TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Mother's Day

WHAT?

The Mother's Day 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: What Is Mother's Day

Day 2: The History of Mother's Day

Day 3: Celebrating Mother's Day

Day 4: Preparations for Mother's Day

Day 5: Goodies for Mother's Day

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4.   Our family lives in a small town and our library has limited titles.  So, I did not bother to try to find specific titles from the recommended reading.  We just used the unit as it was written. I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. 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. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.

I'm the Mom -and Mother's Day surprised me!  The unit includes studies across all the subject areas and was very easy to use.  The entire e-book is beautiful and if you enjoy lapbooking, this would make a beautiful keepsake lapbook. We particularly enjoyed learning the history of Mother's Day.  My children's favorite part of the study was learning about Mother's Day around the world.  They were particularly interested in Scotland's traditions. 

After having done the study, we decided that we would make Mother's Day cards for others we could think of who would be blessed by them.  We made one for my great aunt who is in a nursing home, a family member who has had miscarriages but no living children, as well as our own mothers and grandmothers. 

We tried our best to make our "antique" Mother's Day cards look like the ones we saw in the study, but they were just far beyond what we could produce.  We used oil pastels to try it:

If you are interested in seeing what others think of the unit, click here to take the blog tour.
Happy Mother's Day to you all!!
 


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

Amanda Bennett Unit Study Review: Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go

WHAT?
Magnificent Moon 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: What Exactly Is a Moon?

Day 2: Getting to Know the Moon

Day 3: The Story of the Moon

Day 4: Science Secrets of the Moon

Day 5: Cool Things About the Moon

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 quite well with the study presenting it as-is.

HOW?
We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town with a limited library. We still  learned plenty  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. There is always debate on who get to do the scrolling and who gets to read all the cool information.  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. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT



Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon  is a much deeper study than I expected. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks, had we done every single activity. We had some previous experience with another unit on moons and astronomy. But I felt that the information presented in Magnificent Moon was still quite challenging for my 5th grader.  This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided.  I have always enjoyed watching the shuttles lift off, land and followed their journeys.  So, I was able to share my thoughts and memories on watching space exploration through my lifetime.    We ended our study with our version of a moon cake. 

I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. I did feel that some of the information was over the head of a Kindergartener and on some days, my First grader; but a basic introduction is sufficient for that age anyway.  There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to teach on so many topics and feel confident that they are learning.

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

Also, check out these other value priced studies from Amanda Bennett:

The Cabin Fever Fun Pack, which includes Magnificent Moon, Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Popcorn is currently on sale, and will be through 1/31/11 for $20 (regularly $28).

Also, stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway contest! The contest will run from 1/24-28/11, with the drawing at 9pm on 1/28. We will be giving away 2 standard Moon Maps from National Geographic, valued at $16.99 each


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

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Terrific Tigers Review and Giveaway

WHAT?

Terrific Tigers: The study is in e-book format and 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: 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

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 quite well with the study presenting it as-is.


HOW?

We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town and a search of the library yielded very limited results for us. We learned so much just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time.  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.  I only print out the activity pages.  For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT

Download 'N' Go Terrific Tigers is chock full of great stuff on tigers.  The graphics are stunning and the links are captivating--at least to my nature loving sons. The audios included were fantastic!  We played them over and over and were amazed by the facts we learned in this study.   When we measured it out, they were shocked by the true size of these animals, versus what the children imagined that they looked like.  We never had any luck getting a peek at the live webcam of the tigers,  but we were intrigued by all that we learned about  tigers and the Creator of such an impressive animal. 
    I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely.   There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement.  Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to inspire my children and feel confident that they are learning.

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

I have been provided one free copy of the Terrific Tigers Download 'N' Go to give away free to one of my readers!! To enter, leave me a comment and provide a contact email so that I can let you know if you're my winner!!!!!



Disclaimer: A copy of this unit study was provided for my use in exchange for an honest review.

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go: Pizza Party Review and Giveaway

WHAT?
Pizza Party:  The study is in e-book format and 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: 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
 

 
WHO?
I used this study with my two sons, ages 6 and 8.  Although, it would have been appropriate for even my 5th grader since I learned so much myself!
 
HOW?
Again, we went at this with just the unit provided.  We live in a small town and a search of the library yielded very limited results for us.  We learned so much  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras.  It was more than enough!  I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras.  Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

THE VERDICT
We are pizza lovers here, in the truest sense.  If pizza hasn't made it onto the menu in the last few weeks, I'll know about it soon!!  Every child here participates on pizza night. We do all ours homemade, so my crew knew exactly what was going on with this one-- some delicious FUN!!! The Download 'N' Go provided all that I needed to inspire more than just my children's taste buds when it comes to all things "pizza"!  The study of Italy was their favorite part, aside from the food, of course.  My children were quite interested in the city of Venice and the famous Italians we studied. As the teacher,it is such a pleasant experience to see your children learning and not have to jump through hoops to make it happen.  It's all right there for you-- outlined, organized, clickable bliss!

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents,  click here and see what they're doing at their own Pizza Party!

This weekend there will be a Pizza Party and you're invited!!!  Saturday and Sunday, Pizza Party will be on sale for just $5!!! 
I have been provided one free copy of  Pizza Party Download 'N' Go to give away free to one of my readers!! To enter, leave me a comment and provide a contact email so that I can let you know if you're my winner!!!!!

Disclaimer: A copy of this unit study was provided for my use in exchange for an honest review.

Download 'N' Go Giveaway Winner!!!

And the winner is...................... Kelly Zavala !!!!! Yay! 

So happy for you, Kelly!!  --and thank you for your family's choice to continue to serve our country :)

You should have a link in your inbox soon :)

TOS Review: Download 'N' Go : Roller Coasters

WHAT?

My next review for Download 'N' Go is Roller Coasters (by Amanda Bennett). This unit is a wonderful resource for teachers who are uncomfortable teaching subjects like Physics (this would be me). It contains 94 pages of fun filled learning  for an entire week.  Roller Coasters is filled with links and is complete with experiments  to help you inspire your children's creativity and help them understand gravity, force and motion. All for just $7.95!

The study is in e-book format and very simple to use.  The only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment.  My small town library only had one of the titles given, but once we got into the study, I did not feel that extras were essential. 

WHO?

I did this study with three children, ages 10, 8, and 6. This study is listed for grades K - 4 but I felt that it was a good fit for my 5th grader, as well.


HOW?

Our family does much of our learning all together around the table , or in this case, the computer. We learn by talking and reasoning through our topics. We read through the study, seeking out more information through the videos and/or links given. We even created our own roller coaster using one of the resources provided. My students also related the roller coasters to our traveling in the hilly areas around our area. It also sparked memories of tthe blizzards and sledding downhill last winter. It was very rewarding  to me  to help them to make the connections to 'real life' concepts.

THE VERDICT

When I first thought of doing this unit, I thought that we'd do a little on gravity and a lot of just fun kiddie stuff.  I was so wrong. Roller Coasters really took us for a loop! I was impressed with  how my children never even knew they were studying Geography, Math, even some trivia along the way.

 The Download 'N' Go provided all that I needed to present physics topics to my children in a way that they could understand.  Reading over the material beforehand helped me feel very confident in presenting these concepts to my children.  It was so easy, in fact, that I felt quite silly for being nervous to begin with.  I also felt that the study could have extended beyond one week to go a little bit deeper, especially as I looked for ways to adapt the study for my older student.  This, of course, makes it even more of a bargain and cuts out all preparation time.  If you are a lapbooker, you're in for a treat on this one! There are plenty of great lapbook elements to supplement your learning. Our absolute favorite part of the unit was the video showing the experiment on force. My children watched that over and over and over!

Thanks so much, Download 'N' Go, for helping this homeschool mom get over the fear of physics and help my children enjoy learning, too!

I have been provided one free copy of Roller Coasters Download 'N' Go to giveaway free to one of my readers!!   To enter, leave me a comment and provide a contact email so that I can let you know if you're my winner!!!!!


Disclaimer:  TOS provided me with a copy of this unit study in exchange for my honest review.  This would have been my opinion had I purchased the e-book myself.

TOS Review: Goofy Gecko--Download 'N' Go Unit Study by Amanda Bennett

Oh, Boy, have my nature lovers had a great time this week!!!!  We got the opportunity to review Goofy Gecko Download 'N' Go and it was a sure hit! My boys looove all things nature.  No creature is exempt from their affections or denied handling at a moment's notice.  Thank Heavens these were admired from the distance of the worldwide web.  While I may give off the 'nerves of steel' air when my children bestow their blessed creatures upon the threshold of our home, I am truly panicking inside. 

WHAT
Goofy Gecko is a downloadable unit study in e-book format by Amanda Bennett. This is a one week unit with no additional purchases necessary. Objectives for each day are clearly outlined, which gives you a good idea of what the format will be, for easy planning.  The teacher can easily glance over and quickly decide if, for example, there might be a field trip possibility.  Videos and links associated with each day's objectives are provided.  Also, printable lapbook components come with the study. Additional resources can be found at local libraries to enhance the study, so a list of possible enrichment titles is included as well. 

WHO
I used this study  with two of my children, ages 6 and 8.  Both children love nature and animals but lack enthusiasm for the paper-y work of mini books and such.

HOW
We did this study over three days.  Usually science  is 2-3 days per week, depending on depth.  We made a mediocre attempt at the lapbook on a fourth day.  As I mentioned, my boys are not thrilled with the concept of lapbooks.  The three of us sat around our family computer, learning all manner of facts and figures on these creatures.  The videos were wonderful!  We especially loved the one where we watched the gecko turn from brown to green in real time .  We were all amazed.  One of my children commented on  how wonderfully God created our world . My  preschooler was even caught with the wide-eyed look during the video sessions.  The majority of the 'studying' was done orally, with me reading aloud from some of the links or other  material provided in the e-book.  I did not have access to many library books to go along with this.  Our small town library had to order in the few that we did get.  So, we mostly used the one or two resources I had on hand and the teacher's information provided in the E-book itself.  I still felt it was sufficient, even without the extras.  My 5th grader added her input on occasion as we went through some of the discussions in creating  the lapbook, actually helping out in the review process.  There were also a few lizard related practical jokes that ensued shortly after being inspired by the day's science (as I'm sure any Mom of boys can imagine).

THE VERDICT
I really enjoyed that all of the work and research  was done for me.  It almost felt too easy! I do wish the list of book resources was more exhaustive, as my small town library only had a few of the ones given.  In my opinion, a child in the upper age range could have done this study with  minimal assistance.  This takes a ton of the workload  off of Mom and allows her to enjoy being able to be with the children (and maybe even learn along with them!).  I appreciated the ease of use of this format and  how well organized  it was.  Also, if you're a planner by nature (like me), you might find yourself out of a job.  But, don't worry, you'll quickly be sidetracked by little ones whose eyes are lit with wonder at our Creator.



Full Disclosure:
I was provided a copy of  this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  This would have been my opinion had I purchased the book myself.