Week 12
Congratulations everyone for a job well done. We finished half year of CC amazingly strong. Continue on giving your best in every endeavor you undertake.
Presentation was entertaining. The kids shared their favorite Christmas family tradition... the common theme is family. Christmas is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. It reminds us not only of our love for each other, but most especially also of God's love for us by sending His one and only Son, Jesus, to us.
Science experiment is more a Science craft; we made constellation scopes. The kids were excited of what their scopes would look like, and I asked them to share what it looks like when they try it at home. This is the site where we got the project idea. Have fun!
We talked a little about the moon calendar we filled out. I asked the kids how they liked the activity. Most of them enjoyed it even if they did not fill out the calendar. I told them I don't really mind the if they did not fill out the calendar as long as they learn from real life. They are excited to do it again, and I suggested that it would be great to do it sometime in the spring or summer (the link for the moon calendar is in the previous blog). I encouraged them to take every opportunity to learn beyond the books that they are reading. It is a very stimulating way to learn.
New Grammar
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly introduced them to the goal of each mission. We had a very good discussion on the different space missions. They might enjoy researching more about the topic.
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about Napoleon Bonaparte and the Battle of Waterloo. The kids were just amazing. They have a lot of questions that is relevant to the topic we are discussing. This is a wonderful site about the Battle of Waterloo and Napoleon. Have fun learning with them. I am honored to be learning and having fun with them.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We continued our memory work for the indefinite pronouns. We have one more week to go on the indefinite pronouns.
Latin: Song - CC CD
We reviewed last week's conjugation
Math: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We are finally done with our tables. Please keep on practicing their multiplication table at home. We started with measurements this week. The kids want to keep going on; I had to stop them to keep on doing the memory work for next time.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We traveled to the Eastern European Seas - the kids noted that they have different colors. We did not have enough time to discuss about USSR, but I promised them I would send the link to you, so here is the link. It would be great for them to see where and what the countries (former USSR) are in the map as we continue on the whole of Europe next semester. And I told them to try to trace the map of Europe (on a tracing paper) this Christmas break. It would be a good start to prepare them for Challenge.
Review
We were able to review all weeks of History, Science, Latin, and English this week. from my observation, the kids are struggling with the different pronouns for English. I told them to make a sentence and keep replacing it with the pronouns. We were unable to review Timeline and Geography. Continue to work on them at home. The kids all raised their hands when I asked who will be going for Memory Masters and I am really proud of them. Continue reviewing their memory work at home for Mock Memory Masters testing on January 9, 2017. I know they all can do it... NO DOUBT!
Fine Arts
The end of tin whistle and our music theory. We reviewed everything we learned in theory, and as a final review, we looked at a real music score and identified things in the music that we know. The kids did wonderfully. For "Silent Night", we divided the class in two - melody and harmony. Melody Kids - Elle, Reid, Nolan and Ruthie. Harmony Kids - Jacob, Jayven, Caroline, Ellie and Dawn. I told them I will not force them to memorize the piece; I would only encourage them to memorize it... hahaha! They need to work on speed (they go too fast on the parts they know and slow on the parts that they don't) and closing the holes tightly. Please encourage them to practice their part for the Christmas program. I would appreciate it very much. I believe I forgot to send the music via email last week. I will do it this time, promise!
P.S. for the week. We did not have enough time to practice the Bible verse (Ephesians 6:1-9). The kids know it, but please encourage them to go over it even once this week. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your kids and for all of you - your encouragement and your friendship. It has been a wonderful first half of the year. I hope to continue the next half of the year with much excitement and thrill with your kids. Keep on!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
Week 11
Hello to everyone! I am always amazed at how the kids take care and love each other. I am doubly blest with their love for me. Thank you, girls for the card and the drawing on the board. It is a wonderful encouragement to me. Nolan, we missed you.
Presentation was exciting. I am very impressed with the books the kids are reading. We had books written by great authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis , etc. The amazing thing is the kids are able to talk about most of the books that was shared. Presentation was more of a book discussion, which is so awesome. Treasure this wonderful time of reading. Next week's presentation - "Tell us about your favorite family tradition for Christmas."
I can only say one word for the Science experiment - ROCKETS! We had a marvelous time launching the rockets and comparing them. However, we did not know what was the final verdict on which rocket flew higher. A question for Mr. Herson next week, kids.
New Grammar
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed the timeline section taught during the opening ceremony. The kids had more fun finding out what was before a certain time period. This is a great exercise and challenge for the kids who had memorize the Timeline song for many years.
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly talked to them about the French Revolution. I guess I was mixing my words at that time because the kids were so quiet, or maybe they are just really paying attention. To read more on the French revolution, look at this site or this site.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We started with the first of the three groups of indefinite pronouns. We will be going over this list for the next three weeks, with different focus every week.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation future perfect tense... When we were learning future tense, our hint was a bow (bo). Now with future perfect, our hint is an arrow (ero). We even had an opportunity to review all of the Latin conjugation.
Math: Song - CC CD
We learned about the cubes. They are really good with skip counting, so to challenge them, I asked them about cubes out of order (e.g. 7 cubes, 9 cubes). they struggled, but I believed they had fun.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly explained to them the other bodies in our solar system. The kids struggled with the pronunciation of the meteoroids and meteorites, but they know their materials. If you want to learn more about the other bodies in our solar system, check out this site (Scroll doen to the lowest section to find asteroids, comets, and meteorites).
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We were in Eastern Europe and we learned that Istanbul used to be named Constantinople. This is a good reading site about Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. I also mentioned to the kids that part of Turkey is located in Europe and part of Turkey is in Asia. Check out this site for more on Turkey... and yes, I remembered the body of water - Bosporus strait.
The water behind us is the Bosporus strait. We were in Istanbul (Europe part of Turkey), and the land behind the water is the part of Turkey in Asia. We also learned that Russia used to be USSR. I asked the kids to check out what independent countries now, used to be part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This is their homework (if they remember), and we might talk about it next week. Have fun researching. I will send a good site to check out about USSR next week (just in case the kids are reading this blog).
Fine Arts
We reviewed a little bit of our theory. I introduced new grammar (mostly Italian words), piano, forte, mezzo, crescendo, diminuendo, legato and staccato. Next week will be our last week in music theory, it would be great if you can review what we learned the past six weeks. We will be looking at real music and see how we can read the music score. We also practiced our "Silent Night". The kids are doing great. I heard most of them. I just need to hear from a few of them so we can balance the sound of the melody and harmony part. Please remind them to keep practicing both melody and harmony. I will send the music via email attachment just in case some of them lose the copy of the music. Awesome job, Jacob for finishing the assignment on "We Three Kings". We will play this music again next week. I gave them a copy of "Ode to Joy" for tin whistle without the finger holes. My goal for them is to be able to play music just by looking at any piece of music (in the key of D, of course) without depending on the finger hole chart. It would be great and the kids will surely feel accomplished. Remember to bring your tin whistle next week. I really hope that everyone can play the tin whistle next week. It will be our last rehearsal for our Christmas program. If siblings are sharing the tin whistle, please take note that our schedule for tin whistle is 11:00 am - 11;30 am (more or less). Thank you very much!
Review
We practiced our verse, Ephesians 6:1-9, the song (acapella) and the sign language. The kids did great. I have decided that we will not use any background music, because the kids sang it perfectly. Review game today was Math only. The kids did wonderfully with tables from 1 to 10, they started to struggle a little bit in the 11's and 12's, but they really struggled in the 13's, 14's and 15's. Keep on practicing the tables... challenge them by making it a game. I am sure they will enjoy it.
I almost forgot... we should be finished with our moon calendar this coming weekend (Dec. 12 is 29 days from Nov. 14). If they can bring their calendar with them, it would be a wonderful discussion topic.
Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Hello to everyone! I am always amazed at how the kids take care and love each other. I am doubly blest with their love for me. Thank you, girls for the card and the drawing on the board. It is a wonderful encouragement to me. Nolan, we missed you.
Presentation was exciting. I am very impressed with the books the kids are reading. We had books written by great authors like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis , etc. The amazing thing is the kids are able to talk about most of the books that was shared. Presentation was more of a book discussion, which is so awesome. Treasure this wonderful time of reading. Next week's presentation - "Tell us about your favorite family tradition for Christmas."
I can only say one word for the Science experiment - ROCKETS! We had a marvelous time launching the rockets and comparing them. However, we did not know what was the final verdict on which rocket flew higher. A question for Mr. Herson next week, kids.
New Grammar
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed the timeline section taught during the opening ceremony. The kids had more fun finding out what was before a certain time period. This is a great exercise and challenge for the kids who had memorize the Timeline song for many years.
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly talked to them about the French Revolution. I guess I was mixing my words at that time because the kids were so quiet, or maybe they are just really paying attention. To read more on the French revolution, look at this site or this site.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We started with the first of the three groups of indefinite pronouns. We will be going over this list for the next three weeks, with different focus every week.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation future perfect tense... When we were learning future tense, our hint was a bow (bo). Now with future perfect, our hint is an arrow (ero). We even had an opportunity to review all of the Latin conjugation.
Math: Song - CC CD
We learned about the cubes. They are really good with skip counting, so to challenge them, I asked them about cubes out of order (e.g. 7 cubes, 9 cubes). they struggled, but I believed they had fun.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly explained to them the other bodies in our solar system. The kids struggled with the pronunciation of the meteoroids and meteorites, but they know their materials. If you want to learn more about the other bodies in our solar system, check out this site (Scroll doen to the lowest section to find asteroids, comets, and meteorites).
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We were in Eastern Europe and we learned that Istanbul used to be named Constantinople. This is a good reading site about Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. I also mentioned to the kids that part of Turkey is located in Europe and part of Turkey is in Asia. Check out this site for more on Turkey... and yes, I remembered the body of water - Bosporus strait.
The water behind us is the Bosporus strait. We were in Istanbul (Europe part of Turkey), and the land behind the water is the part of Turkey in Asia. We also learned that Russia used to be USSR. I asked the kids to check out what independent countries now, used to be part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. This is their homework (if they remember), and we might talk about it next week. Have fun researching. I will send a good site to check out about USSR next week (just in case the kids are reading this blog).
Fine Arts
We reviewed a little bit of our theory. I introduced new grammar (mostly Italian words), piano, forte, mezzo, crescendo, diminuendo, legato and staccato. Next week will be our last week in music theory, it would be great if you can review what we learned the past six weeks. We will be looking at real music and see how we can read the music score. We also practiced our "Silent Night". The kids are doing great. I heard most of them. I just need to hear from a few of them so we can balance the sound of the melody and harmony part. Please remind them to keep practicing both melody and harmony. I will send the music via email attachment just in case some of them lose the copy of the music. Awesome job, Jacob for finishing the assignment on "We Three Kings". We will play this music again next week. I gave them a copy of "Ode to Joy" for tin whistle without the finger holes. My goal for them is to be able to play music just by looking at any piece of music (in the key of D, of course) without depending on the finger hole chart. It would be great and the kids will surely feel accomplished. Remember to bring your tin whistle next week. I really hope that everyone can play the tin whistle next week. It will be our last rehearsal for our Christmas program. If siblings are sharing the tin whistle, please take note that our schedule for tin whistle is 11:00 am - 11;30 am (more or less). Thank you very much!
Review
We practiced our verse, Ephesians 6:1-9, the song (acapella) and the sign language. The kids did great. I have decided that we will not use any background music, because the kids sang it perfectly. Review game today was Math only. The kids did wonderfully with tables from 1 to 10, they started to struggle a little bit in the 11's and 12's, but they really struggled in the 13's, 14's and 15's. Keep on practicing the tables... challenge them by making it a game. I am sure they will enjoy it.
I almost forgot... we should be finished with our moon calendar this coming weekend (Dec. 12 is 29 days from Nov. 14). If they can bring their calendar with them, it would be a wonderful discussion topic.
Have a wonderful rest of the week everyone!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Kids' Artwork (Week 1-6)
Here are some the kid's drawings from Week 1-6. Thanks to my sister, Haidee, who patiently collated the drawings. You'll be proud of the amazing work the kids made. I wish I can display all of them for our Christmas program...
Week 1 OiLS
Week 2 Mirror Image
Week 3 Upside-down Drawing
Week 4 Abstract Art
Week 5 Perspective Drawing
Week 6 Final Project
Congratulations to everyone for a wonderful job! Keep on drawing!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Here are some the kid's drawings from Week 1-6. Thanks to my sister, Haidee, who patiently collated the drawings. You'll be proud of the amazing work the kids made. I wish I can display all of them for our Christmas program...
Week 1 OiLS
Week 2 Mirror Image
Week 3 Upside-down Drawing
Week 4 Abstract Art
Week 5 Perspective Drawing
Week 6 Final Project
Congratulations to everyone for a wonderful job! Keep on drawing!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Week 10
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This post is a week late. I sure hope everyone had a wonderful time off from CC. Allow me to use this season to thank everyone for the marvelous ten weeks we have together. It has been a pleasure working with all of you!
Presentation was interesting and fun. I hope the kids had much fun preparing it as much as they had sharing it in class. Next week's presentation - Book Report/Sharing. Tell us about your favorite book (or book series). Who is the author? What type of book it is? What it is about? (Try not to spoil the ending, especially if you want your friends to read it.).
Science experiment was "Service Project". The kids did a wonderful job cleaning our classroom, the long hallway and the kitchen counter. It is a perfect project for Thanksgiving - learning to say thank you to the church who is allowing us to use their facilities. The kids were really enthusiastic about cleaning (I sure hope they are as enthusiastic helping clean at home. Hahaha!). Allow them to have opportunities of service outside the home especially this coming Christmas - the season of giving.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We learned about Russia and I briefly told them about Vladimir I, Tzar Ivan the Great and Catherine the Great. They If you want to learn more about Vladimir I, check this site. Additional reading for Tzar Ivan the Great and Catherine the Great can be found here and here. If you are interested in learning more about the Kremlin, this site is an interesting one.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the phases of the moon. We had one week head start when I gave them the moon calendar to check the moon every night (I should have said every morning, since it comes out really really late at night) the previous week. I hope the kids will have an interesting calendar by the end of Week 12. We briefly talked about the moon cycle and the waxing and waning phases. If you want to read more, check out this site.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We differentiated the demonstrative pronouns and the interrogative pronouns. I had so much fun mixing up my question to confuse the kids, they seem to enjoy it and they really know their materials. Keep up the good work.
Latin: Song - CC CD
A review from the previous week (and a general review of the different Latin conjugation).
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was taught in the opening ceremony. We played the game, what is before...? I told them it is important for them to know what is before a certain time period because we need to look back not just ahead. Again, I reminded them that knowing the dates (time period) is very important, it will help then know what happened, when. The kids are doing an awesome job.
Math: Song - CC CD
Hooray, the kids were so excited because they get to skip count the squares. Keep on practicing the tables.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about some countries in Southwest Asia. the kids did not have much trouble finding the countries. I even added Russia and Mongolia.
Fine Arts
We reviewed a lot of the music theory we learned already. We learned the "accidentals" - flat, sharp and natural. We also differentiated the time signature and the key signature. Learned about a tie note, the end and repeat sign. We also practiced "Silent Night" (harmony & melody) and we even played "Joy to the World"(harmony & melody). It was so much fun and you'll be really proud of the kids. I gave them a homework assignment to find and write the notes (We three Kings). Please remind them to fill out the notes and bring the paper with them to play next week. I want them to learn playing music using real scores (not the tin whistle guide music). This will allow them to play any music they see with ease (even if it is only the key of D and G for starters). Please remind them to practice the melody and harmony part of "Silent Night". I will pick who will play harmony and melody next week.
Review
We started by reviewing our verse - Ephesians 6:1-9. Please encourage the kids to memorize our verse. They are doing really really great with both the memory work and the sign language. Keep on! We had a short time for review, but the kids did wonderfully. They really know their materials well, but we really need to work on the Multiplication Table. Encourage them to practice their multiplication table this week because I am really thinking of doing just Math for review next time we meet.
Have a wonderful rest of the week... we definitely will... Hooray! See you next week.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! This post is a week late. I sure hope everyone had a wonderful time off from CC. Allow me to use this season to thank everyone for the marvelous ten weeks we have together. It has been a pleasure working with all of you!
Presentation was interesting and fun. I hope the kids had much fun preparing it as much as they had sharing it in class. Next week's presentation - Book Report/Sharing. Tell us about your favorite book (or book series). Who is the author? What type of book it is? What it is about? (Try not to spoil the ending, especially if you want your friends to read it.).
Science experiment was "Service Project". The kids did a wonderful job cleaning our classroom, the long hallway and the kitchen counter. It is a perfect project for Thanksgiving - learning to say thank you to the church who is allowing us to use their facilities. The kids were really enthusiastic about cleaning (I sure hope they are as enthusiastic helping clean at home. Hahaha!). Allow them to have opportunities of service outside the home especially this coming Christmas - the season of giving.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We learned about Russia and I briefly told them about Vladimir I, Tzar Ivan the Great and Catherine the Great. They If you want to learn more about Vladimir I, check this site. Additional reading for Tzar Ivan the Great and Catherine the Great can be found here and here. If you are interested in learning more about the Kremlin, this site is an interesting one.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the phases of the moon. We had one week head start when I gave them the moon calendar to check the moon every night (I should have said every morning, since it comes out really really late at night) the previous week. I hope the kids will have an interesting calendar by the end of Week 12. We briefly talked about the moon cycle and the waxing and waning phases. If you want to read more, check out this site.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We differentiated the demonstrative pronouns and the interrogative pronouns. I had so much fun mixing up my question to confuse the kids, they seem to enjoy it and they really know their materials. Keep up the good work.
Latin: Song - CC CD
A review from the previous week (and a general review of the different Latin conjugation).
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was taught in the opening ceremony. We played the game, what is before...? I told them it is important for them to know what is before a certain time period because we need to look back not just ahead. Again, I reminded them that knowing the dates (time period) is very important, it will help then know what happened, when. The kids are doing an awesome job.
Math: Song - CC CD
Hooray, the kids were so excited because they get to skip count the squares. Keep on practicing the tables.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about some countries in Southwest Asia. the kids did not have much trouble finding the countries. I even added Russia and Mongolia.
Fine Arts
We reviewed a lot of the music theory we learned already. We learned the "accidentals" - flat, sharp and natural. We also differentiated the time signature and the key signature. Learned about a tie note, the end and repeat sign. We also practiced "Silent Night" (harmony & melody) and we even played "Joy to the World"(harmony & melody). It was so much fun and you'll be really proud of the kids. I gave them a homework assignment to find and write the notes (We three Kings). Please remind them to fill out the notes and bring the paper with them to play next week. I want them to learn playing music using real scores (not the tin whistle guide music). This will allow them to play any music they see with ease (even if it is only the key of D and G for starters). Please remind them to practice the melody and harmony part of "Silent Night". I will pick who will play harmony and melody next week.
Review
We started by reviewing our verse - Ephesians 6:1-9. Please encourage the kids to memorize our verse. They are doing really really great with both the memory work and the sign language. Keep on! We had a short time for review, but the kids did wonderfully. They really know their materials well, but we really need to work on the Multiplication Table. Encourage them to practice their multiplication table this week because I am really thinking of doing just Math for review next time we meet.
Have a wonderful rest of the week... we definitely will... Hooray! See you next week.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Week 9
Hello everyone,
Time is moving quickly. We only have three weeks left and we will be finishing the first semester. It has been encouraging to see the kids enjoying their time with the memory work and sharing a lot of what they know about the memory sentences. Hooray! Dialectic stage. We are glad to see Nolan back, and I am so touched with how the kids try to help him even in their own little ways. Caroline, we missed you. Hope you are feeling better.
Presentation was so much fun. We started with a rope trick, and then we made an origami box, followed by a card trick, and then a sign language demonstration and ended with making a paper boat. We had so much fun, we were late for Science with Mr. Herson. It has been a marvelous two weeks for the kids to show off their demonstration skills. Next week's presentation: Recite a poem and tell us why you like it. Have fun preparing.
Science with the help of the sun and Mr. Herson. The kids enjoyed a wonderful time outside while looking at their sunprint creations. We even found out that SPF 50 sunscreen does help and it is not only a marketing strategy. If you want to do the experiment at home, you can visit this site for the process. Thank you so much, Mr. Herson.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about each of the monarch. We went over the history sentence a few times, and I tricked them by asking them which monarch was ruling which country out of order. I believe they had fun with it. This seems like a good powerpoint for the absolute monarchs. This one is for Henry VIII.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The kids did really well with the interrogative pronouns. Next week I will help them differentiate interrogative and demonstrative pronouns.
Latin: Song - CC CD
We started with the pluperfect tense. The clue for this tense is "eram, eram on my pluperfect drum." So they will remember that it starts with "eram".
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We went over the timeline beginning from 500AD. As usual, I tested them and ask them what was before a particular event. Good way of remembering what they already know. Makes timeline more exciting.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We have been doing a lot of Science experiments on the planets. So, I briefly told them about the 4 inner planets and 4 outer planets and why Pluto is not considered a planet anymore. If you want to learn more about the planets. Use this site for easy reading on the different planets. This is the good site for reading about why Pluto is not considered a planet anymore. Have fun reading. In preparation for the lesson next week, I gave the kids a moon observation calendar and asked them to observe the moon for a month. Starting with Nov. 14 (the biggest supermoon until 2034). I hope they are observing the moon already. Have fun. This can be a family bonding activity. I got the chart form this site. This is a good site for the article about Nov. 14, being the supermoon. The next supermoon would be on Dec. 14, which is the end of our moon observation. It is going to be an amazing moon observation month. Thank you Lord! Have fun.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We visited the Caribbean this week. The kids seem to know the different places in the map.
Math
I told the kids that this is their last week of the tables... they seem to be struggling a little bit with the tables. Especially the last three (13, 14, 15). They can skip count fine but they need to work on the tables. Continue working on the tables, don't give up! They can do it.
Fine Arts
We reviewed what we learned on music theory the last few weeks. We went over some rhythm exercises as well. I gave them a copy of the song (Silent Night) that we are playing for Christmas. We tried the melody part first which was the goal for the day. Since they did really well, I gave them the harmony part as well. I was so impressed with the result. Let them continue practicing both parts at home using the scale as their warm up. I will divide the class into two parts so they can focus on that part for the next two weeks. Have fun. Next week, I will pull out our two part "Joy to the World" so the kids can have fun as well. Thank you for all your support.
Review
We started the review with our verse Ephesians 6:1-9. I told them that we are doing this for the Christmas presentation as well. We only have one verse left. They did pretty well. We will be singing with our voice and our hands. Continue to encourage them to memorize the verse. We had a marvelous time reviewing our memory work. The kids are doing awesome. Maybe one of these days, we have to review just the multiplication tables, what do you think?... hahaha!
Have a wonderful week. Stay safe.
Zabrina
P.S. If you want to talk to me about how your kids are doing in class, feel free to come during the lunch break. I will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Hello everyone,
Time is moving quickly. We only have three weeks left and we will be finishing the first semester. It has been encouraging to see the kids enjoying their time with the memory work and sharing a lot of what they know about the memory sentences. Hooray! Dialectic stage. We are glad to see Nolan back, and I am so touched with how the kids try to help him even in their own little ways. Caroline, we missed you. Hope you are feeling better.
Presentation was so much fun. We started with a rope trick, and then we made an origami box, followed by a card trick, and then a sign language demonstration and ended with making a paper boat. We had so much fun, we were late for Science with Mr. Herson. It has been a marvelous two weeks for the kids to show off their demonstration skills. Next week's presentation: Recite a poem and tell us why you like it. Have fun preparing.
Science with the help of the sun and Mr. Herson. The kids enjoyed a wonderful time outside while looking at their sunprint creations. We even found out that SPF 50 sunscreen does help and it is not only a marketing strategy. If you want to do the experiment at home, you can visit this site for the process. Thank you so much, Mr. Herson.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about each of the monarch. We went over the history sentence a few times, and I tricked them by asking them which monarch was ruling which country out of order. I believe they had fun with it. This seems like a good powerpoint for the absolute monarchs. This one is for Henry VIII.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The kids did really well with the interrogative pronouns. Next week I will help them differentiate interrogative and demonstrative pronouns.
Latin: Song - CC CD
We started with the pluperfect tense. The clue for this tense is "eram, eram on my pluperfect drum." So they will remember that it starts with "eram".
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We went over the timeline beginning from 500AD. As usual, I tested them and ask them what was before a particular event. Good way of remembering what they already know. Makes timeline more exciting.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We have been doing a lot of Science experiments on the planets. So, I briefly told them about the 4 inner planets and 4 outer planets and why Pluto is not considered a planet anymore. If you want to learn more about the planets. Use this site for easy reading on the different planets. This is the good site for reading about why Pluto is not considered a planet anymore. Have fun reading. In preparation for the lesson next week, I gave the kids a moon observation calendar and asked them to observe the moon for a month. Starting with Nov. 14 (the biggest supermoon until 2034). I hope they are observing the moon already. Have fun. This can be a family bonding activity. I got the chart form this site. This is a good site for the article about Nov. 14, being the supermoon. The next supermoon would be on Dec. 14, which is the end of our moon observation. It is going to be an amazing moon observation month. Thank you Lord! Have fun.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We visited the Caribbean this week. The kids seem to know the different places in the map.
Math
I told the kids that this is their last week of the tables... they seem to be struggling a little bit with the tables. Especially the last three (13, 14, 15). They can skip count fine but they need to work on the tables. Continue working on the tables, don't give up! They can do it.
Fine Arts
We reviewed what we learned on music theory the last few weeks. We went over some rhythm exercises as well. I gave them a copy of the song (Silent Night) that we are playing for Christmas. We tried the melody part first which was the goal for the day. Since they did really well, I gave them the harmony part as well. I was so impressed with the result. Let them continue practicing both parts at home using the scale as their warm up. I will divide the class into two parts so they can focus on that part for the next two weeks. Have fun. Next week, I will pull out our two part "Joy to the World" so the kids can have fun as well. Thank you for all your support.
Review
We started the review with our verse Ephesians 6:1-9. I told them that we are doing this for the Christmas presentation as well. We only have one verse left. They did pretty well. We will be singing with our voice and our hands. Continue to encourage them to memorize the verse. We had a marvelous time reviewing our memory work. The kids are doing awesome. Maybe one of these days, we have to review just the multiplication tables, what do you think?... hahaha!
Have a wonderful week. Stay safe.
Zabrina
P.S. If you want to talk to me about how your kids are doing in class, feel free to come during the lunch break. I will be glad to answer any questions you have.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Week 8
Hello everyone,
I can't believe we are in week 8 already. We had a wonderful and exciting morning. Nolan, we missed you so much. We will continue to pray for you. Hope you are better soon. Take care!
Presentation was so much fun. We drew a tiger (I know mine did not look like one), drank punch, made snowflakes and connected Lego pieces. We ran out of time... Next week, we should expect from Elle, Jacob, Reid, Dawn and Nolan. Enjoy preparing your presentation!
Science experiment with Mr. Reeser was more of a science craft (as per Mr. Resser). We enjoyed learning trivia on the different planets and made our own solar system model.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We learned a little bit about the different European explorers. And I drew most of the sentence instead of writing the words. The kids had fun deciphering the pictures. I will send the diagram via email. If you want to read more on the explorers, you can visit this, this, this, this, and this. Have fun!
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly discussed the different parts of the sun. If you are using the song from CCC, note that the second word is radioactive zone. Make sure you change it to radiative zone. This site has a very detailed information about the sun.
English: Song- CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I gave them a hint on how to remember the reflexive pronoun. We you look at the mirror, you see a reflection of yourself (myself).
Latin: Song - CC CD
Review of last week's.
Timeline: Song -CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the open ceremony and I tested them on what was before... It was fun and they are forced to think through the Timeline.
Math:
We recited the 14 tables. The kids struggled a little bit and we have to keep going back to the beginning. They skip counted fine, but needs help with the table.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I used the same picture I had in history and we pointed out the Mid Atlantic World in our map. I briefly told them about the Treaty of Tordesillas and told them I will send this to you. This is also a good reading site.
Fine Arts
We had a long lesson on theory. The different notes and rests, and we did a lot of clapping of the rhythms. I started by making them play the first ten measures of "Silent Night." Please let them continue working on the rest of the music at home. They seem to be doing well with practicing their scales in the tin whistle. They have to be constantly reminded on how to sit properly while playing. Next week, we will learn the harmony part of the music. We will be playing "Silent Night"(Melody & Harmony) for the Christmas program. I told them to practice their scales at home to warm up before working on their piece. Enjoy.
Review
I am so proud of the kids. They are doing really well. Keep on practicing memory work at home. Make sure to have fun while doing it.
I will have to remind myself to practice the memory verse with them during review time because I hope for them to sing the verse (Ephesians 6:1-10) during the Christmas program. If you have time for them to listen to the verse, please do. I would appreciate it very much since it is our goal to memorize the whole of Ephesians 6.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Hello everyone,
I can't believe we are in week 8 already. We had a wonderful and exciting morning. Nolan, we missed you so much. We will continue to pray for you. Hope you are better soon. Take care!
Presentation was so much fun. We drew a tiger (I know mine did not look like one), drank punch, made snowflakes and connected Lego pieces. We ran out of time... Next week, we should expect from Elle, Jacob, Reid, Dawn and Nolan. Enjoy preparing your presentation!
Science experiment with Mr. Reeser was more of a science craft (as per Mr. Resser). We enjoyed learning trivia on the different planets and made our own solar system model.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We learned a little bit about the different European explorers. And I drew most of the sentence instead of writing the words. The kids had fun deciphering the pictures. I will send the diagram via email. If you want to read more on the explorers, you can visit this, this, this, this, and this. Have fun!
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly discussed the different parts of the sun. If you are using the song from CCC, note that the second word is radioactive zone. Make sure you change it to radiative zone. This site has a very detailed information about the sun.
English: Song- CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I gave them a hint on how to remember the reflexive pronoun. We you look at the mirror, you see a reflection of yourself (myself).
Latin: Song - CC CD
Review of last week's.
Timeline: Song -CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the open ceremony and I tested them on what was before... It was fun and they are forced to think through the Timeline.
Math:
We recited the 14 tables. The kids struggled a little bit and we have to keep going back to the beginning. They skip counted fine, but needs help with the table.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I used the same picture I had in history and we pointed out the Mid Atlantic World in our map. I briefly told them about the Treaty of Tordesillas and told them I will send this to you. This is also a good reading site.
Fine Arts
We had a long lesson on theory. The different notes and rests, and we did a lot of clapping of the rhythms. I started by making them play the first ten measures of "Silent Night." Please let them continue working on the rest of the music at home. They seem to be doing well with practicing their scales in the tin whistle. They have to be constantly reminded on how to sit properly while playing. Next week, we will learn the harmony part of the music. We will be playing "Silent Night"(Melody & Harmony) for the Christmas program. I told them to practice their scales at home to warm up before working on their piece. Enjoy.
Review
I am so proud of the kids. They are doing really well. Keep on practicing memory work at home. Make sure to have fun while doing it.
I will have to remind myself to practice the memory verse with them during review time because I hope for them to sing the verse (Ephesians 6:1-10) during the Christmas program. If you have time for them to listen to the verse, please do. I would appreciate it very much since it is our goal to memorize the whole of Ephesians 6.
Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
Week 7
Hello to the second quarter. I am so honored to be part of your homeschooling journey this year. I am very proud of everybody for doing their best for the Lord!
Presentation
The best one so far! I am so glad that everybody was able to showcase all their work. Congratulations! Your hard work paid off. I actually heard from a parent (not from our class) how amazing all the artworks are. Thank you to all the parents for supporting your children through the past six weeks of drawing class and for allowing them to continue their beautiful artwork at home. Keep on drawing (and painting). I have all their artwork with me, so I can pick which one to display for the Christmas program (I am so tempted to display everything). And since I can't, I'd like to post it to this blog. Next week's presentation (I'm sorry I forgot to announce this in class) - Demonstration: Make or do something (half of the class) - show the class how to make or do something. Show all steps, narrating as you go. Allow audience participation. May I request the following students to do their presentation this coming week: Jayven, Caroline, Ellie L, Nolan and Ruthie. Keep the presentation within 4-5 minutes.
Science with Mr. Herson was extra fun this past week. We were outside and we were able to get a good picture of how big the planets are and how far apart they are. Indeed, "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1. You can go to this site, if you want to learn more. It is also reading in advance for the Science memory work in two weeks.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
Being that it is the 499th year of the Reformation to the day, made it special to do our memory work for today. I briefly discussed why Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church. It was a very good opportunity to recite Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." I did gave out copies of the 95 theses to the kids, so that they can read it at their leisure (hahaha).
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We are dome with Ecology and now moves on to Astronomy. I briefly explained the different kinds of stars. I sort of confuse them with the variables and the novas. Variables have irregular brightness caused by pulses of energy inside the star. Novas are stars that brightens quickly and then fade to normal. So, here is the site, if you want to discuss it with them more.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
In your foundations guide, the memory work for today is possessive adjectives. It was agreed upon that it will be change to possessive pronoun adjectives, because they are pronouns. I briefly differentiated the possessive pronouns with the possessive pronoun adjectives. The kids were a bit confused, so please continue on discussing this at home so they'll understand it better. I told them to make a sentences using possessive pronouns and possessive pronoun adjectives to make it easier to differentiate.
Latin: Song - CC CD
This week's hint is "I got a perfect present, so I jumped for joy, "Wh(ee)!" In the CC CD, if you own an older CD, you'll hear "eye" (long i sound), but the correct pronunciation is "ee" (short i sound). So, we are staying with "ee".
Timeline: Song - CC CD
The kids really know their timeline, so I challenge them to know the timeline backwards... example, if I start at Protestant Reformation, they should not only know what is after Reformation (which they usually do), but also what is before Reformation. A fun way of challenging the brain for those who can recite the Timeline in their sleep.
Math:
Multiplication tables becoming more challenging... we are struggling through the 13s. Good thing we only have one table to get familiarized this week. Keep on. Don't give up.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about what a peninsula is and we discussed the different countries that is part of the four different peninsula. Refer to the pictures below for the discussion we had.
Here are some of the sites you can read about the peninsulas... Iberian, Balkan, Scandanavian and Apennine.
Fine Arts
We started the music theory part of Fine Arts. Since most of the kids have some sort of music theory background, we reviewed the staff and the notes name. We also reviewed the parts of the tin whistle. We discussed about the proper position and posture of the person playing the tin whistle. My assignment for them is to do the D scale (starting from B, if it is difficult to start in the low D). At least 5-10 minutes a day would be great, just to get use to the proper placement of the fingers (remind them, left hand on the top three holes and right hand on the bottom three). Allow me to adjust the fine arts curriculum to the kids capabilities. Thank you! By now, you have already seen the tin whistle container I made for the kids. I hope it will help take care of their tin whistle. I was so glad that the color work out well with what each of them wanted.
Review Game
JEOPARDY! The kids were divided into three groups and allowed to work as a group as a way of encouraging each other. Go kids! You make me really proud.
Have a wonderful week!
Zabrina
Hello to the second quarter. I am so honored to be part of your homeschooling journey this year. I am very proud of everybody for doing their best for the Lord!
Presentation
The best one so far! I am so glad that everybody was able to showcase all their work. Congratulations! Your hard work paid off. I actually heard from a parent (not from our class) how amazing all the artworks are. Thank you to all the parents for supporting your children through the past six weeks of drawing class and for allowing them to continue their beautiful artwork at home. Keep on drawing (and painting). I have all their artwork with me, so I can pick which one to display for the Christmas program (I am so tempted to display everything). And since I can't, I'd like to post it to this blog. Next week's presentation (I'm sorry I forgot to announce this in class) - Demonstration: Make or do something (half of the class) - show the class how to make or do something. Show all steps, narrating as you go. Allow audience participation. May I request the following students to do their presentation this coming week: Jayven, Caroline, Ellie L, Nolan and Ruthie. Keep the presentation within 4-5 minutes.
Science with Mr. Herson was extra fun this past week. We were outside and we were able to get a good picture of how big the planets are and how far apart they are. Indeed, "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Psalm 19:1. You can go to this site, if you want to learn more. It is also reading in advance for the Science memory work in two weeks.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
Being that it is the 499th year of the Reformation to the day, made it special to do our memory work for today. I briefly discussed why Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the church. It was a very good opportunity to recite Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." I did gave out copies of the 95 theses to the kids, so that they can read it at their leisure (hahaha).
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We are dome with Ecology and now moves on to Astronomy. I briefly explained the different kinds of stars. I sort of confuse them with the variables and the novas. Variables have irregular brightness caused by pulses of energy inside the star. Novas are stars that brightens quickly and then fade to normal. So, here is the site, if you want to discuss it with them more.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
In your foundations guide, the memory work for today is possessive adjectives. It was agreed upon that it will be change to possessive pronoun adjectives, because they are pronouns. I briefly differentiated the possessive pronouns with the possessive pronoun adjectives. The kids were a bit confused, so please continue on discussing this at home so they'll understand it better. I told them to make a sentences using possessive pronouns and possessive pronoun adjectives to make it easier to differentiate.
Latin: Song - CC CD
This week's hint is "I got a perfect present, so I jumped for joy, "Wh(ee)!" In the CC CD, if you own an older CD, you'll hear "eye" (long i sound), but the correct pronunciation is "ee" (short i sound). So, we are staying with "ee".
Timeline: Song - CC CD
The kids really know their timeline, so I challenge them to know the timeline backwards... example, if I start at Protestant Reformation, they should not only know what is after Reformation (which they usually do), but also what is before Reformation. A fun way of challenging the brain for those who can recite the Timeline in their sleep.
Math:
Multiplication tables becoming more challenging... we are struggling through the 13s. Good thing we only have one table to get familiarized this week. Keep on. Don't give up.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about what a peninsula is and we discussed the different countries that is part of the four different peninsula. Refer to the pictures below for the discussion we had.
Here are some of the sites you can read about the peninsulas... Iberian, Balkan, Scandanavian and Apennine.
Fine Arts
We started the music theory part of Fine Arts. Since most of the kids have some sort of music theory background, we reviewed the staff and the notes name. We also reviewed the parts of the tin whistle. We discussed about the proper position and posture of the person playing the tin whistle. My assignment for them is to do the D scale (starting from B, if it is difficult to start in the low D). At least 5-10 minutes a day would be great, just to get use to the proper placement of the fingers (remind them, left hand on the top three holes and right hand on the bottom three). Allow me to adjust the fine arts curriculum to the kids capabilities. Thank you! By now, you have already seen the tin whistle container I made for the kids. I hope it will help take care of their tin whistle. I was so glad that the color work out well with what each of them wanted.
Review Game
JEOPARDY! The kids were divided into three groups and allowed to work as a group as a way of encouraging each other. Go kids! You make me really proud.
Have a wonderful week!
Zabrina
Friday, October 28, 2016
Week 6
This week mark the end of first quarter of CC. Hooray for everybody! Ellie, we missed you. Happy Birthday!
I was so happy to see the kids excited about their presentation. Thank you so much for the effort and time you put in to preparing your presentation every week. Next week's presentation - Art exhibit! Show us all the artwork you've done this quarter. Tell us your favorite and why. Have fun finishing all your art work.
Science with Mr. Reeser was fun. Magnets and iron fillings - what more can you ask for? If you want to learn more about magnetic this is a good site to visit. Enjoy!
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about Renaissance - when, why and where. I also told them about the Renaissance Man, daVinci. We discussed a little bit about Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Copernicus as well. If you want to read more, visit this, this, this, this, and this. That is a lot of this - these...hahaha.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy
We discussed about the different kinds of pollution and the kids shared a lot of examples. If you want to read more, visit this site. We need to go to the next step - to help save the environment. Visit sustainablebabysteps.com to learn more. Have fun!
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about possessive pronouns by forming sentences. This is mine. This is yours. This is theirs. I told them we will distinguish it with possessive pronoun adjectives next week.
Latin: Song - CC CD
Review of last week's memory work.
Timeline: CC CD
We briefly reviewed what was taught during the opening ceremony. Review, review, review. (somehow, I feel like I have to repeat it three times to stress it).
Math
We went over the 11 and 12 multiplication table. We had to keep going back over and over again for the 12's. We are getting into the more difficult part of the multiplication tables. Keep on... Don't give up.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Mountains (chocolate chips). The kids know their geography really well. Good Work!
Fine Arts
This week is the culmination of what we learned in Fine Arts the last six weeks. The children designed their own coat of arms. If you want to add more details to their work, you can visit this site. I reminded them that this is not a race. The first one done does not win the race. We want our work to be great, and great work needs time. I would still encourage them to finish all their artwork for their own fulfillment and for their portfolio at the end of the year. Next week, we begin with our Tin Whistle/Music Theory for Fine Arts. Please make sure that the children have their tin whistle with them. Thank you!
Review was fun. They tested each other and it seems like everyone is doing really well. Keep on reviewing your memory work - one quarter done three quarters to go. Congratulations to everyone for doing a great job.
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
This week mark the end of first quarter of CC. Hooray for everybody! Ellie, we missed you. Happy Birthday!
I was so happy to see the kids excited about their presentation. Thank you so much for the effort and time you put in to preparing your presentation every week. Next week's presentation - Art exhibit! Show us all the artwork you've done this quarter. Tell us your favorite and why. Have fun finishing all your art work.
Science with Mr. Reeser was fun. Magnets and iron fillings - what more can you ask for? If you want to learn more about magnetic this is a good site to visit. Enjoy!
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about Renaissance - when, why and where. I also told them about the Renaissance Man, daVinci. We discussed a little bit about Shakespeare, Michelangelo and Copernicus as well. If you want to read more, visit this, this, this, this, and this. That is a lot of this - these...hahaha.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy
We discussed about the different kinds of pollution and the kids shared a lot of examples. If you want to read more, visit this site. We need to go to the next step - to help save the environment. Visit sustainablebabysteps.com to learn more. Have fun!
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about possessive pronouns by forming sentences. This is mine. This is yours. This is theirs. I told them we will distinguish it with possessive pronoun adjectives next week.
Latin: Song - CC CD
Review of last week's memory work.
Timeline: CC CD
We briefly reviewed what was taught during the opening ceremony. Review, review, review. (somehow, I feel like I have to repeat it three times to stress it).
Math
We went over the 11 and 12 multiplication table. We had to keep going back over and over again for the 12's. We are getting into the more difficult part of the multiplication tables. Keep on... Don't give up.
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Mountains (chocolate chips). The kids know their geography really well. Good Work!
Fine Arts
This week is the culmination of what we learned in Fine Arts the last six weeks. The children designed their own coat of arms. If you want to add more details to their work, you can visit this site. I reminded them that this is not a race. The first one done does not win the race. We want our work to be great, and great work needs time. I would still encourage them to finish all their artwork for their own fulfillment and for their portfolio at the end of the year. Next week, we begin with our Tin Whistle/Music Theory for Fine Arts. Please make sure that the children have their tin whistle with them. Thank you!
Review was fun. They tested each other and it seems like everyone is doing really well. Keep on reviewing your memory work - one quarter done three quarters to go. Congratulations to everyone for doing a great job.
Have a wonderful rest of the week.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Week 5
Hello everyone,
The week off gave everyone much rest and review of the first four weeks' materials of CC. Hope everybody is reviewing...
Presentation was fun. Continue preparing presentations through KWO. It will be great practice for Essentials and a good product for Presentation for Foundations. Next week's presentation topic is Science: Tell us something about an animal (culmination of what we learned in ecology... what type of biome the animal live in, what type of consumer, what part of the food chain, how they react to environmental change). Have fun preparing.
Welcome back Mr. Herson, we missed you. It was fun to learn about galaxies. "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 Our God is indeed amazing. If the kids want to read more about galaxies, you can visit this site or this site. Enjoy!
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We had a long discussion about today's history sentence. We went back to week 3 and 4 and ended up in this week's sentence. Ask the kids how long the Hundred Years War lasted, they know the answer. Good thing it was not continuous, as Jacob pointed out. This week's sentence is long, but the kids seem to know it well. Keep working on it. I explained a little bit about the black death and why it is called Bubonic Plaque. If you want to read more about the War, you can visit this page.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We differentiated Nominative and Objective pronouns. Continue filling your Chart F in Essentials.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation future tense starts with "bo". A quick clue to remember this is a "bow" from the bow and arrow. You shoot with a bow forward - in the future.
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was taught during the opening ceremony. Keep on reviewing... again, the dates would be great to remember so they'll know what happened when.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
In answering the question how, I decided to formulate the sentence to "In reaction to environmental change, animals..." We had a fun discussion on which animals adapt, migrate or hibernate. They are really excited about the presentation next week. This is a wonderful site, if they want to learn more.
Math
Multiplication table for 9 and 10. I really hope everyone is taking their time to review at home, since we cannot repeat our memory work seven times in class. If we do that, we will not have time for anything else. Haha!
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about five cities in Western Europe. We also reviewed lessons from the last three weeks.
Fine Arts
We learned about Perspective Drawing... I briefly (haha) told them that there are three types of perspective drawing - linear, tonal, and overlapping. In linear perspective, there are three types - one-point, two-points, and three-points perspective. We focused on two-points perspective when we drew a castle from medieval times. I asked them to follow my drawing on the board (will send the photo via email). The goal for the class is to have the drawing of the castle in two points perspective and they can add details (bricks, door, windows) at home. A lot of them struggled with the perspective, but I think if you just keep reminding them where their point is, they will do fine. It just takes more practice. This video is worth watching just to see how it is done. I would encourage them to work on finishing the castle.
A simple one like this is great (look at end point on the two sides)
Or something like this (maybe in the future)...
My encouragement would be for them to finish the drawing at home. Just a quick reminder for everybody. The kids will have an art exhibit on Week 7. All the art work they finished this Fine Arts period. I am hoping to see the following projects - OiLS, Mirror Image, Upside Down Drawing, Abstract, Perspective and the Final Project. I really hope this part of class is not just "I checked it off my list and I'm done." To finish one project is very fulfilling and to see a very good work of art is very encouraging.
Review was short and quick. The kids still enjoyed it. I sure hope that everyone is reviewing at home.
Book Recommendation
Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley
The Black Death by Stephanie True Peters
Mastering Art Drawing by Anthony Hodge
Art for Kids Drawing by Kathryn Temple
Have a marvelous week!
Zabrina
Hello everyone,
The week off gave everyone much rest and review of the first four weeks' materials of CC. Hope everybody is reviewing...
Presentation was fun. Continue preparing presentations through KWO. It will be great practice for Essentials and a good product for Presentation for Foundations. Next week's presentation topic is Science: Tell us something about an animal (culmination of what we learned in ecology... what type of biome the animal live in, what type of consumer, what part of the food chain, how they react to environmental change). Have fun preparing.
Welcome back Mr. Herson, we missed you. It was fun to learn about galaxies. "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1 Our God is indeed amazing. If the kids want to read more about galaxies, you can visit this site or this site. Enjoy!
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We had a long discussion about today's history sentence. We went back to week 3 and 4 and ended up in this week's sentence. Ask the kids how long the Hundred Years War lasted, they know the answer. Good thing it was not continuous, as Jacob pointed out. This week's sentence is long, but the kids seem to know it well. Keep working on it. I explained a little bit about the black death and why it is called Bubonic Plaque. If you want to read more about the War, you can visit this page.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We differentiated Nominative and Objective pronouns. Continue filling your Chart F in Essentials.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation future tense starts with "bo". A quick clue to remember this is a "bow" from the bow and arrow. You shoot with a bow forward - in the future.
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was taught during the opening ceremony. Keep on reviewing... again, the dates would be great to remember so they'll know what happened when.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
In answering the question how, I decided to formulate the sentence to "In reaction to environmental change, animals..." We had a fun discussion on which animals adapt, migrate or hibernate. They are really excited about the presentation next week. This is a wonderful site, if they want to learn more.
Math
Multiplication table for 9 and 10. I really hope everyone is taking their time to review at home, since we cannot repeat our memory work seven times in class. If we do that, we will not have time for anything else. Haha!
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about five cities in Western Europe. We also reviewed lessons from the last three weeks.
Fine Arts
We learned about Perspective Drawing... I briefly (haha) told them that there are three types of perspective drawing - linear, tonal, and overlapping. In linear perspective, there are three types - one-point, two-points, and three-points perspective. We focused on two-points perspective when we drew a castle from medieval times. I asked them to follow my drawing on the board (will send the photo via email). The goal for the class is to have the drawing of the castle in two points perspective and they can add details (bricks, door, windows) at home. A lot of them struggled with the perspective, but I think if you just keep reminding them where their point is, they will do fine. It just takes more practice. This video is worth watching just to see how it is done. I would encourage them to work on finishing the castle.
A simple one like this is great (look at end point on the two sides)
Or something like this (maybe in the future)...
My encouragement would be for them to finish the drawing at home. Just a quick reminder for everybody. The kids will have an art exhibit on Week 7. All the art work they finished this Fine Arts period. I am hoping to see the following projects - OiLS, Mirror Image, Upside Down Drawing, Abstract, Perspective and the Final Project. I really hope this part of class is not just "I checked it off my list and I'm done." To finish one project is very fulfilling and to see a very good work of art is very encouraging.
Review was short and quick. The kids still enjoyed it. I sure hope that everyone is reviewing at home.
Book Recommendation
Joan of Arc by Diane Stanley
The Black Death by Stephanie True Peters
Mastering Art Drawing by Anthony Hodge
Art for Kids Drawing by Kathryn Temple
Have a marvelous week!
Zabrina
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Week 4
Congratulations everyone!
It has been a marvelous four weeks of CC. My sincerest thanks to all the parents who are there every week to help and to keep the class interesting and exciting.
Presentation was fun. I am glad that the kids talked about European countries that has some connection to them. Next time's presentation - "Tell us about a Ruler in Europe" (Mr. Boyer, it's metric system, right?). Have fun researching.
Science with Mr. Reeser was so exciting. The kids ask really interesting questions... DIALECTIC here we come... We will be memorizing Newton's first law of motion sometime later in our CC year, so don't worry. Thank you so much, Mr. Reeser. We hope to see you again.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We continued the story from last week's sentence about Richard the Lion-Hearted and how he made John his heir. I told them a little bit about how cruel and unpopular he is, and how he was forced to sign the Magna Carta. We learned that Magna Carta literally mean Great Charter. They have a lot more questions but we were short of time, so I told them that you (their parents) would answers more of their questions. I did tell them that since we will learn more about the Hundred Years War next time, I will tell them more about how the Hundred Years War started. I guess I have to study more... If the kids want to know more about King John and the Magna Carta, you can go to this site. This is also a very good article and the book recommended (Rupert's Parchment) seems interesting. Unfortunately, I cannot find it in our local library.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about nominative pronouns. I reminded them of the Latin noun cases, Nominative - Subject ... Everybody is in Essentials, so I just said, when you start your sentence you start with a subject (who or what is the sentence about?). As long as they remember that, they should be good.
Latin: Song - CC CD
This is a review of last week's.
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what we did during the opening ceremony. I continued to encourage them to know the dates. 3000 BC, 2000 BC, 1000 BC... Keep singing!
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
This week's lesson is exciting for me. I drew the three natural cycles on the board and asked the kids to explain each cycles to me. Bravo to the kids. If they want to learn more about the natural cycles, you can visit this site for water cycle, this site for oxygen cycle, and this site for nitrogen cycle.
Geography
We learned about six European Rivers. This week's geography is a little bit tricky because it is difficult to see in the map. I drew some parts of Europe and highlighted the rivers on my board (I will send the photo via email). Please refer to your Foundations Guide to see where the rivers begin and end. Practice tracing if it is too difficult to draw.
Math: Song - CC CD if skip counting
I sure hope everybody is working on the multiplication tables and not skip counting anymore. Keep on memorizing!
Review
We had a short review time, but we tried to get as much review as we can.
Fine Arts
We learned about abstract drawing/painting. We did a masking tape painting project, which you might have seen by now. If you want to put a second coat on, feel free to do so. Make sure to peel the tape when the project is completely dry. Thank you to all the parents for preparing and cleaning before and after the BIG project. I hope your kids are finishing their fine art projects at home. I am hoping for them to bring all their art work on Week 7 as a presentation project. They can showcase all their artwork and pick which ones they want (or maybe I will) to put up for the Christmas program.
I will post book recommendations if I get the chance sometime later, for now, I am signing off. Have a wonderful week. We might see some of you in the Renaissance Faire on Thursday.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Congratulations everyone!
It has been a marvelous four weeks of CC. My sincerest thanks to all the parents who are there every week to help and to keep the class interesting and exciting.
Presentation was fun. I am glad that the kids talked about European countries that has some connection to them. Next time's presentation - "Tell us about a Ruler in Europe" (Mr. Boyer, it's metric system, right?). Have fun researching.
Science with Mr. Reeser was so exciting. The kids ask really interesting questions... DIALECTIC here we come... We will be memorizing Newton's first law of motion sometime later in our CC year, so don't worry. Thank you so much, Mr. Reeser. We hope to see you again.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
We continued the story from last week's sentence about Richard the Lion-Hearted and how he made John his heir. I told them a little bit about how cruel and unpopular he is, and how he was forced to sign the Magna Carta. We learned that Magna Carta literally mean Great Charter. They have a lot more questions but we were short of time, so I told them that you (their parents) would answers more of their questions. I did tell them that since we will learn more about the Hundred Years War next time, I will tell them more about how the Hundred Years War started. I guess I have to study more... If the kids want to know more about King John and the Magna Carta, you can go to this site. This is also a very good article and the book recommended (Rupert's Parchment) seems interesting. Unfortunately, I cannot find it in our local library.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about nominative pronouns. I reminded them of the Latin noun cases, Nominative - Subject ... Everybody is in Essentials, so I just said, when you start your sentence you start with a subject (who or what is the sentence about?). As long as they remember that, they should be good.
Latin: Song - CC CD
This is a review of last week's.
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what we did during the opening ceremony. I continued to encourage them to know the dates. 3000 BC, 2000 BC, 1000 BC... Keep singing!
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
This week's lesson is exciting for me. I drew the three natural cycles on the board and asked the kids to explain each cycles to me. Bravo to the kids. If they want to learn more about the natural cycles, you can visit this site for water cycle, this site for oxygen cycle, and this site for nitrogen cycle.
Geography
We learned about six European Rivers. This week's geography is a little bit tricky because it is difficult to see in the map. I drew some parts of Europe and highlighted the rivers on my board (I will send the photo via email). Please refer to your Foundations Guide to see where the rivers begin and end. Practice tracing if it is too difficult to draw.
Math: Song - CC CD if skip counting
I sure hope everybody is working on the multiplication tables and not skip counting anymore. Keep on memorizing!
Review
We had a short review time, but we tried to get as much review as we can.
Fine Arts
We learned about abstract drawing/painting. We did a masking tape painting project, which you might have seen by now. If you want to put a second coat on, feel free to do so. Make sure to peel the tape when the project is completely dry. Thank you to all the parents for preparing and cleaning before and after the BIG project. I hope your kids are finishing their fine art projects at home. I am hoping for them to bring all their art work on Week 7 as a presentation project. They can showcase all their artwork and pick which ones they want (or maybe I will) to put up for the Christmas program.
I will post book recommendations if I get the chance sometime later, for now, I am signing off. Have a wonderful week. We might see some of you in the Renaissance Faire on Thursday.
Sincerely,
Zabrina
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Week 3
Hello everyone,
I'm loving the time we have together... something I look forward to. I am really happy because I can actually see the kids entering into the dialectic phase. Now, it is not only knowledge and spitting out memory work, I see them thinking and understanding more. Jacob, we miss you, but we hope you are having fun.
Presentation was really fun. Getting to know them through their favorite Scripture passages and what they learned from God's word. As I have shared in our family presentation, our family enjoys memorizing Scripture through songs. We use a lot of our songs from the Harrow family from Sing the Word. If you are interested, you can check out their website. Next week's presentation is "Tell us something about a country/city in Europe". Where is it on the map? Climate? Type of Government? Official language? And anything else you want to share about the country or city. Have fun researching and using KWO in writing your presentation.
Science experiment with Mr. Reeser was new and fun as well. We learned about why we see Saturn through its rings. Saturn's rings are made of chunk of ice and rock, but because they move so fast, our eyes blend the color making them appear to be a continous surface. This reminded me of an experiment Dawn and I did last summer on optical illusion - the thaumatrope, you can check out a video here. We also learned a few facts about Saturn. We will learn more about the planets later on when we study Astronomy beginning Week 7.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I told them a little bit about the Crusades and Richard the Lion-Hearted. Maybe you can ask them what they remember. If you want to read more about the Crusades, you can check this site or this site. If you want a few facts about King Richard, you can visit this page.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We briefly talked about the food chain, they gave examples of the producers and consumers. They struggle with examples on the decomposers (fungi, earthworm, mushroom, bacteria). To learn more about the food chain, you can visit the site I gave you last week and this is a wonderful and simple slideshow of the food chain. It is a wonderful time to review the three types of consumers at this time.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Pronoun Order... we had (sort of) a demonstration on the first, second and third person. The following few weeks will be dedicated to pronouns according to that particular order. Keep on reviewing the memory work which will be a big help for Essentials' class.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation imperfect tense. The clue to remember imperfect is BAM! It is not perfect...
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed Timeline from the beginning. Keep on singing!
Geography:
We learned about the Western European countries including review of the European Seas that is close to where we are. I also encourage them to draw the Western European countries at home. This week is the best time to start and slowly work our way in drawing Europe and finish the whole map (of Europe) by the end of the year. This will be a great accomplishment for them. Since we are learning about England, I gave them a brief summary of the difference between England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. They all should know the difference by now. You can test them when you're reviewing this topic. If you want to read more about it, you can check out this site.
Math: Song - CC CD if skip counting
We recited and wrote the multiplication tables of 5 and 6. Keep on practicing saying and writing. Any suggestion of making it more exciting to memorize in class is welcome.
Scripture: Song used in Opening Ceremony
We worked on the sign language and the song for Ephesians 6:1-3. Keep reminding them that it is our goal to do the whole Ephesians 6 by the end of the year. Keep singing!
Fine Arts
We learned upside drawing and had a lot of fun and excitement doing it. I gave them an envelope that contained an upside down picture. The exciting part is, they cannot take the whole picture out, but they have to slowly take out the picture a little portion at a time. The trick is to just follow the lines and draw what they see (not what they think it is). I gave them a paper with grid lines (pictures have grid lines, too) to make it easier for them. I keep stressing that they should let the right side of their brain do the drawing - just follow the lines. Do not even think about what the drawing is, just find the relationship in the lines. STOP THINKING for once...hahaha. Some of the parents actually saw the transition from using the right side of their brain to the left side of their brain (when they knew what the picture was, they are drawing based on what they know, not what they see). Finish the drawing at home and let them take their time doing it. This type of drawing will prove helpful when we start drawing our maps. For this exercise at home, we play audio books or music (Scripture memory for us) so our left brain can focus on the listening part and our right brain can focus on just following the lines. What a wonderful way to train both sides of your brain, right? If you want to read more about upside down drawing, you can visit this site. Just a quick announcement, next week's art involve painting with acrylics.
Review
The kids had fun testing each other and they are doing well. I encourage them to start mastering the memory work now, while we only have 3 weeks worth of memory work. So far, so good. Keep on memorizing and don't forget to have fun (and sing!).
Book Recommendation
King Richard the Lion-Hearted and the Crusades in World History by Katherine M. Doherty
The Food Chain by Frank Staub
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
The Turn Around Upside Down Alphabet Book By Lisa Campbell Ernst (just a fun book)
Thank you for the help of parents who are in the class with us. It has been wonderful working with you. When we see each other next, it is going to be October... Enjoy and have fun.
Zabrina
Hello everyone,
I'm loving the time we have together... something I look forward to. I am really happy because I can actually see the kids entering into the dialectic phase. Now, it is not only knowledge and spitting out memory work, I see them thinking and understanding more. Jacob, we miss you, but we hope you are having fun.
Presentation was really fun. Getting to know them through their favorite Scripture passages and what they learned from God's word. As I have shared in our family presentation, our family enjoys memorizing Scripture through songs. We use a lot of our songs from the Harrow family from Sing the Word. If you are interested, you can check out their website. Next week's presentation is "Tell us something about a country/city in Europe". Where is it on the map? Climate? Type of Government? Official language? And anything else you want to share about the country or city. Have fun researching and using KWO in writing your presentation.
Science experiment with Mr. Reeser was new and fun as well. We learned about why we see Saturn through its rings. Saturn's rings are made of chunk of ice and rock, but because they move so fast, our eyes blend the color making them appear to be a continous surface. This reminded me of an experiment Dawn and I did last summer on optical illusion - the thaumatrope, you can check out a video here. We also learned a few facts about Saturn. We will learn more about the planets later on when we study Astronomy beginning Week 7.
New Grammar
History: Song - CC CD
I told them a little bit about the Crusades and Richard the Lion-Hearted. Maybe you can ask them what they remember. If you want to read more about the Crusades, you can check this site or this site. If you want a few facts about King Richard, you can visit this page.
Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We briefly talked about the food chain, they gave examples of the producers and consumers. They struggle with examples on the decomposers (fungi, earthworm, mushroom, bacteria). To learn more about the food chain, you can visit the site I gave you last week and this is a wonderful and simple slideshow of the food chain. It is a wonderful time to review the three types of consumers at this time.
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Pronoun Order... we had (sort of) a demonstration on the first, second and third person. The following few weeks will be dedicated to pronouns according to that particular order. Keep on reviewing the memory work which will be a big help for Essentials' class.
Latin: Song - CC CD
First conjugation imperfect tense. The clue to remember imperfect is BAM! It is not perfect...
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed Timeline from the beginning. Keep on singing!
Geography:
We learned about the Western European countries including review of the European Seas that is close to where we are. I also encourage them to draw the Western European countries at home. This week is the best time to start and slowly work our way in drawing Europe and finish the whole map (of Europe) by the end of the year. This will be a great accomplishment for them. Since we are learning about England, I gave them a brief summary of the difference between England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. They all should know the difference by now. You can test them when you're reviewing this topic. If you want to read more about it, you can check out this site.
Math: Song - CC CD if skip counting
We recited and wrote the multiplication tables of 5 and 6. Keep on practicing saying and writing. Any suggestion of making it more exciting to memorize in class is welcome.
Scripture: Song used in Opening Ceremony
We worked on the sign language and the song for Ephesians 6:1-3. Keep reminding them that it is our goal to do the whole Ephesians 6 by the end of the year. Keep singing!
Fine Arts
We learned upside drawing and had a lot of fun and excitement doing it. I gave them an envelope that contained an upside down picture. The exciting part is, they cannot take the whole picture out, but they have to slowly take out the picture a little portion at a time. The trick is to just follow the lines and draw what they see (not what they think it is). I gave them a paper with grid lines (pictures have grid lines, too) to make it easier for them. I keep stressing that they should let the right side of their brain do the drawing - just follow the lines. Do not even think about what the drawing is, just find the relationship in the lines. STOP THINKING for once...hahaha. Some of the parents actually saw the transition from using the right side of their brain to the left side of their brain (when they knew what the picture was, they are drawing based on what they know, not what they see). Finish the drawing at home and let them take their time doing it. This type of drawing will prove helpful when we start drawing our maps. For this exercise at home, we play audio books or music (Scripture memory for us) so our left brain can focus on the listening part and our right brain can focus on just following the lines. What a wonderful way to train both sides of your brain, right? If you want to read more about upside down drawing, you can visit this site. Just a quick announcement, next week's art involve painting with acrylics.
Review
The kids had fun testing each other and they are doing well. I encourage them to start mastering the memory work now, while we only have 3 weeks worth of memory work. So far, so good. Keep on memorizing and don't forget to have fun (and sing!).
Book Recommendation
King Richard the Lion-Hearted and the Crusades in World History by Katherine M. Doherty
The Food Chain by Frank Staub
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
The Turn Around Upside Down Alphabet Book By Lisa Campbell Ernst (just a fun book)
Thank you for the help of parents who are in the class with us. It has been wonderful working with you. When we see each other next, it is going to be October... Enjoy and have fun.
Zabrina
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