaching/learning for him.  Homeschooling is definitely a learning process!  What works for some may not work for others.  That is why reviews, samples can be so important.  Scour the internet, talk to other parents, and talk to your kids too!  It is important to find out what they like and also see how they learn.  That last one is important and can save so many headaches.  I only wish I had done it sooner.  Now I am sure we will have a great year!

The Frazzled Female

So I am going to be leading a study this summer (hopefully).  I chose the Frazzled Female because I can so relate to that persona!  As a mother of 3 boys I sometimes feel like I am constantly pulling my hair out trying to manage everything.  I don't know HOW mothers with more than 3 children do it all the time.  What's even more interesting is that I would love to have more children.  So I sometimes question my sanity on this issue.  However, in preparation for this study I have come to realize something that I guess I have known all along.  The source of our strength is not from ourselves (though we sometimes try to make it so) but from the Lord.  It is HE who gives us strength in our daily lives.  Sometimes I forget this when the children are screaming at one another.  I admit that in NO way am I a perfect mother.  I am so far from it that sometimes that frustrates me even more.  I then overcompensate and wind up trying to do too much which leads to me getting very "frazzled" and forgetting to rely on Him for my strength.  God doesn't expect me to be something that I can't.  Only One has been perfect and it took his death on the cross for MY sins that I might be able to live again with Him in Heaven.  I am SO very thankful for the gift of Salvation through Jesus Christ.  Without Him I would be nothing.

Enjoying Life

So today has been a crazy day so far.  My oldest & youngest child were up before the sun and then the middle child woke up shortly therafter.  Needless to say that it didn't work to well with the fact that I hadn't gotten much sleep.  So today is a day off of school for us.  But I know that it will be ok.  This is one of the blessings of Homeschooling.  We can take off days to enjoy life & each other.  Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with doing things that we forget what is really important.  God & Family.  We will take this day to thank God for the blessings in our lives & enjoy each other.  Thank you God for each new day. 

Refreshed

It is amazing how much just a little time off can help you refocus your homeschool.  These past 2 days have been great as I have listened to speakers at the Schoolhouse Expo online.  I don't have to leave my house or find someone to watch the kids.  The speakers have been very informative and in a lot of ways very uplifting.  I have especially enjoyed the Devotion period in the expo.  It has been a great refresher and has helped me think about my own relationship with God.  Sometimes I get so caught up with everything else that I forget to put Him first.  If I put Him first in everything that my day would probably go smoother and I might not get flustered so easily.  It might also help me realized that my kids are just that, kids.  I can't expect perfection from them when they are just learning.  Sometimes I forget that fact.  I am not perfect.  I can only be what God wants me to be and right now He wants me to put him first and then He will give me the strength to deal with things on a day to day basis.  Thank you God for your Mercy & Grace!