Weekly Update - 9/5/2023

Logic (MATH)

IIn class, each student shared a problem and we analyzed them using the five common topics. We also played Multiplication Squares as a class.

• For next week, please send them with another problem to share.

Grammar (LATIN)

Yesterday, we started the seminar by playing a relay to review writing the first declension. We then sang the first declension song and used the Bananagrams to build words with endings. Also, we reviewed the second declension with Bananagrams. Next, we played “I Have, Who Has” with Latin vocabulary. We used our Latin Brain books to introduce the 3rd declension and how to decline various words. Finally, we practiced John 1:1-7 in Latin and English.

• Keep up the great work teaching Latin! Please note that this week includes lots of exercises for a short week. I would suggest just doing 5-6 problems of each exercise instead of skipping exercises.

Research (Natural science)

First, we discussed the importance of avoiding unnecessary movement during presentations. Next, each student shared their research paragraph and drawing with the class. We looked at a few sample books to get an idea for a topic related to invertebrates.

For next Monday:

• Please have your students write a paragraph about invertebrates (or another one of your choice).

• Complete a drawing.

• Write a bibliography for the resources used.

• I would also recommend that each student practices reading their research paragraph especially focusing on eye contact, good posture, and staying still.

reasoning (analogies)

We practiced completing analogies and rhymes. We completed pages 37-44 in our analogies book.

• Throughout the week, each student should complete the Day 2-4 assignments at home.

exposition (literature & writing)

We started class by sharing the last sentence of each of their essays. We had a class discussion/jury to discuss issues and proofs to decide if the majority were convinced. Each student chose 3 characters and completed pg. 12. As a class, we created an ANI chart with the issue “Whether Captain should have indentured Nat.” Finally, we discussed Carry On, Mr. Bowditch using the Five Common Topics.

Throughout the week:

• The students need to complete pages 13-15 in their of Writing.

• Please be sure to watch the first Lost Tools of Writing video for help.

• Lost Tools of Writing video [Password: PEVENSIES]

• The students should start reading The Magician’s Nephew this week.

Debate (cartography)

The students showed the class their best maps of the week and we shared tricks for drawing. (Ask them to show you the chef in the U.S.) Next, we listened to the States and Capitals song while following along on a map. In class, the students drew and labeled the states of the Northeast

For Next Week:

• Please continue practicing drawing or tracing maps of the United States this week and labeling. On Monday, there will be an assessment over the United States.

• If you have anything to share from a state you have visited (or wish to), please send the items to class with your child.

Weekly Update - 8/28/2023

Logic (MATH)

In class, each student shared a problem and we analyzed them using the five common topics. We also played SNAKE as a class.

• For next week, please send them with another problem to share.

Grammar (LATIN)

Yesterday, we practiced translating into Latin using Bananagrams and we completed #11 from exercise 14 as a class. We also reviewed how to diagram direct and indirect objects. We discussed how in Latin prepositions determine whether a noun has an ablative or accusative case. (I suggested that the students list this detail on their flashcards to help them memorize it.) I introduced linking verbs and predicate nominatives and we discussed how to translate and diagram these sentences. Finally, we learned John 1:1 in Latin and English.

• Keep up the great work teaching Latin!

Research (Natural science)

First, we discussed the importance of good posture during presentations. Next, each student shared their research paragraph and drawing with the class. We looked at a few sample books to get an idea for a topic related to plants.

For next Monday:

• Please have your students write a paragraph about plants (or another one of your choice).

• Complete a drawing.

• Write a bibliography for the resources used.

• I would also recommend that each student practices reading their research paragraph especially focusing on eye contact and good posture.

reasoning (analogies)

We practiced completing analogies and rhymes. We completed pages 25-29 in our analogies book.

• Throughout the week, each student should complete the Day 1-4 assignments at home. (Please note that this week will contain lots of review.)

exposition (literature & writing)

First, we had tea, cake, and ice cream to celebrate birthdays and our study of our first novel. Next, we discussed our favorite parts of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Using our LTW binder, we discussed Invention, Arrangement, and Elocution. We worked as a class to create a model essay from Taylor’s outline. In addition, we reviewed the Essay One Checklist. Finally, we discussed Nat’s indentureship in Carry On Mr. Bowditch.

Throughout the week:

• The students need to complete Essay One.

• Please be sure to watch the first Lost Tools of Writing video for help. I explained to the students that the first essay will be repetitive and they should not add any dress-ups yet.

• Lost Tools of Writing video [Password: PEVENSIES]

• The students should finish reading Carry on, Mr. Bowditch this week.

Debate (cartography)

Taylor, Sofia, and Riley brought in coins from Canada and other countries to share with us. Mrs. Uhlar taught a lesson on various coins, bills, and the exchange rates across the world. The students completed their assessments on the map of Canada. I sent these home with them for you to grade. Next, we compared the United States and Canada. I introduced the states and capitals of the United States using the CC song. (Yes, the same one that the Foundations kids are learning.)

For Next Week:

• Please continue practicing drawing or tracing maps of the United States this week and labeling. Because it is familiar to most students, we will only study this for two weeks.

• Please don’t forget to review the geography terms listed in the guide and planner each week!

Logic (Math)

Weekly Update - 8/21/2023

From Dawn…Another fun Monday in the books! Your students are amazing, and I am privileged to be their director. Below you will find an overview of what we covered in class and how to help your student prepare for next Monday.

In class, we discussed Psalm 23 using the five common topics. Each student shared a problem, and we analyzed them using the five common topics. We also played Number Knockout in pairs.

For next week:

• Please send them with another problem to share

Grammar (Latin)

Yesterday, we compared studying Latin and playing a sport. We sang the 1st declension song and then practiced adding endings to roots using bananagrams. Using pages 11 and 14 in the purple book, we practiced diagramming a few Latin sentences. Next, we sang the 2nd declension song and used our bananagrams again to build words in different cases. Finally, we learned the first part of John 1:1 in Latin and English. Keep up the great work teaching Latin!

Research (Natural Science)

Reasoning (Analogies)

Exposition (Literature & Writing)

Debate (Cartography)

First, we discussed the importance of eye contact during presentations. Next, each student shared their research paragraph and drawing with the class. We discussed what geology includes and looked at a few sample books to get an idea for a topic. Finally, we discussed how to create a bibliography each week listing the sources used.

For next week, students will need to:

• Write a paragraph about a subject in geology (or another one of your choice)

• Complete a drawing

• Write a bibliography for the resources used

• Practice reading their research paragraph at home - especially focusing on eye contact

We read Proverbs 25 aloud and discussed a few of the analogies that King Solomon wrote. We learned about alliteration and assonance and completed pages 11-17 in our analogies book.

For next week:

Throughout the week, each student should complete the Day 1-4 assignments at home.

First, each student shared a character or setting and its importance in the book. Next, we discussed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe using five common topics (definition, comparison, circumstance, relationship, and testimony). We reviewed their ANI charts and helped complete a few. Using our LTW binder, we discussed Invention and Arrangement. Finally, we discussed how to transition from ANI to outline.

For next week:

• Throughout the week, the students need to complete pages 8 and 9.

• Please be sure to watch the first Lost Tools of Writing video for help.

• The students should continue reading Carry on, Mr. Bowditch.

Each student shared with us their best drawing. We practiced tracing Canada using clear plastic over our cartography book. Finally, we went outside to share a few fun facts about Canada.

For next week:

• Please continue practicing drawing or tracing maps this week and labeling.

• Next Monday, we will have an assessment in class over Canada.

• Please let me know by Friday if you would prefer that your student draw the map from memory or trace before labeling.

• The students are also encouraged to bring anything from home to teach us about Canada.