Thursday, February 3, 2011

Amanda Bennet Unit Study: Download 'N' Go - George Washington



WHAT?
George Washington Download 'N' Go is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: Who Was George Washington?

Day 2: People and Places in George Washington's Life

Day 3: The Accomplishments of George Washington

Day 4: Lessons to Learn From George Washington

Day 5: Remembering George Washington


WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did well with the study.   Some of the library books provided further enrichment  and activities for her age group.

HOW?

We were able to get a number of the go along titles from our public library. I used the e-book on a daily basis, as presented and added in literature for story times, bedtimes, individual reading, even some fun activities to throw into the mix. For an older child, adding extra reading and expecting  a bit more on some of the assignments seemed appropriate and went over well.

I gathered my children around the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. The unit is neatly divided into days and all we have to do is enjoy it.  We did the activities, read, and watch edthe videos that are linked within the study.  I preprinted all that is needed from the e-book itself.  No creating my own notebook pages or forms.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study with a link back to where you are in the study so you don't have to search to get back.


THE VERDICT


I can say with certainty that this was our favorite DNG so far!  Download 'N' Go George Washington gave us more than the typical unit on our country's father. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks or more, had we done every single activity and thoroughly explored every title suggested in this study. We wanted to, though! This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided and correlating it with our local historical sites.
This is not just a history lesson - it is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. You will find mapwork, timeline activities, and more. Of course, I found many opportunities for copywork and writing exercises at my fingertips. I appreciated the character studies included, as well.  We loved all the information about George Washington personally. My husband even enjoyed learning with us and confessed  to learning something new!  It probably feels even more "real" to us because we live in an area that is chock-full of  historical Washingtonion sites.  We drive by many of them regularly and some, even weekly.   There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. But many of the suggested titles made the study even more fun.  And now, our calendar is marked and we will be serving a special breakfast in honor of George Washington very soon!!!  We can't wait for warmer weather, as we are headed out to Mount Vernon as soon as the cold lets up a bit.


Here, we are writing with quill pens.  We found out that it isn't easy to get things done writing with those!
We also kept a journal, as George Washington did and even learned steps to a Minuet.  It was such a fun time.  We really could have gone on for quite a while with this study.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go George Washington.

I have been provided one free copy of the George Washington Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.