Week 24

Congratulations everyone! We all made it through the year with flying colors.  Hooray for a job well done.  Thank you so much to everyone for making this school year an amazing one.

We reviewed Igor Stravinsky for our Fine Arts and we even made the sound of the rain.  Thank you Mrs. Armentrout.

Presentation was interesting.  I told the kids that narrating a story from a picture book will help them learn to teach their younger brothers and sisters and will prepare them to teach Sunday school in the future.  The kids had a wonderful time listening to each others' stories.  We even have a special Science presentation. Congratulations for a great year of presentation.  My take away for the kids - As homeschoolers, we don't have a lot of opportunities to do a presentation.  When you have the chance, take it and prepare and learn to embrace the process.  It will definitely help you in the future.  

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The seven sentence patterns, which the kids know by heart.  Make sure kids know what the abbreviations stand for, e.g. IO - indirect object.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5

I briefly discussed how Scientific experiments are done and replicated to test for accuracy.  Good science is our goal... the search for accurate, non-biased information.

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5

The identity law is easy and the kids know it well. When you add zero to any number, you get the same number.  When you multiply 1 to any number, it is the same number. 

Timeline: Song - CC CD

The Presidents... The kids know the President song and to make it challenging, I asked them who is the 25th President? Who was the President before...?

History: Song - CC CD
We learned the Bill of Rights. We discussed a little bit about each bill, and the discussion was indeed interesting.  To read more about each bill, check out this site.  Make sure the kids know the Rights and their corresponding numbers, e.g. 1 - Freedom.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
Hooray, we finished the whole passage in Latin and English! Make sure the words are pronounced correctly.

Geography:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5

We learned five more prominent features and reviewed all ten prominent features.  The kids submitted most of their maps, but some of them forgot to bring their files.  I gave them Week 24, so they still have a chance to submit all their remaining drawings on the day we meet for Memory Masters.  Thank you everyone for making this project a reality.  If they are missing some more map tracing and still want to finish it, let me know and I will send the map to you.  

Review
Before our final review, we had the chance to answer the "two questions" - 1. What is your favorite memory of the class.  2. How can you be the best "you" you can be for God's glory?  Ask them what they said and you'll be so proud of them.  We were able to review the last six weeks' materials, too. For those who are doing MM, keep practicing... you have two more weeks.

Science Experiment
We learned about median, mode and mean.  If you want to learn more, check this out.  Thank you, Mr. Herson.

It has been a wonderful privilege to have the opportunity to tutor your kids.  I've learned so much from them, and I hope that they will continue to give their best for God's glory.  Congratulations, dear teachers!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 23

Fine Arts is a review of Tchaikovsky and Debussy and the Romantic music transition to Modern music.

Next week's presentation is Narration: Narrate your favorite children's picture book while showing the pictures.  Have fun preparing.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the four sentence structure.  The kids should know this by heart having been in Essentials for a number of years.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about Natural Selection.  If you want to learn more, I enjoy reading from this site because it makes me think and process how to explain things in class.

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the Distributive Law.  Make sure the kids are thinking about what they are saying.  This is usually the most confusing of all the laws, so be careful.

History: Song - CC CD
Check this site out for more details about the Preamble of the Constitution. Be sure to be careful with the pronunciation of the words.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
Continue on memorizing the John 1 passage in Latin and English.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
The end of the Timeline. Make sure you know the markers... it will help you with what comes next.  Keep practicing with what is before...? just for the fun of it.

Geography:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Learn about the prominent features... we will continue to learn more next week. I hope the kids were able to gather all their tracings and are ready to hand them to me on Monday.

Thank you very much to Mrs. Johansen for subbing for me in class. I am sure you are in your best behavior. I hope to see you next week, Lord willing...

Have a wonderful week.

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 22

Fine Arts was super exciting. We met Mr. Igor Stravinsky. It was interesting to meet someone in a different time that has some similarities in our lives.  Thank you, Mrs. Herson.

Presentation was interesting and encouraging as well.  For those who memorized their poems, Congratulations! I am sure your teachers know that it will benefit you, that's why they asked you to memorize it.  Next week's presentation: Persuasion: Commercial.  Create a commercial that "persuades" your audience to buy your real or imaginary product.  Have fun preparing.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the "subordinate clause" which is also called dependent clause. We differentiated it with the independent clause.  Keep reviewing.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We differentiated Catastrophism with Uniformitarianism.  They both begin with the same words and it is easy to get confused.  I reminded the kids to think before saying their memory work. If you want to learn more, check this out.

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The Commutative Law is an easy one, but the kids somehow kept confusing it with the Associative Law. Again, I told them to think about what they are memorizing.

History: Song - CC CD
We briefly discussed Sept. 11, 2001.  This is the most recent of the history sentences and I told them that we are still very affected with the consequence of the incident.  Take note also that if you are using the older Foundations Guide, you will find that certain words are not the same.  Let me know if you need the exact words, I will email it to you.  if you want to learn more, check this out.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We continued with the verse and the kids are doing really well, translating the verse to Latin.  They are really using the words they know and did well in trying to translate the verse.  Keep up the good work.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the Opening Ceremony and did the reverse order.  The kids are doing really well in thinking backwards. Congratulations!

Geography:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the deserts and I had to use the Trivium map to show them the delineation between the Mohave Desert and Colorado Desert.  Please take note of that when reviewing. Next week, don't forget to bring pencils and color pencils for our maps.

Science experiment was about odds.  What are the odds in favor and against?  We used a coin to distinguish the odds... 50-50, they said.  Yes!  They worked as pairs and then alone.  Again, I told them that they will need a really big sample to get to the 50-50 odds.

Review darts... this time I was strict... no help from your group, and you have to answer quickly because it is really close to Memory Masters. The kids did really well. It is amazing how the kids are all ready to answer the questions even before I ask it.  Keep up the good work... I am sure you'll all do well.  I did remind them, I hope they are memorizing not just for Memory Masters but for life.

I will be away next week and I told the kids to behave and show the same respect they give me to Mrs. Johansen.  Thank you, Phoebe. 

Have a wonderful Easter!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 21

Counting down the weeks... stay strong so we can finish strong.

Fine Arts
We learned about Claude Debussy and his work, La Mer (The Sea).   Our thanks to Mrs. Reeser and Mrs. Toy.  If you want to learn more, check this out.

Presentation was part 2 of last week's. The kids showed us how to make cookies, peel an egg and make egg salad, take care of cows and learn about albino deer.  Congratulations on a job well done.  Next week's presentation is Recitation: Classic Poetry about America.  Memorize and recite a classic poem about America.  Enhance your recitation with expression and gestures.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We reviewed the difference between a phrase and a clause and learned about one kind of clause - an independent clause.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
I briefly explained the theory of uniformitarianism. If you want to read more about the theory and creation science, check this page out. I really loved how she explained it.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was taught in the Opening Ceremony.  We played what is before... ? to challenge their brain. Keep up the good work.

History: Song - CC CD
I briefly told them about Apollo 11 and the three astronauts who were in the mission Yes, there were three men... Michael Collins stayed inside the Columbia.  We also discussed about NASA, the space race and JFK's 1961 goal of lunar landing, which was achieved before the turn of the decade.  If you want to read more, check this out.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We translated the Latin verse to English.  We were also able to review the past few weeks verses.

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the Associative Law of Addition and Multiplication.  I reminded the kids to be thinking bout what they are saying because they know the memory work well. They sometimes might just say it out without thinking and thus confuse "plus" and "times".

Geography:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the different Territories and Terrains. Just a note that Alaska is part of the North West Coast because as we all know, Alaska is supposed to be in that area in the real map.

Review
We focused our review on Geography.  We drew all the physical features in a blank US map. Congratulations to the kids, they did really well. Make sure to keep practicing the trails and the canals where they struggle the most.  I told the kids to bring color pencils, pencils and scissors next week. They should not have an excuse of "My mom/dad did not tell me."  We were even able to review Week 1-21 of History and Science.  The kids did a wonderful job. Keep up the good work!

Science Experiment was on data and probability.  I cannot imagine that adding more blueberry can excite the kids so much.  The kids worked by pairs and they did really well. If you want to replicate the experiment at home, check the Foundations Guide page 148.

Don't forget, Memory Masters Parent Proof is due next week.  I hope the kids are practicing their memory work everyday. Remember, we want to finish strong!

Have a wonderful week... enjoy the snow!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 20

I can't believe it, we have four more weeks till the end of CC.  Time flies when you're having fun.  I hope the kids are having a great time in class. I know I am.

Fine Arts
We learned about Tchaikovsky in a different light.  Usually, when we talk about Tchaikovsky with kids, we talked about Nutcracker and Swan Lake. This time, it is adagio lamentoso, a slow lament. Thank you very much, Mrs. Smith.

Presentation was fun but long.  The kids had so much fun, we went beyond our recommended time.  They learned to make Caesar salad, make slime, sew buttons and draw an eagle.  The whole class enjoyed the demonstration. We all learned a lot of practical things. Next week's presenters would be Ellie, Howard, Gavin and Javan.  I told the kids, they all have five minutes each. Hopefully, we can keep our time. 

New Grammar
Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the different canals.  I told them to look for the name of the canal and find which state it is located and they will certainly figure it out. Thank you for constantly encouraging the kids to continue with their map tracing. They will be pleasantly surprise at the end of the school year how well they are drawing the map of the United States of America. Please let the kids bring their pencil and coloring pencils for a special project for Geography.

English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the phrase and the clause.  Since everyone is in Essentials, they know what the difference between the two. Just keep practicing the memory sentences because it is wordy and long.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5

We learned about the theory of evolution. I recommended using the song above because of the difficult words, but if they prefer just reciting it, it is okay.

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The last of Geometry - the circumference of a circle.  Just a quick reminder, this coming Wednesday is Pi Day.  Have fun! See last week's blog for my book recommendation for Pi.

History: Song - CC CD
I briefly discussed Brown vs. Board of Education. The kids were surprised that it is not only the Brown family who filed a lawsuit, but twelve others.  If you want to learn more, check  this site out.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
The kids know the passage really well... keep on practicing and keep up the good work.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We did what was done during the opening ceremony. Keep practicing.

Science Experiment was about Possible combinations. We learned how to make different pizza combinations.  It was fun.  It would be really helpful to keep on practicing probabilities at home so they can participate better in the next few weeks' science experiment.

Review
With a little left-over time from Science, we were able to review History, Science, English, Math and Latin of the last six weeks.  We were able to do it in 7 minutes... that means the kids really know their materials. Hooray! I reminded the kids that they have to be confident in answering by themselves, without help from their friends. Keep practicing at home... focus on one subject a day. Have fun!

Have a good week!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 19

Fine Arts
Our introduction to the Orchestra.  We were introduced to the different periods of classical music and to the different instrument families.  Thank you Mrs. Herson.  If you want to learn more about the Orchestra,  I like this site a lot.


Presentation was funny, and it delighted the audience.  Next week's presentation - Demonstration:Demonstrate how to do something, fix something, or use something.  Use visual aids. Allow your audience to participate if possible.  The following kids volunteered for this coming week - Ruthie, Caroline, Julia and Dawn. Enjoy preparing.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the predicate as part of the sentence, and we were able to review the subject.  The kids did really well.

Science:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We started learning the different theories. This week's memory work is Psalm 19:1.  The heavens declare the glory of God! Someone asked, "Is that science?" Yes, it is!

Math:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
The area of the circle. We discussed a little bit about the pi and the circle.  I recommended a book by Cindy Neuschwander's Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi.  It is a very exciting book and pi is explained very well there.

History: Song - CC CD
We briefly discussed NATO, of course with background on League of Nations and United Nations. This is a good summary of NATO if the kids want to read more.

Latin:  Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We continued the John 1 passage, and we were also able to review some of the word translation.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the opening ceremony.  The kids are doing well with the time markers. Keep on reviewing.

Geography:  Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about the trails.  In the map that we are using, the trails can be really confusing. Try to practice the trails with them using the trivium table.  I will send you an email of the map with the trail highlighted.  We are almost there... six more weeks of tracing.  Keep encouraging your kids to do tracing of the maps. Finish strong!

Review
We were able to review some of the materials from the last six weeks with the game Jeopardy.  The kids really enjoy the game and I am very excited that they knew most of the answer.  I reminded the kids, after today we only have five more weeks before Memory Masters.  They should know their memory work from Week 1-18 by now with no coaching. Please encourage them to practice at home.  One subject a day would be perfect! 

Science Experiment
We were introduced to data and probability by Mr. Herson.  It was fun and the kids enjoyed the game of chance... somehow the red chips is showing off that day.

Keep up the good work everyone!

Sincerely,

Zabrina

Week 18

Hooray! Everybody is present and well. Thank you, Lord!

Presentation was fun because the kids added their own twist to it, which I really love.  I told them I enjoyed getting to know them through their presentation.  I also told them to take advantage of the opportunity in process of preparing a presentation. Being homeschooled, they may not have the opportunity to prepare for a presentation (or maybe they might). This is a great way to learn how to prepare and present and not just do something because they are required to. I applaud the kids for their effort in preparing for their presentation.  Next week's presentation is their favorite. 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.  Choose your content carefully to delight, not offend your audience.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about one sentence part - the subject. The sentence today is sort of a tongue twister. So we went over the sentence a lot of times.  The kids did great. I am sure it would not hurt to review it at home.

History: Song - CC CD
I briefly discussed why the US joined World War II.  We even reviewed how WWII begun. The kids did wonderfully. An important note that you need to know is the word "in" is added between Pearl Harbor and Hawaii.  The end of the sentence has a tendency to be sung as WWI, so please be watchful when they are saying the sentence.

Math: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We did some application for the formula for the area of triangle. The kids did not have any problem with this.

Science: Song -CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the third four elements of the periodic table. I briefly introduce the four elements and where they may be found. We were able to review the first 12 elements. The kids are doing great.

Latin: Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We were able to translate John 1:5 from Latin to English and the rule about no translation for articles was reiterated.  I believe the kids know the verse, but it would not hurt to kee practicing at home.
  
Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the Opening Ceremony. The kids know them by heart.  We practiced with the time line markers, and the kids did really wonderfully.

Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5 
We learned the Western River.  Please take note if you are using the third edition, make sure you know where the Columbia River is.  Continue to encourage the kids to do their map tracing.  I reduced the tracing to two, hope it is still helping the kids.  I am thinking of skipping the free hand draw the next six weeks.

Our last week of Great Artist, we learned about Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield.  We sort of over extended our time trying to learn to draw Garfield. We made a single comic strip of Garfield.  See their art work below.  They also created a paper craft of Garfield which they brought home. I am so proud of the amazing art work the kids created this past six weeks. I sure hope they can continue to do art at home.  As I always say, "Don't rush art, take your time and enjoy." Next week, we will embark on the Orchestra and the Great Composers.

For the fun of the art... I added my own drawing of Garfield.

We learned to make crystals with Mrs. Herson during our Science Experiment.  If you want to do it at home, the kids brought their Science paper with them or you can check out this site (Looks like fun). We were able to see the Science projects of the Challenge kids in our last few minutes.  A big CONGRATULATIONS to all the Challenge kids!

It was a fun packed morning. I promised them we will play Jeopardy for review next week. See you all then...

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 17

Thinking Valentine's Day... 💕💖 The kids did their Valentine exchange.  Javan and Julia, we miss you both.  Hope you had a wonderful time away, Julia and hope you are feeling better, Javan.

New Grammar & Review
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb "go".  The last of the the verb conjugations. We were able to review a lot of the verb conjugations focusing on the five principal parts using out fingers.

History: Song - CC CD
We learned about President Wilson and World War I.  I briefly talked to them about World War I and how the US wanted to remain neutral but ended up having to enter the war.  We had a good discussion about it.  If you want to learn more, check this site out.

Math: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We continued with Geometry and learned the area of the square.  The kids know the formula, so we did some application.  What is the area of the square if the side is __?  If the What is the side of the square if the area is __?  We reviewed our squares as well.

Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the second four elements of the periodic table.  Check previous week's blog for further reading.  We were also able to review memory work on Chemistry.

Latin: Opening Ceremony Song
We learned John 1:4 in Latin and English. We were also able to review the Latin words and their English translation.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We reviewed what was done during the Opening Ceremony and was able to play the game, what is before...

Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the Rivers (East).  I shared a trick with them... find the state and you'll find the rivers.  I ask the kids to work on the map tracing at home and use the extra week to catch up with the unfinished work.  I also lessen their tracing to two instead of three.  I sure hope it is helping at home.  Keep encouraging them...

Presentation Part 1 was exciting.  We saw art works from a famous artist and heard music from two great composers. Thank you very much for preparing well for the presentation. Next week, we will hear from the rest of the class.  A quick reminder for presenters, you have a maximum of four minutes to introduce the artist/composer and present their work.

Our artwork is inspired by the pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.  I wrote their names for them and gave them suggestions on how to make their own pop art names for their own room. The kids did an exceptional job. See the photo below.  Next week's art, please bring pencil and coloring materials.

Science Experiment
We learned about different food items that contain starch. We even learned about a non food item that contain starch.  Keep experimenting at home.  Have fun.

Enjoy the extra week off.  See you next week.

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 16

Go Eagles! Hooray for the home team.  One hour delay, but we made the most of it.  We miss you very much, Ellie. We hope you and your family feel better soon.

This week's presentation is dear to my heart... Bible memory!  At home, we have been memorizing the Book of James slowly and consistently for the last five months (one chapter a month) while  doing a Bible Study.  We were then able to get more in depth in our study of God's word.  It is a struggle for me (my older brain cells), but Dawn keeps me on my toes.  Sometimes, I find myself waking up in the middle of the night and reviewing our memory work... well, that is meditating on God's word day and night. 😇 We just finished chapter 5 yesterday.  That means we are done with the whole book of James.  We just need to be able to say the whole book and we are good to go. The children's mind are like sponges and it is so easy for them to do it, just do a little at a time so as not to be overwhelmed.  Isn't that what we are doing while learning all the memory work for CC? God's word is even more valuable compared to all the facts. I applaud your effort in memorizing God's word with your kids.  Thank you so much for helping them prepare for their presentation. Next week's presentation: American Artist/Composer - tell us about the life and works of the artist/composer. Show paintings or play samples.  The class will be divided into two groups. These four kids volunteered to do presentation next week - Ruthie, Jayven, Gavin and Dawn.

New Grammar/Review
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb shake. Keep reviewing the five principal parts with the hand.

Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We started with the first four element of the periodic table. I gave them one of my favorite periodic table with elements in picture and in words.  I did mention that the atomic mass we are memorizing is rounded off to the nearest whole number.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We entered a new period/age. The kids knows the Timeline really well, but I told them to use the period as markers so that when they are doing the whole Timeline, they will know where they are.

History: Song - CC CD
We learned about the coming of the immigrants to America.  This topic is on the news a lot lately, it may be a good conversation topic at home.  This is a good short article on the topic.  If you want to learn more on this topic, check this site out.  

Latin: Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We finished verse 3.  The kids are doing great. We are learning the verses in Latin and reviewing in English.  We are even able to review the word translation.

Math: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Geometry... geometry...let's learn about geometry.  We started with the area of a rectangle and learned about practical applications of it. We also reviewed Perimeter.

Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5

We learned the difference between a bay and a sound.  To learn more about different coastal landforms, check this out.  Check on the kids' tracing of the map... I am sure they are doing better everyday.  They will be surprise at how well they do at the end of the year.  Remember, a little bit at a time and we will reach the goal. 

We learned about Andrew Wyeth in Fine Arts, who is a local (Chadds Ford, PA).  I briefly talked about Wyeth and showed them some of his paintings, including the famous Cristina's World.  Although Wyeth's art are mostly in watercolor and tempera paints, we focused on the softness of his painting by using soft pastel on black background.  I was so proud of the kids' work.  See their artwork below.  Check out the Brandywine River Museum for some of the Wyeth's family collection of arts.  For next week's art, please remind the kids to bring their paint brushes. It would be highly appreciated. Thank you very much.

Science Experiment with Mr. Herson was so much fun. Soda and bubbles! Where do they stick better - rough or sooth surface?

Thank you very much for continuing to encourage your kids to do their best.  I will keep on encouraging them to be the best "them" they can be for the glory and honor of God! 

See you next week!

Sincerely,
Zabrina

Week 15

We missed a lot of kids this week. We are praying for you and hope you are better soon. Hoping we will all see you next week.

I am thankful that a lot of the kids used KWO in preparing their Presentation. We learned about different inventors and we discussed how most of the inventors persevere with their invention and did not stop because of failure.  It was a good encouragement for everybody, including me.  Next Week's Presentation: Bible Passage: Memorize and Recite a Bible Passage.  I told the kids that it would be great if it is a passage, not just a verse.  Thank you for helping them prepare every week.

New Grammar
English: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb write.  We reviewed the five verb principal parts with our hands (a quick hint, the ring finger is the present participle [verb+ing]).

Science: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about some parts of the atom. I briefly discussed the different parts.  Some parts went way over their head, but it is okay, they will eventually learn it. To learn more about atoms, check this and this out.

Math: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned metric measurements and we also learned some application.  Keep practicing at home.

History: Song - CC CD
Julia taught the History sentence and I briefly discussed Theodore Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. Check this out to learn more.  You can also check this out.

Latin: Song - Opening Ceremony Song
We learned the first part of John 1:3.  As we are learning the verses, we are also learning the word translation.  Keep practicing at home.

Timeline: Song - CC CD
We went over the Timeline a few times and we went back and reviewed the different time periods and what comes after it.

Geography: Song - CCC NoGreaterJoy5
This week's geography is easy with an acronym of HOMES-NF. I gave them a hint Lake Superior is above since it is superior. The other lakes are close to where the state (or province) are. 

Review
We were able to review the past five weeks and this week's lesson.  The kids are doing really well.  Keep up the good work. The kids seems to be stumbling over the definition of atomic number and element.  And they seem to be struggling a little bit with dates in our History sentences. Focus on them during your review time at home.


Fine Arts
We learned about Georgia O'Keeffe and we made big flower painting on canvas.  It turned out really well.  See the photos below.  Next week's art, please bring paintbrushes and other coloring materials as well.

Science Experiment
We had a great time with Mr. Reeser.  He made us think through a lot of things and maybe the kids would like to expand the experiment at home.  Have fun!

See you all next week!

Zabrina

Week 14

Time flies...we have ten more week to go.  I hope we will continue to do our best to finish strong. A big shout out to all the kids who made our visitor feel welcome.

Fine Arts Part 1
We divided our art project into two 15 minute time. The first 15 minute, we learned about Jackson Pollock, an abstract expressionist.  We did art work with drips and splashes... If you want to learn more about him, Check this out.

We learned about different American (and non-American) missionaries through their presentation.  It is always good to see the kids being really confident in talking in front without fear. I did asked the kids to use KWO when preparing their presentation. This way, they can practice their IEW work while doing their research work. That is hitting two birds with one stone. Next week's presentation is American inventor: Tell us about the inventor's life and how his invention changed the world.

New Grammar
English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb "break". Make sure when they are practicing at home that they enunciate their words well. On this note, the kids are still struggling with lay and lie. Keep practicing at home.
 
Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about an element. With another wordy sentence, I hope the kids can continue to practice at home.  I gave them a copy of the periodic table to get them acquainted with how to find the element, its abbreviation, its atomic number and atomic mass. Feel free to practice with them at home.  This is a site you can check out to make learning the elements more exciting. We love the places and cities the best. To learn more about chemistry, check out the link in last week's blog.

Math - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned about linear equivalents and their applications.

History - Song: CC CD
Howard taught the kids the history sentence.  I briefly discussed and showed pictures of each tycoons and their contribution to America.  Check this out if you want to read more.

Latin - Song: Opening Ceremony Song
We learned John 1:2.  Keep practicing the song at home.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed what we did during the opening ceremony. I reminded the kids to use the time periods and "Ages" as markers so they don't get lost when going through the Timeline.

Geography- Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Jayven taught geography of the Northwest Mountain. We discussed that Mt. McKinley was recently changed to Denali. The kids were asking why, so I said we can all research it together and discuss it next week.

Fine Arts Part 2
The focus of our project after Pollock is on the artist Norman Rockwell, the great story teller.  I told the kids that Rockwell's art always remind me that a picture is worth a thousand words. We were also able to differentiate Pollock's  and Rockwell's art.  The project that we did is based on Norman Rockwell's "The Connoisseur".  The kids had an exciting time doing it.  See the art project we did below.

 

Review game was sort of fun, the kids are doing marvelous. Keep up the good work.  I hope you'll continue to encourage the kids to do their geography tracing and drawing.  If the paper accumulates, it gets overwhelming. I don't want the kids to be overwhelmed.  Just keep encouraging them... they may not see the benefits right now, but I assure you, by week 24, they will be so amazed at what they can do.  Same with all the memory work... if it gets too much, it gets overwhelming.  A little at a time and we will all get there... keep encouraging them.

Science experiment with Mr. Herson was so much fun... wow! What happens when we mix alcohol in water? Ask the kids, they might want to replicate the experiment at home.

Have a wonderful week and Lord willing, I will see you all next week!

Zabrina

Week 13

Happy New Year and Welcome back to CC. The kids are so thoughtful... it was so sweet to see their greetings on the board (unfortunately, I was not able to take a picture). They even surprise me with the birthday song. Thank you!  Gavin, we missed you. Feel better soon!

I gave them three topics to choose from for the Impromptu Presentation. I believe everyone shared about their amazing Christmas time with their family.  It was so much fun to learn a little bit more about your families and the fun things you do together. Next week's presentation is Exposition: An American Missionary - tell about an American missionary - how the missionary impacted the world for Christ. Remind them to limit their presentation to a maximum time of 4 minutes.  Thank you!

New Grammar
English - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned to conjugate the verb "beat".  The kids are doing great.  We just need to remind them to speak clearly.

Science - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We enter the world of Chemistry.  I briefly discussed the atomic number, element and atomic mass, and a little bit about the nucleus with the proton and electron.  If you want to learn more about Chemistry, check this site out.  The sentence this week is very wordy, the kids struggled to get through it, so keep practicing at home.

Math - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
Gallonbot, the kids favorite. We did a lot of application practices and the kids know this really well.

History - Song: CC CD
What does amendment means? That is how we started the brief discussion on the 14th Amendment.  Also told them about the 13th.  If you want to read more, check this out.

Latin - Song: Opening Ceremony Song
We continued translating John 1:1, to make it easier for the kids to understand, I line up the English word with the Latin words (on the board). The kids are doing great. Keep practicing.

Timeline - Song: CC CD
We reviewed the Timeline as we have done in the Opening Ceremony.

Geography - Song: CCC NoGreaterJoy5
We learned the Western Mountains. A question came up, "Why is the Sierra Nevada not in Nevada?" A good research topic, isn't it?

Fine Arts
We learned a little bit about Grandma Moses and American folk art.  Our art project is paper collage, and the kids had fun doing it. See their work below.  Next week, for our art project, please remind the kids to bring coloring materials (watercolor is needed for one of the project although crayons, color pencils and markers are needed as well), scissors and glue.  Thank you very much.

Review Game
We reviewed Weeks 8 - 13.  The kids did really well. By the way, the kids did great during the mock memory testing.  I always tell the kids, "Don't let Memory Masters be your ultimate goal. Your goal should be to learn and remember what you are memorizing because you will need it for life." Keep up the good work.

Science experiment with Mr. Herson is always fun. How can 1 + 1 not equals 2? Ask the kids. Thank you very much Mr. Herson.

See you all next week, Lord willing.
Zabrina