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Ben and I are traveling the world with Download N Go (DNG) this year. We’ve spent the past couple of months learning about continents, oceans, and explorers, in general. Beginning this month, we are going from continent to continent, learning about different countries. I let Ben choose where to begin and he chose Australia. So allow me to introduce you to Expedition Australia!
For those of you unfamiliar with DNG, these week-long unit studies, with accompanying lapbook, are written by Amanda Bennett and The Old Schoolhouse (TOS). They were introduced last year and we have already enjoyed several in our homeschool. You can read a quick review I wrote about them when they first came out here.
The engaging and hands-on units target grades K-4, with daily lesson plans, beautiful graphics and easy and fun to use lapbooking and notebooking pages. If you’ve never lapbooked before, no worries, there’s a lovely description, with links to videos and photos, to help guide you.
Expedition Australia, like other DNG units, is divided into 5 daily lesson plans. In this unit, you’ll enjoy teaching your children about the following:
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
The unit is filled with the clickable links, including awesome videos, Mrs. Bennett is known for and was a delight for my 4rd grader. There is also a nice book list, divided by days. I ordered the books from the list, that were available from our library, and used them to enhance our study and fill our book basket, as well as for read-aloud time and required reading for Ben.
One of our favorite books we read this week is entitled, The Life Cycle of a Koala. I thought I knew a lot about this adorable marsupials, but I had no idea they had 2 thumbs, or that there are 3 kinds of koala. Did you know that baby koalas actually gestate in that pouch, they don’t just live there after they are fully formed? Well, now you do!
One of my favorite things about DNG is the amount of independence Ben has discovered in his schoolwork. Although, I must say I choose to stay close by because I enjoy all the learning myself! I am simply amazed at how much I didn’t know about Australia, especially its geography. I find the same true with all of the DNG titles….there is so much I never learned.
Ben says his favorites are the videos. It’s so fun to watch his face as The Great Barrier Reef comes alive on the screen. He also enjoys all the many topics DNG has to offer. What child doesn’t love learning about Tigers, Pizza, Tornadoes, or Chocolate?
My other favorite part is how easy it is for me to teach with DNG. The name “Download N Go” is no misnomer. You can literally purchase the product, download, and go, with little preparation ahead of time. All you really need is your computer, a printer, pencils, paper, and crayons and you’re all set. A nice library is a bonus, and although we definitely utilize ours, it’s not necessary.
You can see a complete description of Expedition Australia here, along with sample pages to view. At $7.95, even cheaper for multi-unit bundle purchases, DNG’s are very affordable and perfect to use as your main curriculum or for a fun break from your usual homeschool week. As an extra special treat, you can purchase Expedition Australia for $5.95 from now until Nov 8.
Once you’ve tried Expedition Australia, you’re sure to want to use more DNGs. You can find a list of all the titles on the DNG website. We are looking forward to the other Expedition units throughout the year!
To help you along, the DNG Blog is hosting a giveaway for two Australia Political Maps from National Geographic. These beautiful maps would be the perfect edition to this title. It’s easy to enter, so head on over to the blog and leave a comment. I hope you win! While you’re visiting the DNG blog, be sure to check out the other reviews of Expedition Australia!
Enjoy visiting the Land Down Under. You’re sure to have a blast! Hooroo, mate!
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