Week 14

The end is near!!!  Wow, what a race!!  Congratulations on your first year of Challenge :)

First, dissection was awesome!! A special shout out Kathleen for stomaching it all and helping out.  I will be posting pics online soon and will send you a link.  (I have me "techies" working on it)

Next is our upcoming airbound trip.  Three things:
1. They will need $10.  (If money is an issue, please email me:)
2. You need go here and fill out an online waiver form or a paper one and turn it in.  IF I DO NOT HAVE A WAIVER FORM THEY DO NOT GET TO BOUNCE.  Not my rules ;) Go right now....I will wait.
3. Now that you are back, We also are in need of a driver.  I can hold 6 so that leaves three boys.  I will cover you to bounce away (Just thought I would sweeten the deal)

that brings us to schedule next week:

Arrival: 9am sharp please
Science Final (If you wish this to be narrowed down to three choices, I need to hear from mom...not child that this is condoned.
Each child will read one or two papers (depending on time).
-Rhetoric Final
-optional creative paper How Did the Story Go?
-If they have written there Bronze Bow and want to share
10:30 to 12 geography final (1 1/2 seems long....but it is not)
12pm Lunch (I will provide pizza, cups, napkins) Anyone want to volunteer a 2 liter or 2?
1:15 Depart for Airbound
BOUNCE!
4pm arrive back at Westside

Thank you for snack Willis Family!!  Yum!

This week we...

Finished Algebra! Yeah, I will be emailing the answer key for the final

Latin: We took our Latin final.  There is some work in the guide this week if you wish to do, but for all practical purposes they are done.  I need to apologize.  My external drive broke down this week.  It had my Latin final on it.  I copied off mine from last year.  I doubled check it to see if it did not go to far......I need to fire my editor.  It did.  I will be going through and giving credit for vocabulary we had not covered yet ;)

Science: We dissected sharks, pics to come!!

Lost Tools: Great discussion on Bronze Bow. I also looked for their ANI chart.

Geography: We practiced as teams drawing the whole world!

Rhetoric:  Our last day of rhetoric questions...for candy of course!!

Week 13

And the countdown begins!!  See email for private comments ;)

Snack: Thank you for Doughnuts Sam! they looked soooooo tasty.  I really need to make Tuesday my new sugar day :)  I will get snack next week.

Dissection will be during the 11am hour.  Any available moms are welcome to come and help out.  It will be smelly ;)

Week 15, the kids will report to me at 9am to get started on finals.  If I can have two people bring a 2 liter or drink that would be great.  Also, we did agree trampoline would be fun.  As soon as I register our party I will let you know.

Algebra: We will finish up the last four lessons next week and I will send home a final to take at your leisure.  I will email the answer key.

Latin:  we introduced the 2nd conjugation and reviewed what will be on the final.
Homework: STUDY FOR FINAL!!!!  Next week is the end of Latin ;)

Lost Tools: We read our papers and reviewed everything we have learned about ANI charts. 
Homework: If you have not read Bronze Bow....go now as we speak.  ANI charts are due.  If you so choose, work on creative writing assignment.

Science: We tested on the eye. 
Homework: Study for final.  If a parent contacts me and would like the final to be downsized (your child will have three choices they know ahead of time vs. all of them available) please email or call me and let me know.

Geography:  We took our Oceania test and mega terms......Terms are done YEAH!!!!
Homework: STUDY FOR FINAL!!!

Rhetoric:  Despite the flow of the day we ended up with some good talk ;)  Way to rally guys! 
Homework: If you have not started to write paper, write from your outline.  If you have not outlined...outline.  Remember, this is a persuasive essay, we have using the tools (ANI, OUTLINE, DRAFT) all year long in Lost Tools. 

Week 12..Home Stretch!

As we get towards the end...let us run this race with endurance!!

The first of the finals comes up this week, the Mega Geography Terms Test.  Also, I recommend that by the end of this week ANI and arrangement are done on the final rhetoric paper.  We have been practicing for this paper all year in Lost Tools :) We now have the tools to figure out what to say in our rhetoric final.Also, if they are participating in the optional "finish the story paper" they may want to have a rough draft of that as well.  I know this is a lot of writing....but B is around the corner. Latin Final is Week 14.

Dissection is scheduled for Week 14.  I will let you know what time.  I am awaiting to hear from Susan on the details.  She has been under the weather so please keep her in prayer ;)

Also, week 15 they will meet with me at 9am, no math.  We will finish our finals that morning.  Please bring some rocks or paper weights.  Yup, you read right.  The big maps I print up have to be rolled up to get them here and rocks or weights help keep the edges down so they can draw :)  I will probably need a mommy helper to help me carpool in the afternoon as well.  This week the kids asked if I would check  out pricing on the trampoline park.  Will get back to you.....

NOTE: After all finals are taken, I will be mailing them back to you in a "care package".  (Or maybe arrange a party... we do love to get together :)

Algebra: We reviewed lessons 108 - 111
Homework: The same.  I will bring their Final to them on Week 14 and mail the answer key to parents.

Latin:  Latin was short and to the point this week.  I tried to field questions, but we had a hard time getting "reigned in" yesterday.
Homework: See guide.  Study for final.

Lost Tools:  We finished our discussion on Crispin.  I encouraged the boys to look into "themes" in books as they start maturing and start getting more dialectic.  I also checked outlines and we reviewed similes.
Homework:  See PDF guide.  READ Bronze Bow

Science:  We took our digestive quiz and introduced neurons.  We "made" a neuron out of playdoh.
Homework: See guide.  REVIEW for final

Rhetoric:  GREAT Discussion!! We talked some about self image and what really defines beauty.  We did talked about how "gentleman's" clubs are a gross misuse of the word gentleman. 
Homework: See guide

Geography: We took our Australia test and...Mrs. Jessica!!  I love this woman!!  She came in on her birthday, brought cupcakes, gave a phenomenal presentation on Africa and how important it is to memorize God's word and put it on our heart!!  When I grow up I want to be Mrs. Jessica ;)
Homework: See guide.

Week 11...AKA What 4 more weeks????

With finals soon approaching..please scroll below to see the finals schedule.  The first one coming up on Week 13...Geography Terms.  This is is a nice and easy 2 page matching. 

thank you Lovern for snack! Next week Lindsay :)

Also next week Ms. Jessica comes back to share on Africa!!  Moms you may wish to come early and catch her presentation.....AWESOME!!

Algebra:  We reviewed lessons 104 - 107.  There is nothing new here.  But if we have not grasped the concept of slope and intercept....now is the time.  ALSO FOR ALGEBRA FINAL:  We will NOT meet on week 15.  Week 14 I will introduce the last lessons and give them a final to take home.  I will send out the answer key through your child's tutor :)  They can then go home and take the final at the leisure.  This gives those behind a few weeks to catch up and some extra time to study.
Homework: Lessons 104 - 107

Geography:  We took our test on Africa.  Next week Ms. Jessica comes for a visit!
Homework: See guide

Latin:  It was hard, but we actually had a strict "working" day with Latin.  We really delved into parsing and reviewed how necessary it is to get the grammar in there.  The understanding will come on God's time.  We need to be diligent to get the endings in there so that when it all clicks, we are ready.
Homework: See guide

Science: We took our bones test and introduced the eye with some fun optical illusions!
Homework: See guide.  REMEMBER REVIEW :)

Lost Tools:  We discussed Crispin and reviewed our ANI Charts.
Homework: See guide

Rhetoric:  We discussed one of the more important chapters.  It confronts the egoist myth.  If you have not discussed with your kids, you may wish to.   I think this is probably one of the biggest issues we deal with our world, with other Christians.....the getting rid of self ;) (Ouch...I know)
Homework: See guide.  (Only 2 chapters)

Week 10

Five weeks and counting!! Where does the time go??  I will be sending out an email soon concerning Week 14 and 15 "festivities", please be on the look out.

Below are two pics to help with the Rhetoric paper that is due on week 15.  This paper is not optional.  The creative writing paper is optional.  I do give a chance for a lot of writing at the end of second semester because B comes with a lot of writing :)

Thank you Shirley for snack!  Next week Lovern.

Algebra: I introduced lessons 100 - 103  Enjoy the easy week ;)
Homework: Lessons 100 -103

Latin:  We played Pictionary and reviewed verbs.  We talked about what will be on our Week 14 final.
Homework: see guide. Week 14 Final....STUDY NOW!!!

Lost Tools:  You should have received a gift yesterday :) Classical has given each of you a set of DVD's for participating in the pilot program.  We read our papers (I did not collect this week)  Remember, you are teacher.  Please be reading and "grading" their papers for grammar.  We also, started and ANI chart for Crispin.   Had to laugh.  Their talking took us over into lunch.  I have never seen them more focused on getting their ANI chart done....ever!
Homework: See PDF guide Work on optional paper....what happens next in one of the books we read?

Science: We concluded the rubber bone experiment!  Gross, yet always fascinating.  Took our skin quiz and introduced digestive system.....no experiment on this one, unless you want to count snack :)
Home work: See guide

Rhetoric: We discussed our chapters and Jeopardy was officially introduced!
Homework: Study those questions!!!See guide

Geography: We broke out the nerf gun!  Everyone got to shoot and what they hit they had to name :)
Homework: See guide.
** I have confirmation that Ms. Jessica will be back on the 26th with her Africa presentation!! You are welcome to join us that last hour.  She is such an engaging speaker and we are so blessed to have her visit.  (This is Shelly Brasinki's mom, Jordan and Robert's grandmother)

Week 9

Breakfast was a blast!! Thank you for everyone who came and those who brought something as well :)  It was really a nice time of fellowship to start the day off.

We started the day with discussion on our Titus verse on self control.  I challenged these boys to really start to foster their relationship with Jesus.  Relationship with Jesus will result in spirit.  Feeding the spirit will result in fruit of the spirit.  One of the fruits of the spirit being self-control.  I do not wish for these boys to merely obey because I told them to.  I want them to think about why we are asking them to obey and make that choice for themselves.  (This is a lifelong process we are just beginning.  That is why Ms. Bonnie shows an incredible amount of grace in this area.  Maturity is a factor, and until light bulbs go "off" they do need to just obey sometimes....we talked about that to)

Snack next week: Shirley Family, on deck Lovern

I kind of took a vote for PJ day and there wasn't a lot of interest, so that will be tabled for now.  With week 15 activities coming up, we have fun to look forward to :)

Algebra:  We reviewed lessons 96 - 99.  I think everyone is grateful these are little easier :) PLEASE Do not forget to spend time studying new grammar, that is key.
Home Work: Lessons 96 - 99

Latin: We reviewed verbs and introduced new vocabulary.  We also played Latin bingo.
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools:  We defined exactly what is a simile and learned some new tools for "brainstorming" a simile.  We also finished our discussion on A Gathering of Days....as best we could.  IT IS HARD TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WHEN ONLY 4 PEOPLE IN THE CLASS HAVE READ THE BOOK.  (that was not meant sarcastically...just bold to catch your attention) Please make sure your student reads Crispin this week.  When they cannot participate in discussion, of course they are going to be bored.  Boredom leads to extra talking, which leads to a distracted class. 
Homework: See PDF Guide

Science: We began the rubber bone experiment.  The boys usually like this one...it is nice and gross :)  We quizzed on the ear.  And I forgot to check our drawings of skin!  But we did introduce bones.
Homework: See guide

Rhetoric:  Great discussion!!  Remember, please follow up these discussion at home.  They need to know what you think and how you feel on these topics.  Buzz Board and Jeopardy are now a weekly part of class ;)
Homework: See guide

Geography:   We practiced drawing the outline of the continents on a Mercator map.  And started our prep for week 1 Africa test.  Keep on those terms :)
Home work: See guide

Week 8

Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age

This is the verse we copied and that was sent home to meditate on and discuss with our parents ;) 

Another awesome week.  Special shout out to Jessica Stewart who is Robert and Jordan Brasinki's grandmother.  She has been to Israel many times and her presentation every year is amazing!! THANK YOU!!

Snack shout outs, thank you Morel and Dees for the last two weeks of snacks.  Any takers for next week.

ALSO NEXT WEEK IS BREAKFAST AND FELLOWSHIP AT 8:30am :)

Algebra:  We reviewed lessons 92 -95
Homework: The same....contact me if you are needing help :)

Latin:  We reviewed all things verb and practiced our conjugation endings.
Homework: See guide.

Lost Tools:  Believe it or not we discussed our American Girl!  We also talked about what books we picked and awarded chocolate bars for ANI charts :)
Homework:  See PDF guide

Rhetoric: Great discussion on why we believe what we believe and not just saying because my mom or dad said so.  I also handed out the parameters for our final paper due week 15.

Science: We quizzed on heart.  Introduced skin and created some "epithelial" cells :)
Homework: See guide

Geography: Ms. Jessica was our special guest!!  Awesome...AWESOME!
Homework: See guide

Week 7

Another wonderful day at Classical!  Time is a flying, and and I want to post our "finals" schedule for A so that students can prepare.  Now in Challenge A  I am introducing the concept of finals.  Not that they will be easy, but they will not necessarily be overly hard.  As your child's journey progresses, finals will get harder, but this is most likely their first introduction to this concept and you may wish to coach them a little bit.  If they start to prepare now, just a little bit each day, it will not be overwhelming.  Small things done daily is always a sure passage :)

Week 13: We will have a mega geography terms quiz with our Oceania test (this will be the end of studying terms)
Week 14: We will have our Latin Final and Dissection in Science.  I have some mom helpers who have agreed to help out...THANK YOU!
Week 15: Two papers are due.  1) the Rhetoric Final Paper 2) The optional creative writing assignment.  Science Final  (They will pull one of the Science parts out of a hat and have to draw and label that part) And of course...we have talked about it since day 1....the geography final :)

Notes on Finals:

• If you think reviewing all of the science will be too much, you may let me know and I will narrow the pool down to three that they can draw from and let you know what those three are.  BUT I have to hear this from mom or dad, it cannot be them coming and telling me it is too hard ;)
• On geography, set your goals now.  Just countries? Just countries and capitals?  All country, capitals and features?  Mostly Features?  I do have the expectation of them drawing and outline of all continents onto the Mercator map with north America being above the equator :)
• All papers I collect on week 15 plus their geography final will be mailed to you within a month of the last day of class.
• Week 15 schedule: Read papers, science final, geography final, lunch.  After lunch we will be leaving campus for our end of year "fun"  I am looking into laser tag per the boys request.  As I plan end of year, I try to keep the cost under $10.  So if you need to budget know that any cost will not go over that, but hopefully under.  I understand that that time of year can get costly with graduations, home school conference, prepping for next year.  If money is an issue for our end of year plans, please just let me know, we can take care of that ;)

Algebra:  This week we only reviewed three lessons.  Use the extra time to study grammar or to get caught up on lessons ;)
Homework: lessons 89 - 91

Latin: We took our big latin test today and introduced verbs and how we conjugate.  I handed out charts that will help with this...these same charts are in the red latin folders I handed out at the beginning of the year.
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools: OK..... here is the deal.  I could look into everyone's eyes and just see the excitement over writing a paper on what I have lovingly coined "our American Girl".  So we are doing just a bit of a change up here.  We are still writing a paper.  We are still taking three weeks to do it.  I still expect an ANI chart this week. BUT, they can pick any book of their choosing.  It cannot be a comic book or graphic novel.  It must be a book that they have read.  If You Give a Pig a Pancake does not count :)  They must have at least 25 points in each column for "A" and "N".  On the table this week......a candy bar for the most points (max 100) Ties will share the bar.  What a great week to really practice our questions with the 5 topics of Invention.  Really have fun digging in. 
Homework: ANI  chart...min 25 points in the A and N.

Science:  Had fun with our hearing experiments and introduced the ear.  Took our brain quiz and handed back the mouth quiz.  These guys are doing an awesome job in science!!
Homework: See guide

Geography:  Our guest speaker was sick today :( Get well soon Jessica! She should be in by next week.Will let you know what time in case you would like to catch her presentation. (Awesome speaker) We talked about Africa and end of year expectations.
Homework: See guide

Rhetoric:  Let the friendly competition begin......today the buzzboard came out for cat questions.  Do not be surprised to see your child really want to study them now :)  GREAT DISCUSSIONS TODAY!!  These guys are really starting to dig in and work out their salvation!!!  Keep up the good work mom and dad!! You are their ultimate example :)
Homework: See guide 

Week 6

I tell you these boys are really starting to mature.  In the words of Charles Dickon, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...".  After Ms. Lori had to come in and admonish for being disruptive to her class and too loud, I saw these boys rally and step up.  Caleb went to Ms. Lori and her class and apologized for the group and I saw some guys really start taking some responsibility.  I was very proud, how in the end, the boys used this for God's glory :)

Guys were kind of bummed that I closed off one of our rooms, but I need to streamline the end of our day.  In other words....I do not have time to clean two rooms ;)

Snack was Hinson....two words...butterscotch brownies...YUM!!  Next week: Morel

ANNOUNCEMENT!! Week 9 is breakfast/PJ Day :) As always this is optional.  They are welcome to wear their PJ's ( I will extend the invite to other Challenges as well.) And I will be bringing in some chicken mini's from chick-fi-la about 8:30am.  If I can have one volunteer for milk and one for OJ, that would be great.  (people are welcome to bring fruit and other breakfast items if they would like, but they don't have to)  This used to be pancake breakfast, but when we switched locations I lost the kitchen.  I found last year....they didn't mind chicken minis ;)

Algebra:  We reviewed the next four lessons.  They are starting to get harder and harder every week.  I will see if I can carve out some oovo time this week.  If not, maybe we can spend some extra time in class (I realize...they may not like that LOL) GET WELL ROBBIE!!! We missed you!
Homework: Lessons 85 - 88

Latin:  We reviewed and need to prepare for a big Latin test next week.
Homework:  VOCAB! and See guide

Science:  We introduced the heart and talked about how to be heart healthy.  I even showed the boys how to test their heart health :)
Homework: See guide

Geography:  My bad, next week Ms. Jessica will be with us ;)  Today we conquered Asia.....YEAH!!
Homework: See guide

Rhetoric: This took up quite a bit of time today but sooooo worthwhile!! These boys are really starting to own why they believe what they believe.....AWESOME!!!
Homework:See guide

Lost Tools:  Great looking outlines!! 
Homework; See PDF guide

Week 5

I feel like I am just really getting to know these guys, and there is only ten weeks left :( 

Thank you Conrad for snack! DONUT WORLD YUM!!  Glad Sam was feeling better.
Next week: Hinson

Next Tuesday is the class before Valentine's Day.  They are welcome to bring candy or Valentines, but when previously discussed, they didn't really seem interested in "celebrating' this one LOL I wonder why??

Do be thinking upon.....what kind of celebration do we want for week 15.  Typically we leave campus in the afternoon to go do something.  One year we did Celebration Station, another we went bowling, and then last year.....we traveled to the mall :)  So start thinking on this one.

Algebra:  We reviewed lessons 81 - 84.  The lessons are getting tougher and tougher.  I will be available on Oovo from 10 - 11am this Friday if needed.  Just friend "Casey Mahoney" and call :)
Homework: Lessons 81 - 84

Latin:  We reviewed how to decline an adjective, as well as introduced new vocabulary.  Remember, they do not have to learn it all this year.  We have two years for this to settle in and click :)
Homework: See guide.

Lost Tools: We reviewed considering the Circumstances, as well as introduced Amplification in their conclusion.  This can be found on pages 45 -49 of the student guide.
Homework: See PDF Guide

Science:  We made brains!  Then I told them to put them away :)  We took our quiz on the lungs as well.
Homework: See Guide

Rhetoric:  More great talk.  I referred them to the http://www.answersingenesis.org/ people.  I reminded them that everything needs to be discerned, but these guys really have some great stuff.
Homework: See guide

Geography:  I teased them all a little bit by making them think I was passing out paper to give them their test.  I know, bad Ms. Bonnie.  We just practiced :) Next week we have a special guest speaker.  I will email you the time she will be there...you may wish to catch this presentation, she is awesome!
Home Work:  TEST NEXT WEEK!!!  See guide.

Week 4

Too fast!!  The time is flying too fast.  These boys have become so dear and precious to my hearts.  When I talk about them I always refer to them as my boys :)  Thank you again for sharing these young champions for Christ with me.

Note to self: Hide phone during class or end up with funny pictures of Joey on it :)

Snack: McClamroch...Thank you!  Next week is Conrad.

Algebra: We reviewed lessons 77 through 80
Homework: Lessons 77 through 80.  We will not oovoo this week, it will be every other week :)

Latin: We reviewed how to decline an adjective, introduced new vocab, took our vocab quiz, and played latin bingo.
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools:  We read our papers...great job with parallelism guys!  We started an ANI for Door in the Wall.  Only three boys had finished reading this book.  It was hard to put together an ANI chart when not everyone could participate....which led to chatter in the room.  I introduced circumstances in depth, but it was really rushed.  If there are questions on this one, please feel free to email or call. 
Homework: See PDF guide and EMAIL

Rhetoric:  This seminar keeps getting better and better! Everyone participated and contributed to great discussion.  These guys are starting to really understand how to have a group discussion.
Homework: See guide...know those questions for candy next week.

Science:  We checked out everyone's pic of lungs and introduced mouth and teeth with some tasty experiments....see email :)
Homework: See guide...test on lungs next week.

Geography:  We played King of Asia for a full size candy bar.  Congrats Manny!  Right on his tail were Lee, Andrew, and Matthew.  It is really hard when the pressure (time wise) is on, these guys all did great :)
Homework: See guide.

Week 3

I love when God gives us the theme that will integrate our subjects for the week.  This week it was how men, being the head of the household, are symbolic of Christ over his bride.  Best quote ever, "If the man is the head, than the woman is the neck."  I love these boys ;) This also came up at the end of the day when we were getting the talk about doing our work and not goofing around and talking.  Leaders lead by example.

Snack next week: McClamroch

Prayers: safe travels Dees; Ian Chicken Pox Missed you both this week!

Algebra: We dug down into this week :) See separate email for those that need a little extra help.
Homework: Lessons 73 - 76

Latin: We reviewed expectations for the first year of Henle and looked at declension endings and new vocabulary.  Vocabulary Quiz next week on Lessons 5, 6, and 7.
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools: We introduced a new element of elocution, parallelism.  If you go through the student guide and still do not understand, please let me know.  I have some DVD's I can loan you.  It looks like the webinar for this one on the Circe Institute was canceled :( We also, continued to talk about symbolism and the Garden.
Homework: See PDF Guide, and READ!!!

Rhetoric:  Great talk!  I really encouraged these guys to start really thinking upon these subjects and not just joke about them. 
Homework: See guide

Science:  Our final reports on whales.  I also introduced how science will be from here on out (see email) We created a lung. I am not sure how many made it home as the excitement over having balloons in class overwhelmed some :)
Homework: See guide

Geography:  We had two teams drawing for the win.  In the end, Team Narwal won over Team Orca.
Homework: see guide

Week 2

I hope everyone is finding themselves settling back in to some sort of a routine.  I know coming back from Christmas for us means my daughters birthday, so it always seems to takes us a little extra to get back  in the saddle. 

It is my pleasure to announce......Ms. Debbie Black!  She will be tutoring the Challenge A next year.  If you know of anyone interested in our program please refer them to her.

Also, for those asking, Ms. Sharon will be tutoring B next year.  YEAH!! Having had both of my children with her, I can say what a blessing she is to every home school family that tutors with her. 

Snack next week is Morel :)

Also note, bring those purple biology books next week....now if only I can remember LOL

Algebra: We reviewed lessons 69 - 72.  It is starting to get harder.  Please let me know if you are struggling or getting behind.  We can Skype a tutor session :)
Homework: Lessons 69 - 72

Latin: We officially introduced adjectives and their rules.  We are also adding new vocabulary.  Max visited our class during this time
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools:  We reviewed a lot about Exordium and the bones of a paper.  I did encourage those that want to with their teacher's approval........If they have been through the IEW and want to add "dress ups", as long as I can see the "bones" of their essay, they can.  I told them to write their boring essay first, then dress it up. 
Homework: See PDF Guide.  If needed, start next book early so to finish :)

Rhetoric Wow our discussions are now going to a whole other level!!  Great talk today, not sure how it got there but God led, on showing love and how to show love in our youth groups or church.  The overall theme of the day seemed to be choices and it really came out in this weeks discussion.  That God values free will so much He is willing to let us burn for it.  Some minds really were thinking on that one.  We did resolve it with we have a King who wants us to serve Him willingly. 
Homework: See guide

Science: I do say EPIC bat reports!  Shout out goes to Manny for doing Batman!!
Homework:  See guide..bring Purple Biology Book

Geography: Geography plus gum equals fun for boys!  Although, I did not expect all 8 pieces to be chewed at one time.....note to self for future LOL We reviewed Countries and Capitals and Geography Terms.
Homework: See Guide

Week 1 2013!

Happy New Year!!  As we enter a season of renewal and fresh expectations, let us first seek our Father for His perfect renewal and His grace.  Every day I find His mercies are new and He covers me.  Whatever expectations that I had set for myself last semester that I did or didn't live up to, He covers.  He knows my children intimately. He knows the hair on their head. He knows their futures.  He is so much bigger than the box I tend to put him in.  He can cover where I see myself as failing.  He will make sure our children have what they need to do what He is calling them forth to do.  So today, as we get back into the swing of things, let His grace rule your school house and take comfort in knowing He has it.  He has it all. 

And away we go!

• First off, while we did miss the girls, it did have some positives.  Going to an all boy infrastructure has changed our class dynamic.  This was a different class, in a good way.  I don't know if it was just the maturing that tends to happen on the break, or not having the girls, but it flowed very well yesterday.  
• Officially signed up for snack is "Don't know?" LOL So I will cover snack this week.  Please communicate with your child which week(s) he can sign up for. 
• The talking too much check...BIG SUCCESS! We will be using this the rest of the semester.

Algebra: We reviewed lessons 65 - 68.  Second semester gets crazy, so hang on.  I returned the mid-terms.  Overall, great work.  I did write a few encouraging notes on a few.
Homework: Lessons 65 - 68

Latin:  We reviewed declining nouns in all 5 declensions.  We reviewed the "grammar" I expect them to have in their noggins after this year.  We also reviewed vocabulary.
Homework: See guide

Lost Tools:  I have had a few ask where they can leave feedback on this curriculum.  I am finding that out this week and will let you know in a separate email.  We read a few of the Amos papers and created a class ANI for Secret Garden.
Homework: If they have not read Secret Garden....do so :) see PDF guide. 

Rhetoric:  Great discussion!! Much respect and not as much alternate conversations on the side.  We got into how gruesome the crucifixion actually was.    And how miraculous our bodies are created, even in a season when we may feel awkward and clumsy and not so fearfully and wonderfully made.
Homework: See guide

Science: Marsupials are so cool.  Although we did learn that sloths are not Marsupials.  Sloth Family:megalonychidae Order:Pilosa related to the anteater and armadillo They are a mammal.  Getting ready for science to change up a bit.  I will be doing some "easy" experiments in class.  And I we started to discuss dissection for week 14.  I believe I was quoted in saying "If we do not respect Ms. Susan or her rules I will dissect you ;)"
Homework: See guide

Geography: We checked out pictures from when I went to Hong Kong back in the 80's and I shared the infamous "chicken" story.  I also returned their Europe tests.  FANTASTIC JOB!!
Homework: See guide.