Week 12

The end of first semester. Hooray! Congratulations!

Last day for Music Theory!  We were able to rehearse the songs that we will present during the Christmas program next week.

Presentation was very fascinating.  We learned different American tall tales and interestingly enough, American Legends (there are different ways to interpret what a legend is... 😄). We really do learn new things everyday!

New Grammar
English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb "sit" from Dawn, and we were able to differentiate it with the verb "set".  Good job, Dawn. Thank you reviewing with us all twelve weeks of English.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We discussed the different functions of blood.  The kids did wonderfully sharing what they know about the blood and its purpose. If you want to read more about the blood, check this out.

History - Song: CC CD
I briefly told them about the end of the Civil War and they shared a lot of what they know as well.  It was a wonderful discussion. To learn more about General Robert E. Lee's surrender, you can check this out. 

Math
Ellie reviewed teaspoons and tablespoons with us.  We were even given application questions to know if we really understand the formula.  Great job, Ellie.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We started with translating John 1, and the kids were able to apply the Latin rules for articles. So far so good.  While in Latin, we reviewed the English and Sign Language of John 1:1-7 in preparation for our presentation for the Christmas program next week.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed what was learned during the Opening Ceremony.  We also were able to review the markers for the timeline - the different Ages and Time periods. The kids are doing really well.

Geography - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the Southern Appalachians. When reviewing at home, please take note of the Trivium table shading of the Great Valley (it is different in the black & white and colored maps) - the Great Valley extends from Maine to Alabama.  Some of the kids seems to be losing interest in tracing and drawing the map, I hope you'll continue to encourage them to try to keep on drawing so that by the end of the year, they will be able to draw the US map by memory.  I told them that they can use the long vacation to catch up with their unfinished drawings.

Science Project
We put our bodies together with pictures on them. Some of the kids threw out the photos I gave them, so you might not have seen it.  I was able to take a picture of them with their finished bodies (See pictures below).

It was so good that we were able to review during the New grammar because we ran out of time after our science project

Please remind the kids to review John 1:1-7 in English and Sign Language for the Christmas program.

See you all next week at the Christmas party. Merry Christmas to all of you, if I don't see you for the party, enjoy a wonderful New Year as well.

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 11

We are almost done with our first semester. The kids are doing great. Glad to have everybody back again.

The kids are doing great with Fine Arts, they are producing a marvelous sound.

Presentation was interesting. The kids really are persuasive and gave really good arguments about why we need to use a plastic Christmas tree, help take care of the earth, read the "Little House on the Prairie series", etc.  I am super excited to have the opportunity to hear them get their point across in a very organized manner. Congratulate the kids for me. Next week's presentation is Narration: An American Tall Tale - narrate an American Tall Tale (examples would be Johnny Appleseed, Molly Pitcher). Enhance your presentation with expression, gestures, or props.

New Grammar
Math
We learned the cubes with Ruthie.  Great job, Ruthie.  In MM, they can all skip count, but it would be great to know the cubes at random, which we did throughout the New Grammar period.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb "set" with Caroline. Great job, Caroline. The kids struggled a little bit when asked randomly, but I reminded them that, the principal parts are almost all the same.  They figured it out eventually.  We will differentiate it with next week's "sit".

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly discussed the endocrine system.  I also introduced them to the organs of the endocrine system.  The sentence is a bit long, practice the sentence at home. If you want to learn more, check this out.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Our last of the three rules and we tried reviewing the different declensions. If they are able to do all rules, all conjugations (which they all knew really well), and all declensions (which we struggled to remember), then they know all three cycle's Latin. Isn't that awesome!  So, if you have the opportunity to review the declensions at home, go for it!

History - Song: CC CD
We briefly discussed the Civil War, the kids had a lot to share during the discussion.  If you want to read more about the Civil War, check this out.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the opening ceremony and we were able to play their favorite game - what is before...?

Geography - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We entered the physical features of the map of the United States.  We started with the Northeastern mountains. I will continue to send them the maps to trace so that they will have continuous practice.  They just need to add the physical features as they continue to learn.  I am hoping they will master drawing the map of the US by the end of the year. Please remind the kids to bring their completed work. The holidays sort of gave them a holiday at drawing as well, us included.

Next week, Jayven is teaching Geography, Ellie is teaching Math, and Dawn is teaching English. Have fun preparing! Remember, you only have four minutes.

Science Project
We are finished with coloring and cutting our organs; we even have photos of the kids for the face.  Next week, we will put our bodies together. Is it possible to have the kids bring glue/paste or tape to make life simpler?  I will bring extra ones in case they forget.

Review time was shortened, but we were still able to cover a lot.  The kids are doing marvelous.  I gave them a persuasion speech as well about being able to do Memory Masters.  This is the best time to catch up with memory work.  They all told me they will try for Memory Masters which I know they will be able to do if they work hard as early as now.  Keep up the good work!


See you all next week!

Sincerely, Zabrina

Week 10

We miss you again, Julia, but we hope you are having fun.

We learned new music, and hopefully we will all be able to perform all music for our Christmas program. 

Presentation
I was blown away because the kids had all their poems memorized.  Congratulations! Keep up the good work.  Next week's presentation is Persuasion: Choose a topic you feel strongly about. Persuade your audience to change their beliefs or behavior in some way.

New Grammar
Math
We practice the squares with and without skip counting.  Keep practicing at home.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the verb "lie" and we differentiated it with "lay".  The kids are really struggling with lie and lay , so it would be a very good idea to practice this at home.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly discussed the parts and function of the respiratory system.  The kids are struggling with the pronunnciation of pharynx and larynx.  Please take note of this.  If you want to read more, check this out.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned another Latin rule - articles. I reminded the kids that they need to say the words inside the parenthesis as well.

Timeline - Song : CC CD
We just continue with what was learned during the opening ceremony.

History - Song : CC CD
I briefly discussed about the Mexican War, President Polk, James Gadsden, and John O'Sullivan and the Manifest Destiny. We had an exciting conversation.  To learn more, check this and this.

Geography - Song : CC CD
The last of the five states to cover all 50 states.  Keep up the good work on finishing the drawing by memory.  Remind the kids to bring their completed work.  Thank you.

Science Project
We continue learning about the different organs of our body and we will soon put our bodies together.  We were able to finish tracing the kids' bodies as well.  

Review
We were able to review all subjects and the kids did wonderfully.  They know where they are weak at and I hope you'll help them with practice.  Thank you.

We even have time to practice the song we are singing for the Christmas program.  We will sing John 1:1-7 in  English and sign language.   The kids did really well. It would be greatly appreciated if they practice it at home.

Next time we meet. Ruthie and Caroline are teaching one subject each for new grammar.  This is a preparation for them as they are in the Master's class. The kids will all have the opportunity to teach throughout the year.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 9

The kids are making really good music.  Keep up the good work.

Another week of great presentations.  The kids are doing wonderfully.  Next week's presentation is Classic Poetry - Memorize and recite a classic poem.  Enjoy preparing.

New Grammar
Math
We started memorizing the 15s table.  We picked a couple of facts and kept going over it over and over again.  So far the kids are enjoying it and having fun remembering the math facts.  Try this at home and you'll have a lot of fun.

English - Song:  CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The irregular verb "lay".  when practicing at home, be careful to differentiate it to next week's "lie".

Science - Song:  CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the lymph system.  We discussed a little bit about the different parts and functions about the lymph system.  If you want to learn more about the less known system, check this fun site out.

Latin - Song:  CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the Latin rules for Verbs and we reviewed all the Conjugations.  The kids remembered them all with a little help from each other.

Timeline - Song:  CC CD
We reviewed what was introduced at the opening ceremony. I keep reminding them of the date markers (always on the board) that might help them as we continue to learn more of the Timeline.

History - Song:  CC CD
We briefly discussed the Compromise of 1850, the Fugitive Slave Act and Dred Scott Decision. To learn more about this, check this and this out. 

Geography - Song:  CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We added five more states... The kids seem to be doing great with their drawings.  Please remind them to bring in their finished work.

Science Project
We've been coloring the different organs and we continue with the five common topics - definition, comparison, relationship, circumstances, and testimony.

Review was short but we were able to go through almost all weeks on all subjects.  Keep reviewing at home.

Have a wonderful week.  See you all next week!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 8

Hello everyone,

Fine Arts
It has been a wonderful adventure with Music Theory this year. So far, so good...  This site has a lot of fun worksheets to review theory at home. I love this site for a more advanced student because the lesson becomes progressively difficult.

Presentation
The four kids did really well. It felt like Home Economic class (cooking/baking and sewing).  Next week, the other four (Jayven, Ellie, Dawn and Gavin) are doing the Demonstration presentation (see last week's post for the description).  Week 10's presentation is Classic Poetry: Memorize and recite a classic poem.  I am giving you the heads up so the kids have two weeks to memorize.  It will be fun.

New Grammar
Math
Same as last week, we started with memorizing the 14s table. We picked 3-4 facts (14 x 7, 12, 3, 5) and kept going back after every subject.  The kids did really well. Keep practicing it this way at home. You will be surprised how quickly they can answer the facts without having to skip count.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We reviewed the definition of the principal parts, and applied it to this week's verb.  It fit perfectly well because "raise" is a regular verb. We just wanted to compare the verb "rise" and "raise". I hope the kids understood that. Just remind them when you are reviewing that at home.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I gave them a brief introduction of the circulation of blood using a heart model to help them understand better. It was a good review for the Science experiment we did last week. If you want to learn more about the circulatory system, check this out.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Part 3 of 3 for nouns and the last of the vocabs.  Continue practicing Latin at home, the kids seems to be having a hard time with this.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed the time periods and where our timeline facts are part of.  The time period markers will be a good thing to remember, so they will not get lost in the tune of the song.

History - Song: CC CD
I briefly discussed Henry Clay and how he was called "The Great Compromiser".  If you want to learn more, check this out.

Geography - Song: CC CD
We added five more states to our drawing.  Please remind the kids to bring in their completed work.  This past week, most of the kids forgot to draw their maps at home.  Most of them told me I did not finish it last night.  I don't know how else to encourage the kids to practice at home. I guess that is your call to make.  I just told them it will only be a very good practice, if they do it every week.  The goal is not just to get it done, the goal is to practice it everyday so they can draw the map by memory. I rest my case.

Science experiment
We learned a little about the spleen, pancreas and gall bladder, and also the kidneys and the urinary bladder.  The kids traced each other and we only have two kids left to trace. Hooray!

Review
Our time was cut a little short because of the tracing of the body.  The kids did pretty well with direct question and answer.  They also know what subjects they need to work on.  Keep practicing at home if they really want to achieve memory masters.

See you all next week!

Zabrina

Week 7

Welcome the beginning of the second quarter. Hope everyone is enjoying learning.

Fine Arts
We started our music theory, and I think the kids had a wonderful time. If you want to review the theory we learned today, check out the Foundations Guide on pages 158-160.

Presentation
The kids surprised me with all their presentation memorized.  Well. it would not be funny if they are reading their jokes, right?  It was indeed a very humorous presentation... we have budding comedians in our midst.  Next week's presentation is Demonstration: Demonstrate how to do something make something, fix something, or use something.  Use visual aids such as models, drawings, or actual items.  Allow your audience to participate if possible.  Close your speech with a memorable summary or a clear call to action.  Ask if there are any questions at the end of your presentation.  Half of the class will do the presentation this coming week and the other half next week.  Ruthie, Caroline, Julia and Howard volunteered for this coming week.

New Grammar
Math
Here we are in the challenging 13s. We started with going over the 13s table for a couple of times and focused on four math facts (13 x 9, 6, 10, 3).  After we finished each subjects, we go back to the same four facts until they remember it well and then we added three more facts (13 x 8, 12, 5).  By the end of the New Grammar, they have mastered half of the 13s table. Keep on practicing.

History - Song:  CC CD
We briefly discussed the War of 1812.  Someone asked about the content of the Monroe Doctrine; she will give us a brief summary next week. Fun, fun, fun.  If you want to read more about the War of 1812, check this out.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the principal parts of the irregular verb "rise".  The kids are now understanding the principal parts.  It has been great to be learning all these.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The excretory system... we looked at the word excretory - root word, excrete.  So this system excretes (takes out) what your body does not need. I briefly discuss the urinary system and the integumentary system (skin), we already covered intestine when we learned the digestive system last week, we will discuss the respiratory system next time.  If you want to learn more, check this site out.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Part 2 of 3 of Latin nouns. Practice...practice...practice. So far, learning the sign language helps with remembering the words.

Timeline - Song:  CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the opening ceremony. We focused on the different time periods (we learned so far) 3000 BC, 2000 BC, 1000 BC, Year 1 AD.

Geography - Song:  CC CD
We added five more states to our drawing.  Remind the kids to bring their completed work. Keep practicing at home. The kids came to me feeling accomplished and so amazed at what they can do.  Congratulations!  We can do this, one step at a time.

Science Experiment
We started the coloring of the body parts.  We started with the brain and the heart.  As they were coloring, we discussed a little bit about the heart and the brain. 
Definition: What is the heart? brain?
Comparison: What is the difference between the heart and the brain?
Relationship: What causes the heart to pump? What causes the brain to work?
Circumstances: Is it possible for the heart to pump/brain to work without blood?   
Testimony: What does God say about the heart? brain?
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,... soul, and... mind." Matthew 22:37
Next week, please don't forget all the supplies you need for this project - coloring materials, pencil, and scissors.

Review
We played darts and had so much fun learning.  The kids are doing great. We struggled a little bit in Latin, so we will focus on Latin for review next week.  The kids all told me that they are all aiming to achieve Memory Masters.  I am very excited to help them along.  Start reviewing all your memory work as early as now while there are seven facts per subject, so it will not be too difficult when more facts are added.  From my own experience, we do all memory work everyday until Week 12.  When we go to the second semester, we do one subject a day.  By MM time, we've got everything covered. Happy memorizing!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 6

I can't believe that the first quarter is over. Congratulations everyone for working hard the past six weeks.  Keep up the good work.

Science experiment was fun. We learned about the function of our ears aside from hearing.  We also learn about the brain.  Can we train the other side of our brain?  Yes, definitely! If you want to read more about the difference between the left brain and the right brain, check this out.  Science experiment for the next six weeks is "Human Body parts".  Please remind the kids to bring their coloring materials (crayons, color pencils, markers, etc.), pencils and scissors.

Before they started their presentation, I talked to them about preparing and memorizing their presentation.  Since they are in the "Masters" class, they have to strive to be a better version of themselves.  They should not compare themselves with anybody else but themselves. They have to strive to do better than they were before.  The goal is to help them transition better to "Challenge" and the expectations that comes with it.  If I am expecting too much, let me know, so I don't put too much pressure on them. I am encouraged about the kids presentation this week.  They tried their best to memorize their presentation, and I am hoping they will do that for the next presentations as well. Next week's presentation is Humorous interpretation - Delight your audience with a funny story, poem or narrative joke.  Memorize your story completely and use gestures or actions to enhance your presentation.

New Grammar
History - Song: CC CD
We discussed a little bit about the Louisiana Purchase and Lewis and Clark expedition. If you want to learn more, you might want to check this out.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
As we have done last week, I challenged them to think what is the principal parts of "do", not just simply memorizing it.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I showed them a picture of the digestive system and we discussed the function of the different parts of the digestive system.  Check this out for more information on the digestive system.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Part 1 of 3 of the nouns.  Keep on practicing Latin at home. The kids seemed to be struggling with Latin this year.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the opening ceremony. I reminded them of the markers (date), so it is easier to remember and they will be able to find their way when they get lost.

Math
Continue on practicing the multiplication tables.

Geography - Song: CC CD
We added five states to our tracing of the U.S. map.  Remind them t bing their completed work every week. As I mentioned before, the goal is to prepare them to draw the U.S. map by memory at the end of the year. I still want to make a portfolio for them, so I would encourage them to do their work at home since we don't have enough time to draw the map in class.  You don't want an empty portfolio, right?  Again, if this is too much, lt me know.

Fine Arts
We ended our drawing unit, and we incorporated almost all of our previous lessons while doing our project.  We drew the White House and added as many details as possible.  See their drawings below.  I hope you'll continue to practice the drawing techniques we learned throughout the first semester.  Next week, we start our music theory, check your email for further announcement on this.

Review
JEOPARDY... the kids enjoyed their daily doubles.  I hope you'll keep on practicing the memory work at home.  If your kids plan to do Memory Masters, start practicing now.  This is the best time to start. You want to prepare ahead and the best way to do it is to keep practicing at home.

Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of your children's education.  I am invested in your children's learning because I treat them as my own.  Again, if my goal for the kids does not line up with yours, come talk to me.  Maybe we can work something out to meet in the middle.  In the end, you are still the teacher, I am just here to be a lead learner and to help you anyway I can.

Have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 5

We had a short Science time with Mr. Reeser.  We learned about the skin and how we generate new skin cells all the time. To learn more, check this out.

Presentation was exciting even if there was a slight misunderstanding. The kids had different presentations, but it is okay.  They all still learned something from each other.  For those who already did their memorized speech, tell us something about the American Patriot who wrote the speech next week.  For those who did the American patriot's biography, they have to come with a memorized speech next week.  Challenge your kids in preparing their presentation, they are in the Masters class already. This is a wonderful opportunity to practice what they are learning in Essentials (KWO) and learn public speaking as well.

New Grammar
History - Song: CC CD
I briefly discuss how the New Constitution allowed for the United States to have their own president. I emphasize that as we are given powers, we are also given responsibilities.  The impressive thing they did when we were discussing 1789 was this - they were able to state the French Revolution sentence from Cycle 2, and we were able to correlate that when George Washington was being inaugurated as president here in the U.S., the French Revolution is happening. I love dialectic stage.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We start with the principal parts of the irregular verbs this week until Week 17.  I tried asking them out of order like, "What is the past participle of be?" or "What is the past tense of be?" to encourage them to think and not just memorize since they already know this by memory.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the five senses and its connection with the nervous system.  I used the opportunity to share I Cor. 12:17 ff; on how we are different but part of one whole body. To learn more about the five senses, check this for sight , this for hearing, and this for smelling and tasting.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We continued with Latin verbs part 2.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We practiced what we learned during the Opening Ceremony. As always, we did the what happened before...

Math
Keep on working on the multiplication table. Start working on the 11's, 12's, 13's, 14's 15's.

Geography - Song: CC CD
We continued tracing the new states we learned. I sent home homework for memorization through drawing. Again, please remind them to bring their completed work to class on Monday.

Fine Arts
Perspective Drawing.  I explained a little bit about the different types of perspective drawing.  We focused on the one point perspective and we drew the Washington monument. Below is the picture of their art work.

Review
Tic-tac-toe.  The kids had a wonderful time reviewing the memory work while playing tic-tac-toe.  It was really fun learning along side them.  We found out that we really need to work on Math and Latin a lot.

Have a wonderful weekend. See you all on Monday!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 4

Thank you for being well behaved for Mrs. Johansen last week.  We miss you Gavin and Julia.

Science with Mr. Mark was really exciting this past Monday. We learned about lung capacity, and the kids were really competitive on who will have the greatest lung capacity. If you want to learn more in depth things about the lungs and its capacity, check this out.

This week's presentation is very dear to my heart. We memorize a lot of verses in our family, and we love to encourage others to do it as well. The kids did really well with their Bible memorization and I really hope they will continue to keep memorizing God's word.  If you have not started memorizing, start with one to two verses and then challenge yourselves to go on to one to two chapters and even whole books.  Currently, Dawn and I are memorizing the book of James... we already finished Chapters 1 & 2 and are getting ready to move on to Chapter 3.  Our goal is to do one chapter a month.  If we keep on with our goal, we should be able to finish memorizing the book of James by the end of the year. I hope this can be an encouragement to you.  The kids can do it. Just be patient and keep working on it.  The next two week's presentation is connected. First, pick a American Patriot's speech and memorize it (this will be their Week 6's presentation).  For Week 5's presentation, tell us the biography of the American Patriot you chose.  An example I gave to the kids is this - If you are thinking of memorizing the "Gettysburg Address" on Week 6, tell us about Abraham Lincoln next time we meet (Week 5).  Skill we are focusing on is "Articulation" - speak clearly so the audience can understand you. 

New Grammar
History - Song: CC CD
I gave them a little bit of a background when the Declaration of Independence was written.  If you want to learn more, check this out, or go to your local library and look for books on the Declaration of Independence.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I drew a hand on my board to remember the five principal parts.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the parts of the nervous system.  I gave them the analogy of the power plant generator delivering electric current to our home to understand the function of the different parts.  Check this out for more information.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The first part of Latin verbs. We signed and learned the words in English and Latin.

Timeline - Song CC CD
We continued what was learned during the opening ceremony.  And of course our ever famous what is before the event...

Math
Keep working on the multiplication table.

Geography - Song: CC CD
We traced and drew the new states we learned. Challenge your kids to draw it by memory. You'll be surprised how much they'll remember.

Fine Arts
I introduced them to different abstract artist and told them that most of the time, an abstract art is more on how the artist see the things they are drawing and how they feel about it.  My question for them before they started drawing was, "What do you see and how do you feel when you look at our flag. We drew the American flag as an abstract art and you can see their work below.

Review
We continued with drawing the US states by tracing to memorize.  This will be our last week doing it in class (the next few drawings will be sent home with them, but be sure to bring it back to class the following week). For those who did not finish their drawing in class, I sent it home with them.  Please remind them to bring their completed work back next week, as I plan to make a geography portfolio for them.

Have a wonderful week off. See you in two weeks...

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 3

To learn more about fingerprints, check this site. Fingerprinting is in Unit 2.  This particular site is focused on Crime Scene Investigation, but the fingerprinting basics has excellent powerpoints and worksheets.

New Grammar
History - Song: CC CD
If you want to read more about the Boston Tea Party, check this out.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
To learn more about the types of muscles. Check this out.

Geography - Song: CC CD
Continue to practice drawing the states by memory. Keep up the good work!

Math
Keep on practicing the multiplication table. The goal is to be able to answer the problem without having to skip count.

Fine Arts
Upside Down Drawing... why are we doing this? To train the right side of the brain.  Check this article out to learn more on why we are doing this.  If you want the kids to keep on working at home.  I suggest that you make them listen to something while they are drawing so they can be focus on the listening while drawing with just looking at the lines and not thinking about it. For this project, I gave the kids a an upside down picture inside an envelope, they have to pull the picture slowly as they draw. Below is the sample of their work (If you observe the drawings closely, you'll see that while they were starting to draw, not knowing what it was, they did really well following the lines.  When they found out what they were drawing, they just drew what they know without following the lines). I hope they can continue practicing at home.

I hope you enjoyed your week with Mrs. Johansen.  Thank you very much, Phoebe.

Zabrina

Week 2

Another late post... Oh well... We had a fun-filled morning last Monday.

Thank you Mr. Herson for a wonderful lesson on lenses.  Just looking at one part of our body, the eye, made us realize how fearfully and wonderfully we are made. We were able to differentiate concave and convex lenses.  To learn more, you might want to check this out. 

The kids did amazingly with their Presentation focused on Narration.  It is exciting to see how creative they can be in presenting a Bible story/lesson (Sunday School teachers in the making).  In the end, I told them to use the Bible as their main text when preparing for a Bible story.  Next week's Presentation: Expository Speech - Expose your favorite family vacation and include details such as who went with you, what you did, where and when did you go, and why you like the trip.  Feel free to bring pictures and souvenirs with you. Focus skill - eye contact.  For those who already shared their vacation, I told them to choose another vacation or do something else as long as the focus is still "exposition."

New Grammar and Review
Since we only have two weeks of materials to review, I sort of combined the New Grammar and Review Time, so we can have enough time to practice our memorization through drawing of the states we learned so far.

History - Song: CC CD
We briefly discussed where the Puritans came from and how they ended up in Massachusetts instead of Virginia. We also had a brief introduction to the Mayflower Compact.  If you want to learn more, you can check this out.  We were fortunate to have teh opportunity to visit Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts a couple of years ago.  Below is a photo of the Mayflower.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the present participle verb form and differentiated it with an infinitive.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I showed them a picture of the skeleton.  Our body contains 206 bones. We learned about the axial skeleton and I mentioned the other major group is the appendicular skeleton (appendages).

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned a few of the Latin conjunctions.  In Latin, English and Sign Language.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed the signs learned in our opening ceremony. Another marker date this week is 200 BC. We were able to also play the game "What happened before..."

Math
We worked on Tables 3 & 4.  I am encouraging the kids to not skip count. To keep practicing the tables by memorizing.  Keep on working on the tables.  We've only started; we have more to work on.

Geography -  Song: CC CD
We continued tracing while memorizing the five states.  As part of the review, we are memorizing the states through drawing.  I hope they can continue to work on drawing the states at home.

Fine Arts
We reviewed mirror images by partners (glad we are even). They drew something on one side and their partner drew the mirror image of their drawing.  It was fun.  For our main project, we drew the Liberty Bell.  We had a discussion this discussion - Would you still consider the bell a mirror image even if it had a crack?  Why or Why not?  I said, "I still would consider it a mirror image because the bell is still symmetrical."  Try discussing it with them at home.  It was fun to hear their side why it is not.  Below are pictures of their work.

I am indeed honored to be learning along side your kids. I look forward to an amazing journey ahead.

I will not be there on Monday as I am away. Mrs. Johansen will take over the class. Please remind the kids to be at their best behavior. See you in two weeks.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Zabrina

Week 1

This is a very late post for our first week, my apologies.  I hope the Welcome post (which is also late) allowed me to share my plan with you for the year. We missed you, Ruthie.

We started with Science Experiments with Mr. Herson.  Persistence of vision... what animation is all about. If you want to learn more, check this out.

I started the presentation with an object lesson.  I gave the kids a tube of toothpaste and asked them to squirt it out on a plate. When they finished taking turns squirting, I asked them to put all the toothpaste back in. They tried different techniques, but (as expected) were unsuccessful.  Then I said, "I hope you'll remember this plate of toothpaste for the rest of the year (or your life).  Your words is like the toothpaste inside the tube.  You will have the opportunity to use your words to hurt, demean, and wound others.  You will also have the opportunity to encourage, inspire, and heal others.  Just like this toothpaste, once the words leave your mouth, you can't take them back anymore.  The choice is yours.  I pray that we all will make the right choice in using ours words to encourage, inspire and heal others."
It was an interesting time getting to know the kids during their presentation through interview and some kids who prepared something stood up and shared their presentation. I look forward to getting to know them better through their presentation.  Next week's presentation -  Narration:  Narrate or act out a favorite Bible story using pictures or props.

New Grammar
Most of the kids are going through this cycle the second (some third) time.  They know the materials really well and we reviewed most of them. We also had some interesting discussions along the way (Welcome dialectic stage).

History - Song: CC CD
I briefly introduced Columbus and we had a little trivia about the three ships.  If you want to learn more about it, check this out.

English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We chanted through the definition of an infinitive.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly defined the different types of tissue. If you want a more detailed information about the different types, check this  out.

Latin - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I intentionally picked the song from NoGreaterJoy5 because it helps us review the definition of the part of speech and then learn the Latin words and English words at the same time. I taught them the sign language for the words.  By the end of the year, they will be able to recite John 1:1-7 in Latin, English and sign language (Three languages at once). The kids should know the signs for the words, if you need to clarify, come see me during the lunch hour.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed the Timeline taught during the Opening Ceremony. I told the kids to remember the dates as well so that they will have some sort of marker (especially when there will be lots of information later in the year).  We were also able to recite the Timeline backwards. Hooray!

Math
The kids are 10 years old and up, so we are memorizing the multiplication table.  Tables 1 & 2 are easy, but I told them to still work hard (especially with what is coming ahead 13, 14, 15).  I told them that their goal should be to answer the question quickly (without skip counting) any equation given to them. Start working on the more difficult tables at home.

Geography - Song: CC CD
Since most of the kids are moving on to Challenge next year, my goal for them is to be able to draw the United States by free hand.  For the new grammar part, I gave them a map with a tracing paper.  We will trace five states every week, by the end of the year, we will have the map of the US with all the physical features for their portfolio.

Fine Arts
The basic of drawing was reintroduced to the kids - OiLS.  They have been doing it for years, so we moved right on to drawing the Mayflower.  Since we learned about animation (persistence of vision), I taught them how to draw Mickey Mouse as well. See their drawings below.

Review
We reviewed Week 1's memory work and since we have enough time, we worked on Geography - Memorization Through Drawing... the kids drew Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut a minimum of five times, by the sixth time, they were able to draw it freehand. You can check out CCC user Amanda Predmore for suggestion practice at home.

Again, my apology for a very late post.  I will see you on Monday.

Sincerely,
Zabrina