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