Final Notes, Parting Words & Pictures

Wow!  What a day yesterday.  I'm sure the students woke up today relieved that all their exams are over and the mountainous hard work of Challenge A is behind them.

I wanted to thank each of you for allowing me to come along side you in your homeschooling journey this year.  It was a privilege to tutor your children.  I have been truly blessed by my experience with them.  Yesterday was a very emotional day for me.  I will miss them so much.  :(

Also, thank you for the surprise gift bag with treats & gift cards.  I was so overwhelmed by your thoughtfulness!!!!  What a generous gift! 

A few final notes:

GEOGRAPHY- I was able to grade the countries & capital from the first part of our geography exam.  They should have brought home a "totals" sheet that I created that has the number of capitals, countries & features for each section (just taken from guide).  Remember that some features (i.e. oceans, equator etc) are appear in more than once per section.  Hopefully that will make it easier for you to grade.  Please take a look at their drawing of the world from the 1st day of class and compare it to what they finished yesterday.  You will be amazed!

LATIN - I was able to get all the Latin final exams graded.  I did take off 1/2 point if they were missing macrons (they are important! lol).  If you would like a copy of the key, please let me know & I will scan it in to you.  Be sure to look them over.

RHETORIC - I was so impressed with the students apologetics papers!  Those LTW skills are paying off.  The students took the catechism final at the end of the day.  Obviously I was unable to grade that.  Some were not able to finish so I just marked where they stopped and said they could finish at home.  I hope that is okay.  You'll grade those at home.

RESEARCH/SCIENCE - I was able to get all 4 body systems graded.  Be sure to look them over-they did amazing!

I know some of you took pictures yesterday - if you could forward those to me, I'll get them uploaded (plus I'd love to have a copy for me!).  Mrs. Smith videoed all the readings of the apologetics papers.  I am giving her some DVD's and she will burn a copy for everyone.  I will get those to you as soon as I can.

I think that wraps everything up.  I hope your students enjoyed this year as much as I did!

2013-2014 Challenge A Moments…..

First day of class…whew!  Those book bags are HEAVY!

Gotta love review games that include dress-up! 

Everybody's digging human tic-tac-toe to review catechisms!

"Leading rhetoric ROCKS!"

Nothing like a good Challenge dress-up party!!! (Are we having too much fun????)

THE 2013-2014 CHALLENGE A CLASS (best class EVER!!!)

Spring Semester Week 14 Seminar Recap & Notes

Last week…..Mrs. C is sooooooo sad!!!  :(

Reminder:  There will be finals in Latin (vocab & grammar rules), Research/Science (drawing 3-4 body systems from memory), Geography (2nd half of the world), the apologetics paper (I plan to video), and a catechism exam.

I will need points totals for all students next Wednesday, April 16 (after week 14).  Please email just the total.

Next week may be final exam week but it's also…..PARTY TIME!!  We can start 1st thing am!!!  Mrs Gwynne will be coordinating treats/snacks for our class - she will be sending out an email soon.  Mrs. Keeslar will be coordinating pizza for all the challenge groups. Watch for an email from her to get a pizza count.

Here's the recap  (PLEASE SEE THE GUIDE FOR HOMEWORK DUE FOR SPRING SEMINAR - WEEK 15 )
   
Logic/Math
Math terms - NONE :)

Each week we will continue to review previous week's concepts through dialectic discussion with the problems the students bring in.  In each problem we work we will ask the same questions (based on the common topics) - see previous blog for detail on questions.  The students are beginning to lead the discussions.  
Again,  we focused on "showing our work" - talking about "math sentences" and each individual step in solving/evaluating a problem.  We are also learning how to "show our work". 

We played a math game.

Be sure the students bring in a problem next week.

**Students should bring in a problem from their math lesson to share (can be one they struggled with; one they think will stump the class or anything they found interesting & would like to share & explain)  This will help them be rhetorical!!

Grammar/Latin
Today we continued in 2nd conjugation.  We modeled each exercise to know how to do it at home.  This is our last lesson in Henle.

We played games to review declensions, conjugations & vocab.

@ home complete assigned exercises and STUDY, STUDY, STUDY.  Final will include declension endings, conjugation endings, vocab & grammar rules.  You can use your mid-term to study from as well.

FINAL NEXT WEEK

****It is important that the students parse/label each sentence so that they can clearly identify the parts of speech in order to translate it properly.   I will be awarding candy for those who do!!! :)

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Drill student on vocabulary & grammar rules.  Check daily assignments (or have students check).  Assist student is studying for final.

Research 

Today was our quiz on the neuron.  I returned those in class.  We practiced drawing previous body systems individually & in teams.

At home, draw & label systems for final as much as possible.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Review students drawings for accuracy. 

Expo/Comp

Today the rest of the students read their papers.  Using student ANI's, we reviewed sorting and how to "title" our grouped items.  We reviewed all elocution elements learned so far.

At home, students will sort ANI, complete all worksheets & complete and outline.  They will bring all to class so we can review.

Suggestions for parents @ home:   Review worksheets & outlines, helping them watch for duplicate ideas.

Debate/Geography

Today the students started their geography final.  They will finish the rest next week.   I sent a geography terms quiz home (a few I will email - couldn't find the rest of my copies!).  They can complete that whenever you wish and will be graded at home.  I will email out the final test this week.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Drill student on provinces & capitals as well as geography terms.  Check daily drawings for accuracy & labeling.  

Rhetoric

We took a pop catechism quiz - traded & graded in class.  Meg lead our Rhetoric this week.   She played a game to review catechisms.

***Final next week!!!

 THE APOLOGETICS PAPER -due next week.  To be read in class.

Suggestions for parents @ home:    Drill all catechism questions (remember they must be able to state word for word). Final exam week 15.  Review outline & final apologetics paper.  Have them practice reading it.

Spring Semester Week 13 Seminar Recap & Notes

I can't believe we only meet 2 more times!  It's definitely time to really zero in & study for those finals.  There will be finals in Latin (vocab & grammar rules), Research/Science (drawing 3-4 body systems from memory), Geography (draw the world from memory w/ capitals & features), the apologetics paper (I plan to video), and a catechism exam.

I will need points totals for all students next Wednesday (after week 14).

Meg will lead Rhetoric.

Here's the recap  (PLEASE SEE THE GUIDE FOR HOMEWORK DUE FOR SPRING SEMINAR - WEEK 14 )
   
Logic/Math
Math terms - few more this week.

Each week we will continue to review previous week's concepts through dialectic discussion with the problems the students bring in.  In each problem we work we will ask the same questions (based on the common topics) - see previous blog for detail on questions.  The students are beginning to lead the discussions.  
Again,  we focused on "showing our work" - talking about "math sentences" and each individual step in solving/evaluating a problem.  We are also learning how to "show our work". 

We played mental math games in teams.  

POINTS: Bring in a math problem from their homework to explain to the class -  5 points.

Be sure the students bring in the completed lessons you assign to class (even if they are not doing Saxon).

**Students should bring in a problem from their math lesson to share (can be one they struggled with; one they think will stump the class or anything they found interesting & would like to share & explain)  This will help them be rhetorical!!

Grammar/Latin
Today we learned how to conjugate verbs of the 2nd conjugation.  Just like our 1st conjugation, there are 4 principal parts. All verbs whose Present Infinitive Active ending in -ere belong to the 2nd conjugation.  The stem is found the same way as 1st conjugation verbs.  We reviewed the endings - noting that our "vowel" ending for the 2nd conjugation is "e" (1st conjugation is "a")- personal endings stay the same (except for 1st person). We also noted that many 2nd conjugation verbs are irregular so they must be memorized.
We modeled exercised 134-138 & reviewed vocab on p 120.  Students will make flashcards & decline in spiral notebooks.  In addition, they will make flashcards for and memorize #165, 168 & 171.

We played "taboo" to review vocab!

POINTS: Translate next "section" of The Giving Tree - 10 its (it's a long one!)

****It is important that the students parse/label each sentence so that they can clearly identify the parts of speech in order to translate it properly.   I will be awarding candy for those who do!!! :)

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Make sure you and your student preview the next week's lesson as stated in the guide so that they are prepared to discuss it in class. Drill student on vocabulary & grammar rules.  Check daily assignments (or have students check).  Continue to have students focus on memorizing endings for the declensions & verb endings- sing the songs & work those charts, as well as memorize vocab & rules.  It's a good idea to write the endings out - like copying mastery charts in Essentials.

Research 

Today was our quiz on the eye.  I'll return those next week.  We drew neurons, traded & graded.  We then practiced drawing & labeling 4 body systems in teams.  Drawings were interesting to say the least!

At home, students will need to draw neurons every day - more than once a day and labeling it.  After the first few days of drawing, they need to "test" by drawing & labeling it from memory.   I showed them samples of what their "test" in next should look like.  In addition to drawing neurons, students will need to continue to draw previous systems in preparation for the final in week 15.  Try drawing from memory only as if testing to see what's missing.  Quiz on the neuron will be next week.

STUDENTS SHOULD BRING IN THEIR DRAWINGS TO CLASS.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Check students drawings daily.  "Test" by having them draw from memory several times, ensuring they have all elements & it is correctly labeled. 

Expo/Comp

Today the students read their papers.  We discussed the characters & their decisions from the book The Bronze Bow.  We developed a class issue & reviewed all the invention topics and discussed how to add to the ANI.

At home, students will develop an issue, work through ALL invention worksheets, and complete an ANI with 30 items in each column.

Suggestions for parents @ home:   Review issue, completed worksheets & ANI. Parents remember that the outline is developed from the ANI.

Debate/Geography

Today the students took their test on Oceana.  I'll return those next week.  We practiced drawing US, Canada, Central America & South America from memory.

We will have a "practice" test/ pre-test of the world next week.  I will bring in large paper.  If have been practicing on a certain size paper at home, you may bring that in this week and in week 15 as well.

Students should bring in maps that they've drawn.  They'll show the class their best map.  

DRAW FOR POINTS!!!  Students will earn 25 points for each world map drawn each week-must include labeled countries & capitals (you may want to have them number countries on map then list country & capital on back) 

****Students need to focus on drawing the world as many times as possible, labeling all required items.

Geography terms quiz next week.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Drill student on provinces & capitals as well as geography terms.  Check daily drawings for accuracy & labeling.  Be sure students continue to draw ALL geographic areas.

Rhetoric

Ethan lead our Rhetoric discussion this week.   We read through the DCYB chapters & he also came up with creative ways to answer questions from the chapters.  He had a great catechism review game that we played - human tic tac toe!

***Possible catechism quiz net week!!!

 THE APOLOGETICS PAPER -we discussed the structure of the paper in class today.  Students should already have their "research" done (bibliography required - min 2 sources).  I will be filming the reading of the papers.

Suggestions for parents @ home:    Drill all catechism questions (remember they must be able to state word for word). Final exam week 15.

Spring Semester Week 12 Seminar Recap & Notes

REMINDERS FOR SPRING SEMESTER:
-Students will be leading rhetoric discussions.  I will email out ahead of time when you child will lead so they can prepare **THIS WILL START IN WEEK 5
***NEED A VOLUNTEER*** WILL LEAD DISCUSSION IN WEEK 13
-Students will begin to track their own points (with your supervision).  They will need to keep a detailed "log" and turn that in to me at the end of the year (wk 14) for the awards.
-Students will also "teach" LTW cannons as we begin review

Here's the recap  (PLEASE SEE THE GUIDE FOR HOMEWORK DUE FOR SPRING SEMINAR - WEEK 13 )
   
Logic/Math
Math terms - couple more this week.

Each week we will continue to review previous week's concepts through dialectic discussion with the problems the students bring in.  In each problem we work we will ask the same questions (based on the common topics) - see previous blog for detail on questions.  The students are beginning to lead the discussions.  
Again,  we focused on "showing our work" - talking about "math sentences" and each individual step in solving/evaluating a problem.  We are also learning how to "show our work".

I previewed concept of factoring algebraic expressions.  

We played the N2K game individually & in teams.   We'll play this each week.

POINTS: Bring in a math problem from their homework to explain to the class -  5 points.

Be sure the students bring in the completed lessons you assign to class (even if they are not doing Saxon).

**Students should bring in a problem from their math lesson to share (can be one they struggled with; one they think will stump the class or anything they found interesting & would like to share & explain)  This will help them be rhetorical!!

Grammar/Latin
Today we talked about the interrogative particle "ne".  We add this to the end of our verb when we ask a questions without an interrogative adverb or pronoun (i.e. Was he praising Caesar? & Do you fight for the king?).  We still have to determine the person, number & tense so that we can conjugate our verb.  Also, when using "ne" our verb usually comes first.

We modeled exercised 132 & 133 & reviewed vocab on p 117.  Students will make flashcards & decline in spiral notebooks.  In addition, they will review all grammar rules & vocab on p 91-98.

Possible quiz next week.

We played dictionary to review vocab!

POINTS: Translate next "section" of The Giving Tree - 10 its (it's a long one!)

****It is important that the students parse/label each sentence so that they can clearly identify the parts of speech in order to translate it properly.   I will be awarding candy for those who do!!! :)

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Make sure you and your student preview the next week's lesson as stated in the guide so that they are prepared to discuss it in class. Drill student on vocabulary & grammar rules.  Check daily assignments (or have students check).  Continue to have students focus on memorizing endings for the declensions - sing the songs & work those charts, as well as memorize vocab & rules.  It's a good idea to write the endings out - like copying mastery charts in Essentials.

Research 

Today was our quiz on the digestive system.  I'll return those next week.  We drew the eye system from memory, traded w/ a neighbor & graded.  I introduced neurons, we went over the definitions and labeled our drawing together in class.  PLEASE NOTE CHANGES TO DRAWING THAT WERE EMAILED OUT WITH DEFINITIONS. I modeled & gave suggestions on how to draw the system.  THEY NEED TO DRAW IT LARGE ENOUGH TO SEE ALL THE DETAIL.  We referred back to our Foundations art - OILS in breaking down the drawing into circles, straight lines, dotes, angles & curved lines.

At home, students will need to define the new terms, and draw, draw, draw.  They need to be drawing the system every day - more than once a day and labeling it.  After the first few days of drawing, they need to "test" by drawing & labeling it from memory.   I showed them samples of what their "test" in 2 weeks should look like.  In addition to drawing neurons, students will need to continue to draw the eye in preparation for the quiz next week.  Try drawing from memory only as if testing to see what's missing.  Quiz on the eye will be next week.

NEURONS IS OUR LAST BODY SYSTEM - Begin reviewing all body systems in preparation for the final in week 15.  More info to follow.

STUDENTS SHOULD BRING IN THEIR DRAWINGS TO CLASS.

POINT REWARD: Integration between 2 subjects - 5 points
Find a disorder involving neurons & explain it- 5 points 

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Check students drawings daily.  "Test" by having them draw from memory several times, ensuring they have all elements & it is correctly labeled. 

Expo/Comp

Today we went over each students outline.  Most had some revisions to make.  We reviewed similes, parallelism & subject/verb edits.

This week they will review/complete all workbook pages regarding elocution elements & compose an essay from the outline.  They essay will include parallelism, exordium, simile, division, amplification (all tools learned so far).

Read Bronze Bow.

Suggestions for parents @ home:   Review outlines for clear proofs & supporting proofs that are SEPARATE ideas.  Review & assist with editing final paper. 

Debate/Geography

Today the students took their test on Australia & New Zealand.  I'll return those next week.  I introduced Oceania & the students practiced drawing it.  Test on Oceania will be in week 13- NEXT WEEK.

Students should bring in maps that they've drawn.  They'll show the class their best map.  

DRAW FOR POINTS!!!  Students will earn 5 points for each map drawn each week (after they draw 8 which would be 2 per day for 4 days)  *****20 Points for each world map with everything they've learned so far labeled on the map (it doesn't have to all be from memory)

****Remember that at the end of the year we will be drawing the world - states, countries features - everything from memory.  Students need to continue to draw areas they've been tested on.   (They can draw on the large laminated maps I gave them at the beginning of the year).  The more they draw the better they'll get - the more they will be able to remember.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Drill student on provinces & capitals as well as geography terms.  Check daily drawings for accuracy & labeling.  Be sure students continue to draw previous geographic areas - adding them to new areas.  Continue to drill previous states & capitals and/or countries & capitals (it is suggested that they make flashcards for review).

Rhetoric

Clayton lead our Rhetoric discussion this week.   We read through the DCYB chapters & he also came up with creative ways to answer questions from the chapters.  He had a great catechism review game that we played.

***Possible catechism quiz net week!!!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE APOLOGETICS PAPER -students should already have their topic chosen & should begin writing process if they have not already.

Suggestions for parents @ home:  Discuss chapter 41-42 in DCYB.  Check that student is answering questions for DCYB.  Drill all catechism questions (remember they must be able to state word for word).