Hello Masters families,
What a fun and exciting day we had today! I want to start with a BIG thank you to both the parents and students today. Moms, you were an incredible with the review and the end of the year program practice, thank you so much for taking over so willingly and wonderfully. Students, we enjoyed two guests today and I have to thank all of you for the excellent behavior that you all conducted yourselves with during class. You listened, actively participated, and really exhibited the qualities of rising 6th grade and Challenge A students. It was a great testimony, thank you to each one of you. Carlyssa, we missed you and are looking forward to your return next week.
EXTENSIVE REVIEW: Thank you again to some awesome moms and jumped in today to maximize our review time. An incredible amount of material was covered and the work you have all done at home is being displayed. I am blown away by the students' achievements, God has truly blessed and is being glorified through your learning. Just a reminder to the moms, please contact Allison Dees regarding your student's achievements for Memory Power or Excellence. This is completely optional, but a very nice recognition of their accomplishments.
MEMORY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES FOR WEEK 22:
History Sentence: During class we over viewed the historical highlights about the fall of communism in Eastern Europe. The students all have drill review sheets in the history section of their binders for history sentences weeks 17-24. Use these as independent drill and practice as they learn the sentences, it helps to solidify the dates and names in their memories.
Presidents: Again, we reviewed the U.S. presidents today using the abbreviations in your Foundations guide and by having the students write them on their copywork sheets in the back of their binders. We also listened to the U.S. presidents song several times.
Science: We had a wonderful day during science with our science project time giving the students a hands-on application of the science grammar for the day. What are three characteristics of light? Reflection, Refraction, and Spectrum There was a cooperative effort among the students to reflect the light in a chain of mirrors and they loved the rainbow (spectrum) peepholes that they were able to take home with them. It was a great science day!
Math: What is the COMMUTATIVE LAW FOR ADDITION AND MULTIPLICATION? The students practiced writing these laws on the drill sheets in their binders. Please use these drill sheets over the next few weeks to write the names of the formulas and the formulas. Each sheet allows the students to write the formulas three times and the name twice, this should help to cement the name to the equations for them.
English: Coordinating Conjunctions FANBOYS - for, and, nor, but or, yet, so
We listened to the grammar song from Mrs. Varnell and recited the conjunctions together. This is repeated memory work from Essentials, so most of the students showed a strong mastery or familiarity of the material.
Latin: (Pluperfect Tense) HINT: Plu rhymes with BLUE, I'm a wearin' blue. (Amaveram blue.)
The students practiced drilling their memory work by writing on the Latin chart of their choice and we listened to the Audio CD.
Geography: Central America - El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama
Each student located these countries on their maps and then labeled each one correctly on the colored and the black and white map.
Another week has flown back and with the cold weather it seems impossible that there is only two weeks remaining in the year. With my due date fast approaching I don't know if I will be able to attend next week, but very soon I know I will be sharing some exciting news with all of you about the arrival of our new little one. Please remember our family in prayer during this time. Thank you again for your abundance of support and the love you have given to our family. Have a blessed week.
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Week 21
Hello Masters families,
Another good day with a tremendous effort by all of our presenters on their review work. All of the students displayed strong mastery of the grammar, everyone is working hard at home and the results are shining through clearly. The last three weeks of the semester we will focus our presentation time on the end-of-the-year "On the Spot" review game show. Parents, each student placed a script with their review question for the "skit" in the front of their binder. Please encourage them to practice their lines this week so we can have fun rehearsing next week.
Binder Update:
Yesterday we added several new items to each student's binder, please use these items to encourage your child to take on some independent drill and review during this busy time of year.
NEW ITEMS: Copywork Sheets for Weeks 19-24 (this includes blanks for them to write out the presidents and focused maps for reviewing), History Sentence drill sheets for sentences weeks 19-24, "On the Spot" lines for end-of-the-year program (please have them practice these this week)
OTHER DRILL SHEETS: Latin, History sentences, Math Formula Drill Sheets, Geography Map Checklist for drill and practice, Copywork Sheets for Weeks 1-24
I hope these sheets will serve as helpful tools in your homeschool to encourage your rising 6th grader or Challenge A students to practice some independent drill and studying.
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 21:
Presidents: Use the audio CD song and the Copywork Drill Sheet to learn the presidents.
History Sentence: Tell me about the end of the Cold War... We took about ten minutes in class to review the history sentences pertaining to the Cold War so the students understood the meaning and the historical significance of this week's sentence. I was hoping to help them make connections between the previous weeks' grammar and see the story and progression of history in semester 2. Use the fill-in-the-blank drill sheets and the Audio CD to drill and practice.
Geography: We identified and labeled the Central America locations this week on the maps. We also identified Cuba's role in the Cold War.
Latin: Pluperfect Tense - We used the Audio CD and the drill sheets to review the Pluperfect Tense. HINT: PLU rhymes with BLUE "I'm a wearin' blue" - "Amaveram blue
English: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses together. I reminded the students about the School House Rock song and drew a train on the board with 3 cars for words, phrases, clauses to help them remember the definition. Use the grammar songs by Mrs. Varnell to help as well.
Math: We practiced writing the Associative Law for Addition and Multiplication on the math drill sheet located in their binders. There are blanks for them to write the formula out 3 times each.
Have a wonderful week, hopefully I will see you all on Week 22!
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
Another good day with a tremendous effort by all of our presenters on their review work. All of the students displayed strong mastery of the grammar, everyone is working hard at home and the results are shining through clearly. The last three weeks of the semester we will focus our presentation time on the end-of-the-year "On the Spot" review game show. Parents, each student placed a script with their review question for the "skit" in the front of their binder. Please encourage them to practice their lines this week so we can have fun rehearsing next week.
Binder Update:
Yesterday we added several new items to each student's binder, please use these items to encourage your child to take on some independent drill and review during this busy time of year.
NEW ITEMS: Copywork Sheets for Weeks 19-24 (this includes blanks for them to write out the presidents and focused maps for reviewing), History Sentence drill sheets for sentences weeks 19-24, "On the Spot" lines for end-of-the-year program (please have them practice these this week)
OTHER DRILL SHEETS: Latin, History sentences, Math Formula Drill Sheets, Geography Map Checklist for drill and practice, Copywork Sheets for Weeks 1-24
I hope these sheets will serve as helpful tools in your homeschool to encourage your rising 6th grader or Challenge A students to practice some independent drill and studying.
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 21:
Presidents: Use the audio CD song and the Copywork Drill Sheet to learn the presidents.
History Sentence: Tell me about the end of the Cold War... We took about ten minutes in class to review the history sentences pertaining to the Cold War so the students understood the meaning and the historical significance of this week's sentence. I was hoping to help them make connections between the previous weeks' grammar and see the story and progression of history in semester 2. Use the fill-in-the-blank drill sheets and the Audio CD to drill and practice.
Geography: We identified and labeled the Central America locations this week on the maps. We also identified Cuba's role in the Cold War.
Latin: Pluperfect Tense - We used the Audio CD and the drill sheets to review the Pluperfect Tense. HINT: PLU rhymes with BLUE "I'm a wearin' blue" - "Amaveram blue
English: A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, or clauses together. I reminded the students about the School House Rock song and drew a train on the board with 3 cars for words, phrases, clauses to help them remember the definition. Use the grammar songs by Mrs. Varnell to help as well.
Math: We practiced writing the Associative Law for Addition and Multiplication on the math drill sheet located in their binders. There are blanks for them to write the formula out 3 times each.
Have a wonderful week, hopefully I will see you all on Week 22!
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Week 20 - Timeline Finale!!!
Hello Masters families,
We enjoyed an energetic day today. I can surely say that spring is in the air and we are all feeling the warm weather and all of the excitement that accompanies it. Science was a great way to start the day and explore the second Law of Thermodynamics. Fine Arts was full of energy as well while we actively listened to Beethoven's 5th Symphony. (Parents, please take some time this week to emphasize to your child the importance of LISTENING during these Fine Arts sessions. Music often creates movement and the class struggled to remain still and silent during this lesson. Next week we will need improvement to get the most out of our classical music study. We want to enjoy our music study, but not interfere with the teaching and learning. Thank you for your help on this!)
We were all amazed at the "Rapid Review" presentations from Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie and Hannah. Grammar from Science, Latin, and the Timeline was beautifully recited with confidence and composure. All of the presenters exhibited strong presentation skills as they presented their memory work. I commend all of you on eye contact, volume, pronunciation, speed, and above all confidence. It is one level to be able to recite your memory work at home or one question at a time, it is another accomplishment to recite your an entire subject in front of the whole class!!! Amazing work Masters students! I thank God for the gifts he has bestowed on each of you.
Presenters for next week: You may choose to recite any of the memory work for the Rapid Review presentation. Practice with a parent or have the tutor guide you through a subject of your choice. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RECITE ALL 24 WEEKS OF THE SUBJECT YOU CHOOSE!!! This is an opportunity to show what you know so the amount and the # of weeks you decide to share with us is between you and your parents. I look forward to seeing all that you have been working on at home. Another idea is that your recitation can be from several subjects that you like. For example, you may want to recite your favorite history sentence, science fact, English definition/list, and Latin conjugation. Have fun with it and we will all celebrate your hard work!
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 20:
History Timeline: THE GRAND FINALE!
Wright Brothers and other Inventors - Fly with both arms out by your sides
The Great World War - Use both arms to form a globe over your head
Roaring Twenties - Dance forward and backward "The Charleston"
The Great Depression - Take both hands and push them down in front of you, make a sad face as you say "Depression"
World War II, the Biggest War - Make a globe above your head with both arms, hold up two fingers and then spread arms apart on BIGGEST war
The Cold War, Korea and Vietnam - shiver
The Space Race - bend at the knees straighten your legs and shoot arms above your head to imitate a rocket
Modern America - tap yourself on your shoulders
History Sentence: Tell me about the Vietnam War....In class we discussed the reason for the U.S. involvement in the war and the conclusion of the war. We also identified the meaning of guerrilla warfare and why that caused difficulty among our troops in the Vietnam War. Students also noticed the similarity between the Korean War and the Vietnam War sentences, finding the parallel interesting.
Listen to the CD and review the geography as you drill this week's history sentence.
Science: What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics? Heat will always flow from an area on higher temperature to an area of lower temperature.
****One way to memorize this is that the 2nd law refers to two temperatures - high and low - and then have your child place their hand high and low in front of them to emphasize the meaning.****
Math: Sing this week's math formula to the tune of "She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain"
One inch equals 2.54 centimeters - yes it does (repeat)
One inch equals 2.54, one inch equals 2.54, one inch equals 2.54 centimeters - YES IT DOES!
English: An appositive is a noun which follows another noun and explains or identifies it.
Look at the bold letters to understand this hint... remember that you use noun twice and then think of OLD MCDONALD E,I,E,I,O (Explains Or Identifies)
Latin: Hint - (Present Perfect Tense) A WII is a perfect present. AMAVI is the Perfect Present Tense We completed our Latin charts and listened to the audio CD.
Geography: South Central Asia - We labeled the locations on our colored map and then on the black and white map.
The students enjoyed shopping in the CC store again this week. Continue to record your map labeling, drilling, and presentations on your log to get tickets to spend. The memory marble jar continues to stack up as students answer review questions during our new and review grammar time. Keep up the great work!
There was amazing improvement today with our "On the Spot" game and end- of-the-year skit. Thank you to all of the parents assisting with the students behind stage, Mrs. Varnell for the music help, and Mrs. Lilly for taking over as game show host! You were all fantastic! All of the students are improving with their "acting" and "memory" skills. Thank you for your cooperation, it should be a lot fun.
Finally, any students who wish to test for Memory Power, Excellence, or Master please let me know and we will arrange for a testing time with myself or another parent. There are still several weeks left in the semester, so take the time to drill and prepare. Do not feel any pressure to test early due to my situation. Only students testing for Memory MASTER need to test with a tutor and the director. If your child is going for Memory Master, any tutor can test your child in my place if I am not available due to the baby coming. However, if your child does want to test with me directly I will do everything I can to accomodate your schedule. It is one of the great joys of tutoring. There are 4 tests each memory master candidate must complete: Parent, Other, Tutor, and Director. Just be sure to plan enough time to get all of these proofs completed during Mrs. Varnell's time frame. Call me or pull me aside if you have any further questions or concerns.
Have a blessed week,
Mrs. Gaines
We enjoyed an energetic day today. I can surely say that spring is in the air and we are all feeling the warm weather and all of the excitement that accompanies it. Science was a great way to start the day and explore the second Law of Thermodynamics. Fine Arts was full of energy as well while we actively listened to Beethoven's 5th Symphony. (Parents, please take some time this week to emphasize to your child the importance of LISTENING during these Fine Arts sessions. Music often creates movement and the class struggled to remain still and silent during this lesson. Next week we will need improvement to get the most out of our classical music study. We want to enjoy our music study, but not interfere with the teaching and learning. Thank you for your help on this!)
We were all amazed at the "Rapid Review" presentations from Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie and Hannah. Grammar from Science, Latin, and the Timeline was beautifully recited with confidence and composure. All of the presenters exhibited strong presentation skills as they presented their memory work. I commend all of you on eye contact, volume, pronunciation, speed, and above all confidence. It is one level to be able to recite your memory work at home or one question at a time, it is another accomplishment to recite your an entire subject in front of the whole class!!! Amazing work Masters students! I thank God for the gifts he has bestowed on each of you.
Presenters for next week: You may choose to recite any of the memory work for the Rapid Review presentation. Practice with a parent or have the tutor guide you through a subject of your choice. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RECITE ALL 24 WEEKS OF THE SUBJECT YOU CHOOSE!!! This is an opportunity to show what you know so the amount and the # of weeks you decide to share with us is between you and your parents. I look forward to seeing all that you have been working on at home. Another idea is that your recitation can be from several subjects that you like. For example, you may want to recite your favorite history sentence, science fact, English definition/list, and Latin conjugation. Have fun with it and we will all celebrate your hard work!
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 20:
History Timeline: THE GRAND FINALE!
Wright Brothers and other Inventors - Fly with both arms out by your sides
The Great World War - Use both arms to form a globe over your head
Roaring Twenties - Dance forward and backward "The Charleston"
The Great Depression - Take both hands and push them down in front of you, make a sad face as you say "Depression"
World War II, the Biggest War - Make a globe above your head with both arms, hold up two fingers and then spread arms apart on BIGGEST war
The Cold War, Korea and Vietnam - shiver
The Space Race - bend at the knees straighten your legs and shoot arms above your head to imitate a rocket
Modern America - tap yourself on your shoulders
History Sentence: Tell me about the Vietnam War....In class we discussed the reason for the U.S. involvement in the war and the conclusion of the war. We also identified the meaning of guerrilla warfare and why that caused difficulty among our troops in the Vietnam War. Students also noticed the similarity between the Korean War and the Vietnam War sentences, finding the parallel interesting.
Listen to the CD and review the geography as you drill this week's history sentence.
Science: What is the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics? Heat will always flow from an area on higher temperature to an area of lower temperature.
****One way to memorize this is that the 2nd law refers to two temperatures - high and low - and then have your child place their hand high and low in front of them to emphasize the meaning.****
Math: Sing this week's math formula to the tune of "She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain"
One inch equals 2.54 centimeters - yes it does (repeat)
One inch equals 2.54, one inch equals 2.54, one inch equals 2.54 centimeters - YES IT DOES!
English: An appositive is a noun which follows another noun and explains or identifies it.
Look at the bold letters to understand this hint... remember that you use noun twice and then think of OLD MCDONALD E,I,E,I,O (Explains Or Identifies)
Latin: Hint - (Present Perfect Tense) A WII is a perfect present. AMAVI is the Perfect Present Tense We completed our Latin charts and listened to the audio CD.
Geography: South Central Asia - We labeled the locations on our colored map and then on the black and white map.
The students enjoyed shopping in the CC store again this week. Continue to record your map labeling, drilling, and presentations on your log to get tickets to spend. The memory marble jar continues to stack up as students answer review questions during our new and review grammar time. Keep up the great work!
There was amazing improvement today with our "On the Spot" game and end- of-the-year skit. Thank you to all of the parents assisting with the students behind stage, Mrs. Varnell for the music help, and Mrs. Lilly for taking over as game show host! You were all fantastic! All of the students are improving with their "acting" and "memory" skills. Thank you for your cooperation, it should be a lot fun.
Finally, any students who wish to test for Memory Power, Excellence, or Master please let me know and we will arrange for a testing time with myself or another parent. There are still several weeks left in the semester, so take the time to drill and prepare. Do not feel any pressure to test early due to my situation. Only students testing for Memory MASTER need to test with a tutor and the director. If your child is going for Memory Master, any tutor can test your child in my place if I am not available due to the baby coming. However, if your child does want to test with me directly I will do everything I can to accomodate your schedule. It is one of the great joys of tutoring. There are 4 tests each memory master candidate must complete: Parent, Other, Tutor, and Director. Just be sure to plan enough time to get all of these proofs completed during Mrs. Varnell's time frame. Call me or pull me aside if you have any further questions or concerns.
Have a blessed week,
Mrs. Gaines
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Week 19 - Orchestra and Air Foil
Hello Masters families,
I hope you are having a blessed week with your family. Tuesday was action packed and we enjoyed everything from airplane construction to singing as an orchestra and displaying our personalities on stage. We took a full 30 minutes to prepare our end-of-the-year program and all of the students are doing an amazing job participating in the fun and adding their twist to the "On the Spot" Game show.
Here are some decisions we reached on Tuesday. Each student decided their subject area and helped to polish their name introduction at the beginning of the skit. We also decided that all students will wear a white shirt and blue jeans. These basic costumes can be embellished to show their personality and subject area they have chosen to "show" on stage. Most of all we want this time to build memories and to be a celebration of their time together this year in class learning and growing together. God has blessed each one of these students with talents and gifts and each one has been a perfect piece of the Masters class God chose to knit together this year. I hope they will enjoy practicing and performing this final presentation for the families at the CC end-of-the-year program night and remember the fun we all had getting there. This week have them brainstorm what they may want to add to their costume to show the subject they have chosen and to display their personality on stage. Most importantly please have them drill their subject so they will be prepared to show what they know when they are "On the Spot." Thank you moms for your help in making decisions and for helping during this final show!!! Your support and smiles bless me each week.
Presentations: Presentations this week were a great culmination of 19 weeks of hard work and practicing. Each week the students have grown in their presentation skills. Thank you for all of the time at home each week to prepare and present. Next week we will have variety of presentations. Some students may choose to present on their favorite history sentence and others may be preparing to "Show What They Know" in the rapid review. The rapid review can be done by myself or the parent in whatever fashion you create. It should be a celebration of what they have learned this year and also an opportunity to take time this week and next to study and concentrate on memory work as we approach the end of the semester. You may choose to demonstrate all of the grammar from weeks (1-19) in a chosen subject area, share their favorite facts from each subject, or take on random selections chosen by mom or the tutor. Have fun with this presentation and we will all cheer each other on! I also mentioned they may want to share how they drill and study at home. We could all use some new ideas. Have fun!
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 19:
Timeline: Reconstructing the South - Hands in a "C" shape and place one over the other to build, Black Leadership Emerges in the South - hands behind the back in handcuffs then rotate arms up in a circular motion in front of body, The Age of Industry - Both hands raise one finger, point up and spin to represent the smoke from smokestacks in industry, The Battle of Little Big Horn - take the same 2 fingers and place on each side of the head to represent horns, Cowboys and the West - throw out your lasso, The Spanish-American War - draw an S with one hand and then place your hand over your heart, A President Named Teddy - cuddle a teddy bear on your shoulder, Immigration To America - raise your torch as the Statue of Liberty
History Sentence - Use the drill sheet located in your binder and your audio CD to drill this week's history sentence.
Science - What is the first Law of Thermodynamics? Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Math - 5280 feet equals 1 mile Sing to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"
English - Use the grammar song to drill the definition of a gerund.
Latin - Use your Latin drill sheets and the Audio CD to drill the Latin this week. Memory Tip: Present Perfect Tense " The perfect present is a Wii (Amavi)".
Geography - Southeast Asia We labeled the locations on the colored map and the blank map.
Peg Dates - Continue to practice your peg dates at home. If your child is planning to do the peg dates for me at the end of the semester please let me know next week so I can schedule testing and awards. They can recite or write the dates or titles to show what they know.
The CC Store will be opened next week for all students to spend their hard earned cash. Be sure to record your presentations and drilling on their Learning Log so they can have fun spending.
I am also scheduling Memory Master, Power and Excellence testing. Please pray about the timing and goals you are setting for your family and let me know your plans so we can schedule testing to celebrate and thank God for their accomplishments this year.
Many blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
I hope you are having a blessed week with your family. Tuesday was action packed and we enjoyed everything from airplane construction to singing as an orchestra and displaying our personalities on stage. We took a full 30 minutes to prepare our end-of-the-year program and all of the students are doing an amazing job participating in the fun and adding their twist to the "On the Spot" Game show.
Here are some decisions we reached on Tuesday. Each student decided their subject area and helped to polish their name introduction at the beginning of the skit. We also decided that all students will wear a white shirt and blue jeans. These basic costumes can be embellished to show their personality and subject area they have chosen to "show" on stage. Most of all we want this time to build memories and to be a celebration of their time together this year in class learning and growing together. God has blessed each one of these students with talents and gifts and each one has been a perfect piece of the Masters class God chose to knit together this year. I hope they will enjoy practicing and performing this final presentation for the families at the CC end-of-the-year program night and remember the fun we all had getting there. This week have them brainstorm what they may want to add to their costume to show the subject they have chosen and to display their personality on stage. Most importantly please have them drill their subject so they will be prepared to show what they know when they are "On the Spot." Thank you moms for your help in making decisions and for helping during this final show!!! Your support and smiles bless me each week.
Presentations: Presentations this week were a great culmination of 19 weeks of hard work and practicing. Each week the students have grown in their presentation skills. Thank you for all of the time at home each week to prepare and present. Next week we will have variety of presentations. Some students may choose to present on their favorite history sentence and others may be preparing to "Show What They Know" in the rapid review. The rapid review can be done by myself or the parent in whatever fashion you create. It should be a celebration of what they have learned this year and also an opportunity to take time this week and next to study and concentrate on memory work as we approach the end of the semester. You may choose to demonstrate all of the grammar from weeks (1-19) in a chosen subject area, share their favorite facts from each subject, or take on random selections chosen by mom or the tutor. Have fun with this presentation and we will all cheer each other on! I also mentioned they may want to share how they drill and study at home. We could all use some new ideas. Have fun!
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 19:
Timeline: Reconstructing the South - Hands in a "C" shape and place one over the other to build, Black Leadership Emerges in the South - hands behind the back in handcuffs then rotate arms up in a circular motion in front of body, The Age of Industry - Both hands raise one finger, point up and spin to represent the smoke from smokestacks in industry, The Battle of Little Big Horn - take the same 2 fingers and place on each side of the head to represent horns, Cowboys and the West - throw out your lasso, The Spanish-American War - draw an S with one hand and then place your hand over your heart, A President Named Teddy - cuddle a teddy bear on your shoulder, Immigration To America - raise your torch as the Statue of Liberty
History Sentence - Use the drill sheet located in your binder and your audio CD to drill this week's history sentence.
Science - What is the first Law of Thermodynamics? Energy cannot be created or destroyed.
Math - 5280 feet equals 1 mile Sing to the tune of "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow"
English - Use the grammar song to drill the definition of a gerund.
Latin - Use your Latin drill sheets and the Audio CD to drill the Latin this week. Memory Tip: Present Perfect Tense " The perfect present is a Wii (Amavi)".
Geography - Southeast Asia We labeled the locations on the colored map and the blank map.
Peg Dates - Continue to practice your peg dates at home. If your child is planning to do the peg dates for me at the end of the semester please let me know next week so I can schedule testing and awards. They can recite or write the dates or titles to show what they know.
The CC Store will be opened next week for all students to spend their hard earned cash. Be sure to record your presentations and drilling on their Learning Log so they can have fun spending.
I am also scheduling Memory Master, Power and Excellence testing. Please pray about the timing and goals you are setting for your family and let me know your plans so we can schedule testing to celebrate and thank God for their accomplishments this year.
Many blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 18 - Celebrations and Skateboarding
Hello Masters Families!
What a fun day we had yesterday! It was a blur from beginning to end, but the students hung on tight and had a great day from skateboarding to "On the Spot". A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PARENTS FOR MAKING OUR MEMORY MARBLE CELEBRATION SUCH FUN! The doughnuts, pizza, chips, drinks and desserts were enjoyed by everyone and it was great to fellowship together during the lunch hour. We have been blessed immensely this year by our family at Classical and I am so thankful God has placed each of you in my life and in the life of my daughter.
Presentations: We had a historical day yesterday during presentations as some students completed their last formal presentation in Foundations. All of the students displayed proper planning and organization in their presentations. There were also masterful examples of confidence, eye contact and enunciation. We enjoyed learning extensive details about some of our history sentences and speeches incorporating our science facts and personal experiences. Excellent work masters!
Presenters for Week 19: (Topic - History Sentence) Sam, Caleb, Hannah, Shawn, Zachary
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 18:
Timeline Cards: War with Mexico - Double Pistols, '49ers and the California Gold Rush - pan for gold, Opening the Oregon Territory - forearms on top of each other and swing open, Lincoln, the 16th president - use both hands to show the shape of Lincoln's hat, War Between the States - hit two fists together, The Battle of Gettysburg - hand over heart and throw head back, Great Generals of the War Between the States - salute, Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad - use both arms on either side bent at the elbow and rotate to chug forward
Peg Dates for Week 18: The Second Great Awakening 1799-1830 AD, Slavery in the South c. 1780-1865 AD
History Sentence: Tell me about the formation of the United Nations... Each student was provided with a drill sheet in the history section of their binders to practice the history sentence this week. Pictures of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin are located on this sheet to help the students visualize the sentence. We filled the sheet out in class and listened to the memory work CD.
Science: We were able to experience Newton's 3rd Law of Motion today as we observed and applied action and reaction to the skateboard and Newton's Cradle. Students can bounce a ball to apply the theory as they drill this week's science fact.
Math: One foot =12 inches
English: We listened to the Audio CD prepared by Mrs. Varnell and also added some tips to help the students remember the English grammar. 5 Kinds of Nouns (usages)
Subject ( point to head), Direct Object (make O with hand), Indirect Object (point to left foot), Object of the Preposition (point to right foot), possessive ( grab one fist with the other hand to show possession) REMIND THEM THAT THE SUBJECT AND POSSESSIVE SANDWICHES THE THREE OBJECTS IN THE MIDDLE.
Latin: Future Tense - In the future I will buy a bow. (AMABO) We drilled this week using the audio CD and charts in their binders. All of the students are showing very strong progress in grasping their Latin. This will be a huge help for Challenge A next year. Excellent work.
Geography: Europe We labeled the locations in Europe on both the colored and the black and white maps. Luxembourg, Belgium, Ireland, USSR (former)
TESTING:
Enjoy your week and please let me know if your child will be testing for Memory Power, Excellence, or Master. We will start putting together a schedule next week for anyone interested in reserving a time for testing. Only students that are going to test for Memory MASTER will be required to test with the tutor and the director. Memory Excellence and Power may be tested by the tutor if desired or with another willing parent. Parents, please let me know if you are interested in helping to test students. This will be an exciting celebration of each student's hard work this year.
END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM: The students are showing a lot of enthusiasm and having fun with our end-of-year skit. We will practice again next week and continue to polish and add personality to the game "show"!!! I will also get the students to give me a final decision on their favorite subject. I would also like to add some fun to their introductions by giving them a title with their name... for example - "Harrison the GEOGRAPHY GENIUS" or "Mollie the EXTRAORDINARY ENGLISH MASTER". If you already know what subject your child wants to do they can have fun creating their own introduction. The more they help to create and add fun to the skit the better it will be. I can't wait to see their ideas.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
What a fun day we had yesterday! It was a blur from beginning to end, but the students hung on tight and had a great day from skateboarding to "On the Spot". A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE PARENTS FOR MAKING OUR MEMORY MARBLE CELEBRATION SUCH FUN! The doughnuts, pizza, chips, drinks and desserts were enjoyed by everyone and it was great to fellowship together during the lunch hour. We have been blessed immensely this year by our family at Classical and I am so thankful God has placed each of you in my life and in the life of my daughter.
Presentations: We had a historical day yesterday during presentations as some students completed their last formal presentation in Foundations. All of the students displayed proper planning and organization in their presentations. There were also masterful examples of confidence, eye contact and enunciation. We enjoyed learning extensive details about some of our history sentences and speeches incorporating our science facts and personal experiences. Excellent work masters!
Presenters for Week 19: (Topic - History Sentence) Sam, Caleb, Hannah, Shawn, Zachary
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 18:
Timeline Cards: War with Mexico - Double Pistols, '49ers and the California Gold Rush - pan for gold, Opening the Oregon Territory - forearms on top of each other and swing open, Lincoln, the 16th president - use both hands to show the shape of Lincoln's hat, War Between the States - hit two fists together, The Battle of Gettysburg - hand over heart and throw head back, Great Generals of the War Between the States - salute, Completion of the Transcontinental Railroad - use both arms on either side bent at the elbow and rotate to chug forward
Peg Dates for Week 18: The Second Great Awakening 1799-1830 AD, Slavery in the South c. 1780-1865 AD
History Sentence: Tell me about the formation of the United Nations... Each student was provided with a drill sheet in the history section of their binders to practice the history sentence this week. Pictures of Roosevelt, Churchill, and Stalin are located on this sheet to help the students visualize the sentence. We filled the sheet out in class and listened to the memory work CD.
Science: We were able to experience Newton's 3rd Law of Motion today as we observed and applied action and reaction to the skateboard and Newton's Cradle. Students can bounce a ball to apply the theory as they drill this week's science fact.
Math: One foot =12 inches
English: We listened to the Audio CD prepared by Mrs. Varnell and also added some tips to help the students remember the English grammar. 5 Kinds of Nouns (usages)
Subject ( point to head), Direct Object (make O with hand), Indirect Object (point to left foot), Object of the Preposition (point to right foot), possessive ( grab one fist with the other hand to show possession) REMIND THEM THAT THE SUBJECT AND POSSESSIVE SANDWICHES THE THREE OBJECTS IN THE MIDDLE.
Latin: Future Tense - In the future I will buy a bow. (AMABO) We drilled this week using the audio CD and charts in their binders. All of the students are showing very strong progress in grasping their Latin. This will be a huge help for Challenge A next year. Excellent work.
Geography: Europe We labeled the locations in Europe on both the colored and the black and white maps. Luxembourg, Belgium, Ireland, USSR (former)
TESTING:
Enjoy your week and please let me know if your child will be testing for Memory Power, Excellence, or Master. We will start putting together a schedule next week for anyone interested in reserving a time for testing. Only students that are going to test for Memory MASTER will be required to test with the tutor and the director. Memory Excellence and Power may be tested by the tutor if desired or with another willing parent. Parents, please let me know if you are interested in helping to test students. This will be an exciting celebration of each student's hard work this year.
END OF THE YEAR PROGRAM: The students are showing a lot of enthusiasm and having fun with our end-of-year skit. We will practice again next week and continue to polish and add personality to the game "show"!!! I will also get the students to give me a final decision on their favorite subject. I would also like to add some fun to their introductions by giving them a title with their name... for example - "Harrison the GEOGRAPHY GENIUS" or "Mollie the EXTRAORDINARY ENGLISH MASTER". If you already know what subject your child wants to do they can have fun creating their own introduction. The more they help to create and add fun to the skit the better it will be. I can't wait to see their ideas.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Week 17 Bowling and Beautiful Impressions
Hello Masters families,
Another week is flying by and what a wonderful Tuesday we shared. From the bowling to the rapid review the students were engaged and doing their best to soak up knowledge and make the most of every minute. A great big thank you to the moms that helped with the CC store and cleaned up in the end. You are such a blessing to me each week.
Congratulations to all of the students as you filled the Memory Marble jar to the very top!!! Next week we will enjoy a pizza lunch together, it should be a fun day to party and celebrate all that you have learned together. Thank you again moms for helping to organize and make the most of this for the kids.
Presentations: All of the presentations on Tuesday were well prepared and practiced. It is encouraging to see the students choose topics they find interesting and watching them delve in deep to learn more about them. I am learning each week during our presentation time. Next week students may choose any of the history sentences to research and share with the class. Remember to use the outlines provided in your child's binder as a guide if needed. Students, practice presenting and making eye contact while presenting from your outlines. Use expression and enthusiasm as you share what you have learned. You may get creative and dress up as a historical character, act out a part of history, or just share some little known facts about the topic you choose. This will be your last formal presentation of the year and for some of the students it will be our last presentation as a Foundations student, so have fun with it!
Presenters for Week 18: Caleb, Carlyssa, Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie, Sam
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 17:
History Timeline: The Monroe Doctrine - sweep both hands in front of you, Traveling the Erie Canal - Row your boat, Jacksonian Democracy - ride your horse, The Cotton Gin Establishes the South - Turn a crank on the cotton gin, Slavery in the South - hands behind you in handcuffs, The Cherokee Trail of Tears - use your finger to make a tear on your cheek, Remember the Alamo - point to your brain and then lasso, Westward Expansion - make a W with your fingers and then spread hands wide apart
History Sentence: Tell me about the leaders of WWII... In your student's binder there is a handout to accompany their history sentence this week. On the front is a picture of all of the historical leaders in the sentence grouped into AXIS and ALLY leaders. I covered the background on each of these leaders to help them remember each of them. On the back there is a fill-in-the-blank review sheet for them to use as they learn the history sentence this week. We also listened to the history sentence song on the audio CD.
Science: What is Newton's 2nd Law of Motion? Force equals mass times acceleration. The students enjoyed learning this science grammar through application during our science experiment on bowling. The focus on God's impact (force) in our lives was a great lesson for the students to think about how we let worldly vs. Godly things influence our lives. This is so important for our children at this important developmental phase of their life. Even as adults it is a great reminder of where our force in life should come from each day. Protecting our hearts and looking to God for our strength is a lifelong pursuit.
Math: The Circumference of a Circle is 2 times Pi(3.14) times the radius. I emphasized to the students that there are 2 C's so that can help them remember the formula begins with the number 2. This hint has always helped my girls remember the difference between the area of a circle and the circumference of a circle.
English: A NOUN names a person, place, thing, activity, or idea. To learn this definition we listened to the grammar song provided by Mrs. Varnell.
Latin: 1st conjugation FUTURE tense HINT: In the FUTURE I will buy a bow (Amabo). We filled in our Latin charts and listened to the audio CD.
Geography: Central Europe - We labeled the following locations with their first letter on both the colored and the blank map. Austria, Hungary (side by side), former Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic and Slovakia), Switzerland (just look above the Alps), and Germany (the rivers run through it)
Thank you masters families for another blessed week. Continue to fill out your Learning Logs each week as you drill, draw, practice, and prepare for each week. We will open the CC store again on March 1st. Don't forget PIZZA next week for lunch, way to go Masters students! We will practice our end-of-the-year game next week, "On the Spot" so determine what your favorite subjects are and get ready to be put "On the Spot" during review time. If your child is planning to do the History Peg Dates for the year please let me know as I plan a special recognition for their additional work. Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
Another week is flying by and what a wonderful Tuesday we shared. From the bowling to the rapid review the students were engaged and doing their best to soak up knowledge and make the most of every minute. A great big thank you to the moms that helped with the CC store and cleaned up in the end. You are such a blessing to me each week.
Congratulations to all of the students as you filled the Memory Marble jar to the very top!!! Next week we will enjoy a pizza lunch together, it should be a fun day to party and celebrate all that you have learned together. Thank you again moms for helping to organize and make the most of this for the kids.
Presentations: All of the presentations on Tuesday were well prepared and practiced. It is encouraging to see the students choose topics they find interesting and watching them delve in deep to learn more about them. I am learning each week during our presentation time. Next week students may choose any of the history sentences to research and share with the class. Remember to use the outlines provided in your child's binder as a guide if needed. Students, practice presenting and making eye contact while presenting from your outlines. Use expression and enthusiasm as you share what you have learned. You may get creative and dress up as a historical character, act out a part of history, or just share some little known facts about the topic you choose. This will be your last formal presentation of the year and for some of the students it will be our last presentation as a Foundations student, so have fun with it!
Presenters for Week 18: Caleb, Carlyssa, Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie, Sam
Memory Tips and Techniques for Week 17:
History Timeline: The Monroe Doctrine - sweep both hands in front of you, Traveling the Erie Canal - Row your boat, Jacksonian Democracy - ride your horse, The Cotton Gin Establishes the South - Turn a crank on the cotton gin, Slavery in the South - hands behind you in handcuffs, The Cherokee Trail of Tears - use your finger to make a tear on your cheek, Remember the Alamo - point to your brain and then lasso, Westward Expansion - make a W with your fingers and then spread hands wide apart
History Sentence: Tell me about the leaders of WWII... In your student's binder there is a handout to accompany their history sentence this week. On the front is a picture of all of the historical leaders in the sentence grouped into AXIS and ALLY leaders. I covered the background on each of these leaders to help them remember each of them. On the back there is a fill-in-the-blank review sheet for them to use as they learn the history sentence this week. We also listened to the history sentence song on the audio CD.
Science: What is Newton's 2nd Law of Motion? Force equals mass times acceleration. The students enjoyed learning this science grammar through application during our science experiment on bowling. The focus on God's impact (force) in our lives was a great lesson for the students to think about how we let worldly vs. Godly things influence our lives. This is so important for our children at this important developmental phase of their life. Even as adults it is a great reminder of where our force in life should come from each day. Protecting our hearts and looking to God for our strength is a lifelong pursuit.
Math: The Circumference of a Circle is 2 times Pi(3.14) times the radius. I emphasized to the students that there are 2 C's so that can help them remember the formula begins with the number 2. This hint has always helped my girls remember the difference between the area of a circle and the circumference of a circle.
English: A NOUN names a person, place, thing, activity, or idea. To learn this definition we listened to the grammar song provided by Mrs. Varnell.
Latin: 1st conjugation FUTURE tense HINT: In the FUTURE I will buy a bow (Amabo). We filled in our Latin charts and listened to the audio CD.
Geography: Central Europe - We labeled the following locations with their first letter on both the colored and the blank map. Austria, Hungary (side by side), former Czechoslovakia (Czech Republic and Slovakia), Switzerland (just look above the Alps), and Germany (the rivers run through it)
Thank you masters families for another blessed week. Continue to fill out your Learning Logs each week as you drill, draw, practice, and prepare for each week. We will open the CC store again on March 1st. Don't forget PIZZA next week for lunch, way to go Masters students! We will practice our end-of-the-year game next week, "On the Spot" so determine what your favorite subjects are and get ready to be put "On the Spot" during review time. If your child is planning to do the History Peg Dates for the year please let me know as I plan a special recognition for their additional work. Have a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Mrs. Gaines
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Week 16 - Inertia and Impressionists
Hello Masters families!
It was so wonderful to be back with everyone this week and resume activities. We missed seeing everyone and were glad to feel like "normal" again. Thank you again to Christi Mohl, who was an amazing sub on week 15. You are a blessing and I appreciate your loyalty and willingness to fill in during my absence.
This week was a fantastic week. We covered the material thoroughly and all of the students worked very hard at all of the activities. Thank you so much students your behavior was super!!! We have almost reached the top of the Memory Marble Jar and the CC store will be open next week.
Presentations - Excellent work on presentations this week, we all learned a lot from Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie, Carlyssa and Caleb as we visited topics from the timeline, science and enjoyed a demonstration speech. The presentations were well planned, practiced and exhibited improvement in areas of confidence (3 second rule), eye contact, introduction and conclusion, voice control and volume. Keep up the good work!
Next week our presentations will focus on any of our science topics this year.
Presenters for week 17: Zachary, Hannah, Sam, Shawn
*****Don't forget to complete your Learning Logs as you are drilling your memory work, labeling maps, and preparing your presentations each week. The store will be opened next week with a February Sweet Sale. All candy will be sold buy one get one free!!!*****
Memory Tips and Techniques:
History Timeline: The Constitutional Convention -Hands together like the church and the steeple, America's Founding Fathers - hand open at forehead ASL sign for father, Washington, Our First President - pretend to wash hands, The Louisiana Purchase from France - reach into pocket and pay for your purchase, The Lewis and Clark Expedition - use both hands to make Lewis and Clark walk together, The Second Great Awakening - Hold up 2 fingers then open eye for awakening, The War of 1812 - Hold right hand with left then punch through your grip, The Missouri Compromise - Shake hands with your neighbor
History Sentence: Tell me about how WWII began... We learned the history behind the atomic bomb and about how the US gained an advantage in the Battle of Midway. Listen to the CD and drill the sentence.
Science: What is Newton's First Law of Motion? An object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in motion tends to continue moving in a straight line at constant speed , unless an outside force acts upon it. Inertia=Motion We discussed the concepts of friction and the correlation between Newton's Law and how God promises to protect us from outside forces when we are following in his will. The students enjoyed the experiments that demonstrated Newton's First Law and showed a strong understanding of it.
Math: We completed the Area of a Circle Drill Sheet located in their binders and used the example of eating the whole area of a pie to remember the beginning of the formula. The Area of a Circle is Pi (PIE) x the radius squared.
English: We used the grammar song provided by Mrs. Varnell to drill the ADVERBS (to what extent) not, so , too, very, rather, quite, somewhat.
Latin: Imperfect Tense - HINT "I'm a Bomb/AMABAM" Bombs make things imperfect. We sang the song, modeled the hand motions and completed the drill sheets in their binders to drill and review.
Geography: Balkans - Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia (former), and Romania
We marked each location with the first letter of each country and we traced the outline of former Yugoslavia on the colored map. The students then labeled the locations the same way on the blank map.
Extra Binder Challenges:
Map Drawing - To prepare for Challenge A practice map drawing 1-2 times a week.
Bible Memory - Drill Ephesians 6:1-24 using your drill sheet in your binder.
Peg Dates - We covered all of the peg dates for Semester 2 in class on Tuesday. The students were pleasantly surprised as they realized how familiar some of these dates are to them. This week the peg dates are The Mayflower Lands at Plymouth 1620 AD and 13 Colonies Formed 1607- 1773 AD.
Review Chart - Together the class competed against themselves to clock the best time in reciting the last 6 weeks of memory work in each subject area. Next week we will see if they can beat their times. At home you can use this sheet to encourage "Rapid Review" as you drill memory work in each of the subject areas you are focusing on each week. At home we are preparing for end of the year testing so we review all of the grammar(weeks 1-16) and use this sheet to record our daily drill times. In class we will continue to focus on 6 weeks in each subject area so we can spend time on review games and our end of the year program.
End of the Year Program - This week we walked through and played one round of the review game "On the Spot". Next week I plan to spend more time and show the students how the "skit" will go for the final program. All of the student answered their questions with 100% accuracy! Way to go MASTERS!
Thank you for a being such a blessing!
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
It was so wonderful to be back with everyone this week and resume activities. We missed seeing everyone and were glad to feel like "normal" again. Thank you again to Christi Mohl, who was an amazing sub on week 15. You are a blessing and I appreciate your loyalty and willingness to fill in during my absence.
This week was a fantastic week. We covered the material thoroughly and all of the students worked very hard at all of the activities. Thank you so much students your behavior was super!!! We have almost reached the top of the Memory Marble Jar and the CC store will be open next week.
Presentations - Excellent work on presentations this week, we all learned a lot from Jonathan, Harrison, Mollie, Carlyssa and Caleb as we visited topics from the timeline, science and enjoyed a demonstration speech. The presentations were well planned, practiced and exhibited improvement in areas of confidence (3 second rule), eye contact, introduction and conclusion, voice control and volume. Keep up the good work!
Next week our presentations will focus on any of our science topics this year.
Presenters for week 17: Zachary, Hannah, Sam, Shawn
*****Don't forget to complete your Learning Logs as you are drilling your memory work, labeling maps, and preparing your presentations each week. The store will be opened next week with a February Sweet Sale. All candy will be sold buy one get one free!!!*****
Memory Tips and Techniques:
History Timeline: The Constitutional Convention -Hands together like the church and the steeple, America's Founding Fathers - hand open at forehead ASL sign for father, Washington, Our First President - pretend to wash hands, The Louisiana Purchase from France - reach into pocket and pay for your purchase, The Lewis and Clark Expedition - use both hands to make Lewis and Clark walk together, The Second Great Awakening - Hold up 2 fingers then open eye for awakening, The War of 1812 - Hold right hand with left then punch through your grip, The Missouri Compromise - Shake hands with your neighbor
History Sentence: Tell me about how WWII began... We learned the history behind the atomic bomb and about how the US gained an advantage in the Battle of Midway. Listen to the CD and drill the sentence.
Science: What is Newton's First Law of Motion? An object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in motion tends to continue moving in a straight line at constant speed , unless an outside force acts upon it. Inertia=Motion We discussed the concepts of friction and the correlation between Newton's Law and how God promises to protect us from outside forces when we are following in his will. The students enjoyed the experiments that demonstrated Newton's First Law and showed a strong understanding of it.
Math: We completed the Area of a Circle Drill Sheet located in their binders and used the example of eating the whole area of a pie to remember the beginning of the formula. The Area of a Circle is Pi (PIE) x the radius squared.
English: We used the grammar song provided by Mrs. Varnell to drill the ADVERBS (to what extent) not, so , too, very, rather, quite, somewhat.
Latin: Imperfect Tense - HINT "I'm a Bomb/AMABAM" Bombs make things imperfect. We sang the song, modeled the hand motions and completed the drill sheets in their binders to drill and review.
Geography: Balkans - Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia (former), and Romania
We marked each location with the first letter of each country and we traced the outline of former Yugoslavia on the colored map. The students then labeled the locations the same way on the blank map.
Extra Binder Challenges:
Map Drawing - To prepare for Challenge A practice map drawing 1-2 times a week.
Bible Memory - Drill Ephesians 6:1-24 using your drill sheet in your binder.
Peg Dates - We covered all of the peg dates for Semester 2 in class on Tuesday. The students were pleasantly surprised as they realized how familiar some of these dates are to them. This week the peg dates are The Mayflower Lands at Plymouth 1620 AD and 13 Colonies Formed 1607- 1773 AD.
Review Chart - Together the class competed against themselves to clock the best time in reciting the last 6 weeks of memory work in each subject area. Next week we will see if they can beat their times. At home you can use this sheet to encourage "Rapid Review" as you drill memory work in each of the subject areas you are focusing on each week. At home we are preparing for end of the year testing so we review all of the grammar(weeks 1-16) and use this sheet to record our daily drill times. In class we will continue to focus on 6 weeks in each subject area so we can spend time on review games and our end of the year program.
End of the Year Program - This week we walked through and played one round of the review game "On the Spot". Next week I plan to spend more time and show the students how the "skit" will go for the final program. All of the student answered their questions with 100% accuracy! Way to go MASTERS!
Thank you for a being such a blessing!
Love,
Mrs. Gaines
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