Week 7 AKA My How time Flies!!!

Important Dates:
October 4th NEXT WEEK Wacky Tacky/PJ/or just be yourself day!
October 11th Picture Day

A quick reminder, electronics are not permitted during class time.  Only during lunch or a break time may they come out.  This has been an issue two weeks running.  If it continues, I will ban electronics from the class. (Exception to this is communication with parents)

Yesterday was such a great day!! I was thinking with all this rainy weather we night not achieve much, but the kids did an awesome job of staying focused and kept me on track :)

Math: Introduced lessons 29 through 32.  Everyone seems to be doing quite well.  Please make sure you are testing periodically so we know if this is not the case.
Homework: Lessons 29 through 32

Latin: We took our Chapter 2 test.  I introduced 3rd Declension, and 3rd declension I-stem.  We reviewed what an appositive is and rules for gender in the 3rd declension.
Homework: Purple Book pages 35 -42; Blue Book 45 - 52, 53 - 57 Exercises at Parents discretion this week.

IEW: We read our papers....I LOVE the creativity! These kids are really expressing themselves well in their writing. We also reviewed decorations and talked about how to "extract" a story from pictures
Homework: Lesson 14.  (**their check sheet says 15-16, it's ok, use it) This is the story of Esther.

Geography: We tested on Central America and the Antilles....I have never heard the room so quiet :) 
Homework: We start on South America.  We have 2 weeks for this as well, use your time wisely.  ADD MORE TERMS :) FYI These countries can be set to the tune of Happy Birthday if listed alphabetically.

Science: we read our reports on mollusks!  we definitely have some artists in class.  Don't forget, there is an online bibliography you may use if teacher is ok with it.  I make John write a couple bibliographies, then he can print a couple.
Homework: Arachnids........ewwwww! At least 2 sources (you may have more) and bibliography. Picture as well.

Rhetoric:  We used a bit non-traditional approach to rhetoric this week.  We were talking about what makes good science, our book had a theory that red heads run faster then other colored hair.  So we tested this theory out (Zach was very gracious as I asked him to run again and again :)  We also talked about "theories" the media will throw out at us as science.  Such as black athletes are faster than white athletes, evolution as fact, and things that make you a "man".  This led into our discussion of the Jesus as a pansy myth.  What makes a real man?  This discussion got pretty heavy, pretty fast as we discussed what crucifixion really was/is and that Christ could have "saved" himself at any moment and chose not to for our sanctification.  That is a REAL man.  I encouraged you to please continue these discussions with your children at home.
Homework: Chapter 7 both books filling in study guide. I encouraged them that if they are completing this task on Wednesday to make sure they review the material on Monday so they can really be a part of discussion.  I forgot the buzzboard :( I will remember it next week!!  Practice those questions, we are now up to 21!

Week 6!!!

Important dates coming up:
October 4th: PJ or Wacky Tacky Day (which ever your child prefers, or nothing:)
October 11th: Picture Day!! It will start at 8:30am.  More details to come, and this will be optional.

Thank you Gaines for doughnuts!!! They smelled sooooo good.  Next week Walkers have snack.

Parents, as I handed back 3 different quizzes/papers this week I wanted to remind everyone that I do not give grades.  I am not a teacher....you are ;)  I know how hard it is to juggle life and everything that comes with it, but wanted to give a gentle reminder that we made a commitment to our children to teach them.  Please make sure you are taking the time to stay involved, that your student knows what your expectations are. At Challenge A, usually the work load is not as overwhelming as learning how to manage our time.  We had a great talk about why we manage our time wisely.  Why??? So we may be effective and glorify God!  If we are a mess (and honestly I am a mess some days) we cannot be effective for God and be available for what He may have us to do.  So day by day we practice.  Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don't.  Do remember that always, God's grace is sufficient!!

Onto the work of the week:

Math: We reviewed (at the shelter :) lessons 25 - 28
Homework: Lessons 25 -28 rememeber, if you need any help during the week, contact me

Latin:  We reviewed how we know which declension to put a noun in and played vocabulary BINGO!
Homework: STUDY For Test (not quiz) Know vocabulary, grammar rules (purple book), 1st and 2nd Declension endings,  Be prepared to decline a noun and parse simple sentences.

IEW: We reviewed all our dress-ups and decorations.  Then we read our papers. I know I say this a lot...but what a group of talented writers!
Homework: Lesson 13 or story of their choice.  Read over review pages in IEW

Rhetoric:  We had awesome discussion on Chapters 5 of each book and earned candy for catechism!  We started to define big "E" Evolution and introduced 2 factors that just do not make logical sense.  We began discussion on how to approach someone who may believe in Evolution without turning them away.
Homework: Chapters 6 in boths books, make sure you are filling out the blue book.  Add questions 16 - 18.....next week we debut Jeopardy.

Science: Excellent reports on trees!! 
Homework: This week Mollusks, as always at least 2 sources with bibliography and picture

Geography: Handed back our Canada quiz. Let me just say, "THESE GUYS ROCKED IT!" Everyone showed great improvement. We played Who Wants to Be a Geography Master with the terms and discussed tips for studying Antilles.
Homework: Prepare for test on Central America/Antilles next week! ADD TERMS!!!

Because Jesus lives, I can ......... Week 5

How would you complete that sentence?  Did you make it personal?  We are quick to tell others that Jesus loves them.  I wanted to remind you today that Jesus LOVES YOU TOO!  He died for us, and even better rose for us!!  No other "god" can claim this!  Because my Jesus lives, today I can walk about in freedom from .........

This is the time of year where Challenge can become fun.  And by fun I mean overwhelming :) Sometimes the new load can be a bit much to adjust to.  Sometimes it is a matter of new responsibilities that can trigger this.  Sometimes at this age we are dealing with normal pre-teen awkwardness.  I saw a lot of this yesterday in class.  I want you guys to know.....it's going to be good ;)  God has this.  If we are struggling a bit in getting work done, in remembering responsibility, or just plain frustration with a subject, remember God has this.  Turn it all over to Him and he will create something beautiful with your Challenge A year.

Items of Business:

• We had to have the talk about making sure we are getting all our work done during the week.  I reiterated that I am here if needed for both teacher and student (email, txt, or call).
• I also reminded them that I am just the tutor, as far as what is expected in each subject, that is up to their teacher (that's you :). You know your child better then anyone else, please let them know what your expectations are for each subject. 
• Thank you Carlyssa for an excellent snack! Next week the Gaines have snack.

And away we go.....

Math: In class we reviewed lessons 21 - 24.  I also handed out some conversion stickers.
Homework: Lessons 21 - 24

Latin: In class we took a short quiz on vocabulary and rules.  We reviewed the new vocabulary.  I will be working this week on finding a good resource for pronunciation.  We split into groups and study together.  I collected up our declension homework, only 1/2 of these came back. 
Homework: Irony is there is a break from the blue book this week, as I know many of you just received your blue book :) Purple Book: Study pages 25 - 34. Work exercises 22 - 27.  Once again, it is up to your teacher how many of each exercise that you do.  Review old and study new vocabulary and grammar rules.  continue to work on memorizing 1st and 2nd declension endings and our 5 cases.

IEW: First, I have to say what a TALENTED group of writers we have in this class!  We reviewed the writing process and all our dress up's to this point.  I officially introduced all our sentence openers. 
Homework: This week Lesson 12 is due this week.  Next week Lesson 13 is due.  Both of these are the story model reflecting each paragraph topic sentence with a clincher.  They have permission to do a story of their choice for one of these weeks only.  So, pick this week if you wish to do lesson 12 or 13 from IEW text.

Geography: We tested on Canada....mixed reaction here.  Some were excited, some were not.  Hugs went to all :)We introduced Central America and the Antilles.
Homework: Going by the guide....start studying Central America and the Greater and Lesser Antilles.  Do not forget to add GEOGRAPHY TERMS  For some reason, this keep surprising everyone LOL

Science: Who knew herbs could be so entertaining!! I think we had a bit of the giggles, and I do not think we will ever know what really is so funny about milk thistle and lavendar :) Great reports!
Homework: This week trees.  As always at least 2 sources, bibliography and a picture ;)

Rhetoric: Great discussion outside while enjoying the beautiful weather!  We did discuss that prayer request needs to stay under 30 minutes LOL We just love talking to the Lord!
Homework: Do not forget catachism questions here!  We are now up to 15.  That's enough to play some games ;)  Read and FILL IN YOUR STUDY SHEETS AND WORKOUT for chapters 5 in each book.  I saw a lot of empty books and a few books never made it to class.

Week 4 AKA Wow....Foundations just started??????

YEAH!!! Our whole class was in attendance today.  Welcome Home Zach!  I expect a nice little presentation on Germany when we study Europe.

Thank you Varnell for snack this week!  And Boone you have snack next week.

**Please read blog carefully this week! Two subjects deviate from the guide and parents...you have homework in Rhetoric!

Math: Lesson 17 through 20 were gone over in class.
Homework: Lesson 17 - 20.

Latin:  We added 2nd Declension and 2nd Declension Neuter Endings.  We parsed from English to Latin and back again.  Also, please check out the little "folder" I gave them today.  There is a sheet in there that they can use a dry erase marker to practice endings.  There are also a couple "cheat sheets" for parsing that may help students....and teachers :)  I did not officially arrange it into a folder, because I will probably be adding onto it as the year progresses.  (Especially when we start with verbs)
Homework: Purple book" read pages 17 through 24. There are 8 exercises in this section.  It is up to the teacher to decide how much of each exercise they should do.  (I am only having my son pick three or four of each of the sentences to parse) Add new vocab and new grammar rules to cards.  QUIZ NEXT WEEK ON VOCAB AND GRAMMAR RULES FROM PURPLE BOOK.  Blue book: Continue to study 34-44.  I also sent home a declension sheet.  One vocab word from each of these declensions is to be declined: 1st, 2nd, 2nd Neuter.  And remember, Latin teachers never die, they just decline :)

IEW: We read our stories, great job this week guys!  And yes, I read Click Clack Moo Cows Type to the class. :) For those who may not know, this is a riveting tale of blackmail on the farm.  We reviewed the story model again.
Homework:  We are doing lesson 8 with a twist!  They can choose to use Jonah as their story....or PICK ANOTHER STORY IF THEY CHOOSE.  A children's book usually works well with their simple story lines.  If they choose a bigger novel such as Lord of the Rings, they may wish to focus on one aspect of the story.  They are also allowed to change a few details if they choose.  (i.e. in our story today the cows were demanding electric blankets.  They could change this to IMAX tickets) Any questions on this, please feel free to email or call me :)  Also, still use the check sheet for Lesson 8.

Rhetoric: FANTASTIC discussion today.  The kids really started thinking and processing what we are learning about here!!!  I started playing a bit of "angel's advocate" with some of them.  (taking the opposite point of view so they practice "arguing" their point) Also, some awesome discussion was started today on prayer, which also referenced some of what is going on with Joseph Dees. (see your homework please) We did reference the parable of the woman (Luke 18:1-8) who "wore out" the king with her petitions which led to a discussion of trusting and leaving it up to God. (I tell you, I hated to move on to Science today:)
Homework: PARENTS-please discuss with your children your views of prayer (if you haven't already).  Joseph is very dear to many of their hearts and guidance from you during this time can be very precious :) In the end we reconciled that if we are seeking God with our heart, then the spirit should lead us in prayer as to when and how to pray for our friend. 
Read chapter 4 both books, fill out your blue notebook.  Add catechism questions 10 - 12

Science: Great reports on wildflowers.  Some kids were very excited to hear that the blog has the "easybib" link but were told to have your permission first.
Homework: Herbs! If some are inspired they were told they could bring in a taste or smell (THIS IS OPTIONAL) It does not need to be snack size but taste size, but with something as fun as herbs I wanted to let them know it is an option. As always, they need to have at least two sources and bibliography.

Geography: This is where it got a little rowdy today, but in their defense the windows WERE flooding.  Not like a few drops, but like water down the wall.  Yes, we are talking with the church about this.  I handed back USA tests and it gave the kids the knowledge of how this all goes.  On next weeks test they may not use Alaska as feature points, but may add USA as 1 feature point.
Homework: Test on Canada...DO NOT GET BEHIND ON THOSE GEOGRAPHY TERMS!! Add this weeks terms.  Prepare for test. Rvw. USA at least once.