WINTER WONDERS... and more headed our way?

The week after the holidays, where we all strive to bring order and routine back into our lives after weeks of celebrating and merry chaos, wasn't 100% a success.  We didn't manage to get Math in everyday, and in fact, both the boys cried our first day back on that task.  Jeremiah worked some on his letters, and Caleb read 3 books on his own.  Still... we were operating less than par as we had to constantly fight the Christmas/New Year's mentality.  The kids didn't know what to do when we actually stayed home 3 whole days, but Mommy did ~ Amanda Bennett's fantastic Winter Wonders DNG!

An overview of our week long study is bulleted below. 

■Day 1: What is Winter?


■Day 2: Science Secrets of Winter

■Day 3: People and Places of Winter

■Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Winter

■Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Winter

As the entire download n go line, Winter Wonders DNG is tailor-made for K-4 students. Within the study, there are stunning graphics, embedded links to websites and video clips, lapbooking components, and notebooking pages.  An extensive list of recommended resources are provided as wells as some "just for fun" suggestions. 

Take a quick look at some of the activity pages included.  All of these are prepared and ready to go - just click print.  Hence the name, download n go!  No false advertising there... these studies are busy-Mom-friendly, entertaining, educational, and economical.

No shocker to my blog followers, but again, I was so pleased with the reading list that accompanied Winter Wonders.  Of course, this study could stand alone, and it would be more than substantial.  However, adding some great literature, only heightens the DNG experience. 

We took a trip to the local library to make our selections.  We checked out some non-fiction books about polar animals, hibernation, and weather.  Then, we cleaned out the picture book section.  We are a Five in a Row family, so it was great to see the book we will be "rowing" next Katy and the Big Snow on the reading list.  (Courtesy of Winter Wonders, my kiddos will have some prior knowledge next week - yay!)  Not only does Amanda Bennett include classics, but she adds some fun, recognizable characters as well...  that silly Curious George.  He always keeps my little ones entertained.  Best of all, my Caleb is an emerging reader, and for the first time, he was able to read a book about our theme on his very own.  Snow Joe by Carol Greene was read repeatedly this week, and this Momma couldn't be more proud!  Way to go Caleb!!!

The animal junkies at my house loved studying polar animals.  Although, the were bitten by the racin' bug and became completely enthralled with the dog sleds.  We watched many videos of dog sleds.  Jeremiah wanted to know if we could do that, so I told him he'd have to visit Daddy's cousin Terran in Alaska to do that.  He asked if it took longer to get there than going to Mamaw and Papaw's.  When I said yes, he decided he'd stay home.

Studying Snowflake Bentley and snowflakes was a highlight of the week.  In fact, the children were completely enamored with the pristine, large flakes on the van windows yesterday.  The drive to church morning wasn't as hectic as some because they were discussing their great finds.

The kiddos had so much fun at Make-a-Flake creating their own snowflakes online. Because these snowflakes are in cyberspace... truly there was "virtually" no mess for Momma to clean up :-) Yeah, I know, corny joke, but on a serious note, the little ones got to practice their mouse skills. After a few clicks of their own, they were able to lay claim to these beautiful snowflake masterpieces.

Rachel's Snowflake



Jeremiah's Snowflake

Caleb's Snowflake

Bundle up and stay warm!  According to our weatherman, more snow is on the way.  My suggestion:  Make the most of the next blustery blanket of white and study Winter Wonders DNG with your little ones.  A small investment of $7.95 and you have EVERYTHING you need for an incredible week of fun and learning.  Don't let the winter weather pass by without this great study.  Read honest reviews written by homeschool parents, and learn how they remedied the winter blahs with Winter Wonders DNG.  Purchase HERE.  While you are there, be sure and check out all the other fabulous DNG titles available.  Undoubtedly, you will find one or twenty that peak your interest.