The EFTs are coming! The EFTs are coming! The EFTs are coming! Once again Homeschool Buyer's Co-op is making this incredible Emmy award winning series available to homeschoolers! Last weekend I got to meet one of the men who works behind the scenes for the EFTs and it was a thrill to be able to thank him for the incredible job everyone does and for giving homeschoolers the opportunity to see these! 

      There is one EFT a month and just like a live field trip, these have been a wonderful break to our usual homeschool day. Furthermore the EFTs have incredibly deepened our understanding of history. Field trips like "Yorktown" and "Soldier of Liberty" that take us to the 18th or 19th centuries actually do help us to understand everything from the Middle Ages to modern history. Many battlefield techniques originated in the Middle Ages and some elements are still in use today.  Whereas we had fun studying 18th century science in "In Pursuit of Science," we were forced to face the struggles of slaves as they sought freedom in "Freedom Bound."   Contemporary ideas like disputed elections are not unique to our era, as we learned in last year's "The Will of the People". As we viewed "Remember the Ladies", many of the concepts carried over into our 19th century studies of women's suffrage. "Making History Live" taught us how the CWF uses primary source documents to retell the story of history. Thus, my kids learned how to use primary source documents so they can bring their own history studies to life!  

     What is slated this season? 

October 15, 2009-"Emmisaries of Peace" is set during the French and Indian War with the timeless struggle of the American Indian seeking peace.

November 19, 2009-"A More Perfect Union" is about the ratification of the US Constitution and the conflicts that were involved.  

December 10, 2009-"Jamestown Unearthed" is about how archaeology uncovers clues to our past.

January 14, 2010-"Westward!" is about Western expansion as told by Daniel Boone!

February 11, 2010-"The Slave Trade" is about those who were affected by the 1807 law that abolished the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

March 11, 2010-"The Rights of Youth" explores the harsh 18th century punishment system. I'm sure our kids will appreciate the freedoms they have today!

April 22, 2010-"Treasure Keepers" explores the work of conservators who preserve historical artifacts for us to enjoy. 

     Each field trip comes with lesson plans, activities, fun computer programs, opportunities to ask historians questions on the air and even e-mail historical figures! My kids and I have enjoyed these immensely. I tell you, what bigger education thrill can there be but to receive a reply back in the e-mail from General George Washington, himself!  Be sure to sign up and enjoy!