What a great class! We missed two of our regulars but enjoyed our visitor today. I love how accepting the students are of visitors - helping them get adjusted, finding a seat, letting them join in with this group or that. These young ones really do have the gift of hospitality at such a young age. I pray they are able to keep that!
We started on a new adventure this week - no more timeline cards (although please continue to practice at home - the more you practice, the easier they will be for next year!). Instead, for the remainder of this cycle, we will be learning the U.S. Presidents (in order). I don't know about you, but I didn't even remember HEARING some of these names, much less that they were presidents! For this class, I wrote each president's last name on a card. Each person (student and adult) held one card. We sang the presidents song several times. The first time, everyone had to find their proper place in line. After that, we held our name up as we came to it in the song. It is going to take practice and repetition, but I think they can get it!
History Sentence - Tell Me about the end of the Cold War
I think everyone has been waiting for this one - it's a favorite, for sure.
In the 1980's (flash 9, then 8)
ooh-ooh (alternate shoulders going up/down)
British Prime Minister (drink tea)
Margaret Thatcher (shoulders up/down)
and the U.S. President (hand over heart)
Ronald Reagan (shoulders up/down)
worked together (clasp hands)
to end the Cold War (shiver)
lessen big government (hands at sides, push down toward ground)
& strengthen (muscle arms)
the conservative (straighten necktie)
movement (shoulders up/down)
English Grammar - A CONJUNCTION is a word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses together.
We used a VERY Southern accent to say this, while connecting with our friends at the elbow (similar to a square dance). Very corny, very annoying - and very catchy. :)
Math - We introduced the Associative Law for addition and multiplication by using jelly bellies. We were mainly covering how one side equals the other side, along with the main terms such as adding, equals, and multiplication. They were so cute and much better sports at this than expected. Of course, the promise of jelly bellies when finished can bring out the best in most of us :)
Science - We used hand motions to teach the 3rd Law of Thermodynamics
It is impossible (arms crossed in front, then expanded out to both sides, as in "no way!")
to reach a state of absolute zero temperature (both hands meet to make a large zero, get really close to someone)
Geography - to the tune of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" & with Jamaican accent (or as best as this Southern gal can make it)
These are the Caribbean/West InDIEEEEES
Cuba
Jamaica
and Haiti
and the Dominican (pause) REpublic
Latin - we sang the song. After Science Lab, we moved to the circle in the gym and reviewed three conjugations while skipping, marching, and tip-toeing. We've gotten a little lax - need to practice more!
Science Lab - we finished building our bridges out of marshmallows and toothpicks today. We will not test these until Week 24 (Sorry to those who took theirs home last week!) The novelty wore off quickly, so we spent the last ten minutes of science lab doing review racing in the gym. They seemed to enjoy the freedom to really MOVE!
Orchestra - I was IMPRESSED by BOTH of our musicians today. Lucy was not only a talented violinist but a wonderful teacher as well. Jim demonstrated the true spirit of Classical Conversations - that we are all learning together. After only ten hours of practice, he taught us basic parts of the flute and played it as well. The children were very interested. I know some of the children were frightened by the wolf in our Peter and the Wolf story today. I do hope they don't have nightmares. I tried to downplay it and focus on the musical part of things, but I'm not sure it worked. Of course, I don't think the boys were bothered. They were fascinated with the idea of hunting the wolf!
I can not believe we only have THREE more meetings. I will miss all my students and the CC community so much. What a great year it has been! Please remember that we are planning SOMETHING fun for the week after our final week (consider it Week 25). Details are not finalized, but please keep that date open.
See you Tuesday!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Week 20
We had a full class for Week 20! The students were very well behaved and eager to learn. I know you could tell I wasn't feeling well and not quite myself, but I am happy to announce that I am feeling better and hope to be 100% by Tuesday. Thank you for hanging in there and helping out so much!
In all the commotion, I forgot to teach English Grammar!!! I was appalled and do apologize. If you remind me, I can go over it this week. But for now, here are the motions I had for it:
(Both hands making the "n" sign) An appositive is a noun which follows another noun (one hand follows after the other "n" hand) and explains (both hands out, palms up) or identifies it (both hands held up to the eye as if looking through a microscope).
History Sentence - Vietnam War
Because this sentence was so similar to the Korean war of last week, I let the students make up the signs. Overall, they had creative ideas and while "busy", it was a fun time to see their creativity. Don't worry - I'll have some tutor-led signs for this week :)
Science - 3rd Law of Thermodynamics
Heat (rub hands together) will always flow (water sign with both hands) form an area of higher temperature (squat low to the ground) to an area of lower temperature (rise up and form mountain peaks with hands). I explained how mtn tops have snow on top, so they usually have lower temperatures than we do down below (thus the seemingly opposite motions).
Geography - South Central Asia
We said these with a silly little chant. I also rearranged so that the countries go in order on the map in a counterclockwise order.
Laos
Thailand
Cambodia -ha!ha!
South Vietnam
North Vietnam
South Central Asia - ha!ha!
Latin - Present Perfect tense
This is to the tune "Praise Ye the Lord"
Math - we sang the measurement to a really slow version of "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah" while holding the appropriate number of fingers
2.54 centimeters in one inch
2.54 centimeters in one inch
Science Lab
We worked in teams to build bridges made of marshmallows and toothpicks. The children were so creative and seemed to really enjoy it and do well with little direction from adults! Week 21 will be our final opportunity to finish the bridges. I look forward to seeing their finished products! Remember your cameras - even your video camera if you want to record how they hold up to the test!
Fine Arts
We completed week two of the six week time of Orchestra. My own children have really enjoyed this time (not that you can tell by their faces!) and have begun asking many questions about various instruments. I hope yours have found it enjoyable as well.
See you Tuesday!
In all the commotion, I forgot to teach English Grammar!!! I was appalled and do apologize. If you remind me, I can go over it this week. But for now, here are the motions I had for it:
(Both hands making the "n" sign) An appositive is a noun which follows another noun (one hand follows after the other "n" hand) and explains (both hands out, palms up) or identifies it (both hands held up to the eye as if looking through a microscope).
History Sentence - Vietnam War
Because this sentence was so similar to the Korean war of last week, I let the students make up the signs. Overall, they had creative ideas and while "busy", it was a fun time to see their creativity. Don't worry - I'll have some tutor-led signs for this week :)
Science - 3rd Law of Thermodynamics
Heat (rub hands together) will always flow (water sign with both hands) form an area of higher temperature (squat low to the ground) to an area of lower temperature (rise up and form mountain peaks with hands). I explained how mtn tops have snow on top, so they usually have lower temperatures than we do down below (thus the seemingly opposite motions).
Geography - South Central Asia
We said these with a silly little chant. I also rearranged so that the countries go in order on the map in a counterclockwise order.
Laos
Thailand
Cambodia -ha!ha!
South Vietnam
North Vietnam
South Central Asia - ha!ha!
Latin - Present Perfect tense
This is to the tune "Praise Ye the Lord"
Math - we sang the measurement to a really slow version of "Someone's in the Kitchen with Dinah" while holding the appropriate number of fingers
2.54 centimeters in one inch
2.54 centimeters in one inch
Science Lab
We worked in teams to build bridges made of marshmallows and toothpicks. The children were so creative and seemed to really enjoy it and do well with little direction from adults! Week 21 will be our final opportunity to finish the bridges. I look forward to seeing their finished products! Remember your cameras - even your video camera if you want to record how they hold up to the test!
Fine Arts
We completed week two of the six week time of Orchestra. My own children have really enjoyed this time (not that you can tell by their faces!) and have begun asking many questions about various instruments. I hope yours have found it enjoyable as well.
See you Tuesday!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Week 19
What a beautiful afternoon! I am so grateful it warmed so the children could enjoy some playground time after lunch. I don't know about yours, but mine really enjoy this time with their friends.
We began our study on the orchestra and composers this week and therefore, our schedule will be a little different - it looks like we'll be having review right after science lab with Fine Arts as a group at the very end.
Here's a list of what we did today:
Geography (Southeast Asia)
To the tune of Deep and Wide
North Korea,
South Korea,
Taiwan
Philippines
and then-there's-little Guam
in Southeast Asia
Math
We loudly said (as if incredulous): FIVE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED, EIGHTY FEET equals (tiny voice) one mile.
English Grammar
To the tune "La Cucaracha"
A gerund (shake right hand)
Is a present (shake left hand)
participle verb form used as a (roll arms one after the other as you squat)
NOUN! (arms up)
(repeat)
History Sentence: Tell me about the Korean War
In 1950 (flash "5" then "0")
General Douglas MacArthur (salute)
led UN troops (walk)
to stop (hold out hand)
Cmmunist North Korea (arms crossed high, like slave)
from capturing (reach out as if grabbing)
all of South Korea (arms encircled)
during the Korean War (as if fighting)
Science (1st Law of Thermodynamics)
Thermo-Thermo-Thermodynamics (stomp right foot)
Ener-Ener-Energy (stomp left foot)
cannot be created (Loud & making "creation" sign)
or destroyed (Loud & throw arm over)
Thermo-Thermo-Thermodynamics (stomp right foot)
1st Law ofg Thermodynamics (whisper)
We learned that Thermodynamics is the transfer of energy and that since energy cannot be created or destroyed, we KNOW that ONLY GOD could have created us and put us here on the earth. How cool is that? We know that energy is always there - either potential (stored) or kinetic (active).
For Science Lab, we experimented by holding ice cubes - our hands were warmer than the ice and transfered the energy of our hands to the ice to cause it to melt. Something you may like to try at home: weigh and empty container. Then weigh an ice cube, then place the ice cube into the container and allow it to melt -weigh this. While the state of matter changed from solid to liquid, you should see that the weight didn't change.
We also rubbed our hands together (they grew warmer!) and placed them on our cheeks to feel the warmth.
We also did an experiment with a rubber band that didn't go as planned. During our tutor meeting it worked, so the variable I think that changed the outcome is that we were already cold when we tried it :). Here's how it is supposed to work - so try it at home when you are at a comfortable temperature. Hold a rubber band (loosely) to your forehead or cheek (somewhere that is temperature-sensitive). It should be cooler than your skin. Then hold it in your hands and stretch it several times. While stretched, place it back on it the same temperature-sensitive area. You should feel that it has increased in warmth.
The children had a lot of fun making (and flying!) paper airplanes. The concepts of why this relates to thermodynamics is above my head (something about combustion and propulsion?), but perhaps when they are old enough for it to matter and they are with a physics book, they'll remember fondly the time they were able to fly paper airplanes at CC :)
Another way you can try out the concept of thermodynamics - hold hands with someone and warmth can be transfered from person to person.
If your household is like mine, we remember to pratice the memory work but tend to forget to pull out the maps and practice finding the locations of what we've learned in Geography. I encourage everyone to practice Geography locations this week and hopefully our review time will go more smoothly. I am not sure I am looking for perfection - but the general area is good to know!
Presentations - They have all come so far in their presentation skills! My family tends to forget to practice our presentations until the night before CC. If you do better at remembering, I encourage you to help your child develop an opening, clear body, and closing for their presentations.
Thanks for another great week of CC - it is so hard to believe that we only have five more classes left for this year!
We began our study on the orchestra and composers this week and therefore, our schedule will be a little different - it looks like we'll be having review right after science lab with Fine Arts as a group at the very end.
Here's a list of what we did today:
Geography (Southeast Asia)
To the tune of Deep and Wide
North Korea,
South Korea,
Taiwan
Philippines
and then-there's-little Guam
in Southeast Asia
Math
We loudly said (as if incredulous): FIVE THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED, EIGHTY FEET equals (tiny voice) one mile.
English Grammar
To the tune "La Cucaracha"
A gerund (shake right hand)
Is a present (shake left hand)
participle verb form used as a (roll arms one after the other as you squat)
NOUN! (arms up)
(repeat)
History Sentence: Tell me about the Korean War
In 1950 (flash "5" then "0")
General Douglas MacArthur (salute)
led UN troops (walk)
to stop (hold out hand)
Cmmunist North Korea (arms crossed high, like slave)
from capturing (reach out as if grabbing)
all of South Korea (arms encircled)
during the Korean War (as if fighting)
Science (1st Law of Thermodynamics)
Thermo-Thermo-Thermodynamics (stomp right foot)
Ener-Ener-Energy (stomp left foot)
cannot be created (Loud & making "creation" sign)
or destroyed (Loud & throw arm over)
Thermo-Thermo-Thermodynamics (stomp right foot)
1st Law ofg Thermodynamics (whisper)
We learned that Thermodynamics is the transfer of energy and that since energy cannot be created or destroyed, we KNOW that ONLY GOD could have created us and put us here on the earth. How cool is that? We know that energy is always there - either potential (stored) or kinetic (active).
For Science Lab, we experimented by holding ice cubes - our hands were warmer than the ice and transfered the energy of our hands to the ice to cause it to melt. Something you may like to try at home: weigh and empty container. Then weigh an ice cube, then place the ice cube into the container and allow it to melt -weigh this. While the state of matter changed from solid to liquid, you should see that the weight didn't change.
We also rubbed our hands together (they grew warmer!) and placed them on our cheeks to feel the warmth.
We also did an experiment with a rubber band that didn't go as planned. During our tutor meeting it worked, so the variable I think that changed the outcome is that we were already cold when we tried it :). Here's how it is supposed to work - so try it at home when you are at a comfortable temperature. Hold a rubber band (loosely) to your forehead or cheek (somewhere that is temperature-sensitive). It should be cooler than your skin. Then hold it in your hands and stretch it several times. While stretched, place it back on it the same temperature-sensitive area. You should feel that it has increased in warmth.
The children had a lot of fun making (and flying!) paper airplanes. The concepts of why this relates to thermodynamics is above my head (something about combustion and propulsion?), but perhaps when they are old enough for it to matter and they are with a physics book, they'll remember fondly the time they were able to fly paper airplanes at CC :)
Another way you can try out the concept of thermodynamics - hold hands with someone and warmth can be transfered from person to person.
If your household is like mine, we remember to pratice the memory work but tend to forget to pull out the maps and practice finding the locations of what we've learned in Geography. I encourage everyone to practice Geography locations this week and hopefully our review time will go more smoothly. I am not sure I am looking for perfection - but the general area is good to know!
Presentations - They have all come so far in their presentation skills! My family tends to forget to practice our presentations until the night before CC. If you do better at remembering, I encourage you to help your child develop an opening, clear body, and closing for their presentations.
Thanks for another great week of CC - it is so hard to believe that we only have five more classes left for this year!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Week 18
Oops! I am a little late this week in listing what we did. I guess you could say "Life happened" and that would be the short version of my week! Thank you for your patience! I have attachments I will be emailing to parents with the updated Timeline Motions as well as ALL of our Memory Work (songs/chants/motions, etc.) for English and Geography. I will send Science soon.
Thank you to all the parents each week for making this class so much fun. The way you guys all pitch in and help keep the children on task and learning is truly wonderful.
History: Tell me about the formation of the United Nations.
In 1945 (flash 4, then 5 fingers),
after the League of Nations (bring both fists together)
failed to prevent (two thumbs down)
WWII (flash W, W, then 2),
American president (hand over chest, stand at attention)
Roosevelt (ASL "R")
British Prime Minister (sip tea)
Churchill (make fingertips touch, like steeple)
and USSR President (hammer, like for the flag)
Stalin (draw moustache with fingers)
began the United Nations (ASL "u", then "n")
Math: One foot equals 12 inches
We held up one foot for "ONE FOOT" and then big step down for "12 INCHES." We repeated this several times.
Geography: Europe (We joked that this was "Leftover Europe" b/c the countries were so scattered)
We sang the following several times, then found the countries on the map:
Lu-Lu-Lu-Lu-Luxembourg,
Be-Be-Be-Be-Belgium,
I-I-I-I-Ireland,
USSR
English Grammar: 5 Kinds of Nouns
We snapped our fingers (or patted leg) and sang the following:
DIrect Object
INdirect Object
Subject - Possessive
OBject of PREPosition, 5 Kinds of Nouns
Science: What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?
For every action there is an equal and opposite REACTION (said higher pitch, as we bounced off a wall).
For Science Lab, we experimented with balls hitting, then bouncing back. The children also enjoyed turning spoons into a catapult and slinging split peas as far as they could - one child had his "Go to outerspace!" What fun :)
Latin: Future Tense
We sang the song to Hallelu, Hallelujah
amabo
ambis
amabit
amabimus
amabitis
amabunt
Future Tense
Fine Arts - we just finished our last week with the Great Artists. I have enjoyed observing each child's personality shine through - some take their time, some know what they want to do and get it done quickly. Some have pictures only they understand. But each is an artist. And remember: Turn your mistake into a masterpiece!
This LAST six weeks (can you believe it?!?!?) will be spent learning about the Orchestra. I am looking forward to this topic!
See you Tuesday!
Thank you to all the parents each week for making this class so much fun. The way you guys all pitch in and help keep the children on task and learning is truly wonderful.
History: Tell me about the formation of the United Nations.
In 1945 (flash 4, then 5 fingers),
after the League of Nations (bring both fists together)
failed to prevent (two thumbs down)
WWII (flash W, W, then 2),
American president (hand over chest, stand at attention)
Roosevelt (ASL "R")
British Prime Minister (sip tea)
Churchill (make fingertips touch, like steeple)
and USSR President (hammer, like for the flag)
Stalin (draw moustache with fingers)
began the United Nations (ASL "u", then "n")
Math: One foot equals 12 inches
We held up one foot for "ONE FOOT" and then big step down for "12 INCHES." We repeated this several times.
Geography: Europe (We joked that this was "Leftover Europe" b/c the countries were so scattered)
We sang the following several times, then found the countries on the map:
Lu-Lu-Lu-Lu-Luxembourg,
Be-Be-Be-Be-Belgium,
I-I-I-I-Ireland,
USSR
English Grammar: 5 Kinds of Nouns
We snapped our fingers (or patted leg) and sang the following:
DIrect Object
INdirect Object
Subject - Possessive
OBject of PREPosition, 5 Kinds of Nouns
Science: What is Newton's 3rd Law of Motion?
For every action there is an equal and opposite REACTION (said higher pitch, as we bounced off a wall).
For Science Lab, we experimented with balls hitting, then bouncing back. The children also enjoyed turning spoons into a catapult and slinging split peas as far as they could - one child had his "Go to outerspace!" What fun :)
Latin: Future Tense
We sang the song to Hallelu, Hallelujah
amabo
ambis
amabit
amabimus
amabitis
amabunt
Future Tense
Fine Arts - we just finished our last week with the Great Artists. I have enjoyed observing each child's personality shine through - some take their time, some know what they want to do and get it done quickly. Some have pictures only they understand. But each is an artist. And remember: Turn your mistake into a masterpiece!
This LAST six weeks (can you believe it?!?!?) will be spent learning about the Orchestra. I am looking forward to this topic!
See you Tuesday!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Week 17 - a little extra
WOW! We were MOVING today! I don't think I've seen so many of the students get so tuckered so early! With all that running in place (science/acceleration), racing, motions, kicking balls, etc. they were ready for lunch - and then outdoor play :)
History - we changed "Mussolini" a little - we put our hands up by our heads as in "Moose"
Have a great week - happy memorizing!
History - we changed "Mussolini" a little - we put our hands up by our heads as in "Moose"
Have a great week - happy memorizing!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Week 17
I may not have a chance to post these until later this week, so I thought I'd go ahead and post tonight what I plan to do tomorrow - if something changes, just look under this post for "comments" and I'll post changes there. I'll see you bright and early in the morning!
History Sentence: Tell me about the leaders of WWII
Music: Pretend to blow a tuba
WWII: ASL "W - W - 2"
AXIS leaders were: cross arms in front of body, like an X
Hitler: finger under nose for straight moustache
of Germany: drive car (like Volvo)
Tojo of Japan: karate moves
and Mussolini: forcefully pretend to hold a staff (as in dictator)
of Italy: kick foot (our sign this year for Italy, as it looks like a boot on the map)
WWII: ASL "W - W- 2"
ALLY leaders were: clasp hands above head (as in victory)
Churchill: two hands fingertips touching (as in a rooftop of a church)
of England: pretend to sip tea (our sign this year for England)
Roosevelt: ASL "R"
Eisenhower: touch eye
and MacArthur: salute
of the U.S.: point to where we are standing (our sign this year for U.S.)
and Stalin: use fingers to draw a moustache
of the U.S.S.R.: pretend to pound hammer (their flag has a hammer)
English: So Rise and Shine
A noun, a noun, a noun names a person, place, thing...activity, or idea
Math: To the tune Wheels on the Bus
The circumference of a circle equals 2 pi r, 2 pi r, 2 pi r, the circumference of a circle equals 2 pi r...for all circles!
Geography: Jesus Loves Me
Germany (drive car)
Switzerland (hands look like mtn tops)
Austria (hands on hips)
Hungary (rub tummy)
Czechoslovakia (draw a check in the air)
Germany
Switzerland
Austria
Hungary
Czechoslovakia
Science:
Newton's 2nd Law of Motion states that
force (pretend to push)
equals mass (stretch arms out wide)
times acceleration (run in place)
Timeline: see email with attachment of hand motions
1. The Monroe Doctrine
2. Traveling the Erie Canal
3. Jacksonian Democracy
4. The Cotton Gin Establishes the South
5. Slavery in the South
6. The Cherokee Trail of Tears
7. Remember the Alamo
8. Westward Expansion
Latin: song (we'll take turns singing into the microphone - this seemed to work well last week)
Fine Arts: Degas
History Sentence: Tell me about the leaders of WWII
Music: Pretend to blow a tuba
WWII: ASL "W - W - 2"
AXIS leaders were: cross arms in front of body, like an X
Hitler: finger under nose for straight moustache
of Germany: drive car (like Volvo)
Tojo of Japan: karate moves
and Mussolini: forcefully pretend to hold a staff (as in dictator)
of Italy: kick foot (our sign this year for Italy, as it looks like a boot on the map)
WWII: ASL "W - W- 2"
ALLY leaders were: clasp hands above head (as in victory)
Churchill: two hands fingertips touching (as in a rooftop of a church)
of England: pretend to sip tea (our sign this year for England)
Roosevelt: ASL "R"
Eisenhower: touch eye
and MacArthur: salute
of the U.S.: point to where we are standing (our sign this year for U.S.)
and Stalin: use fingers to draw a moustache
of the U.S.S.R.: pretend to pound hammer (their flag has a hammer)
English: So Rise and Shine
A noun, a noun, a noun names a person, place, thing...activity, or idea
Math: To the tune Wheels on the Bus
The circumference of a circle equals 2 pi r, 2 pi r, 2 pi r, the circumference of a circle equals 2 pi r...for all circles!
Geography: Jesus Loves Me
Germany (drive car)
Switzerland (hands look like mtn tops)
Austria (hands on hips)
Hungary (rub tummy)
Czechoslovakia (draw a check in the air)
Germany
Switzerland
Austria
Hungary
Czechoslovakia
Science:
Newton's 2nd Law of Motion states that
force (pretend to push)
equals mass (stretch arms out wide)
times acceleration (run in place)
Timeline: see email with attachment of hand motions
1. The Monroe Doctrine
2. Traveling the Erie Canal
3. Jacksonian Democracy
4. The Cotton Gin Establishes the South
5. Slavery in the South
6. The Cherokee Trail of Tears
7. Remember the Alamo
8. Westward Expansion
Latin: song (we'll take turns singing into the microphone - this seemed to work well last week)
Fine Arts: Degas
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Week 16
Welcome to our new students: Jude and Benedict! Evie, it is good to have you back. Garret, we hope to see you back next week!
Here is a recap of our new material this week.
Math: To the tune of Wheels on the Bus
The area of a circle equals pi r squared, pi r squared, pi r squared, the area of a circle equals pi r squared... for all circles!
English Grammar: To the tune of B-I-N-G-O
In English Grammar there are adverbs - to what extent:
not so too very
rather quite somewhat
not so too very
rather quite somewhat!
(To make sure the children understand what these mean, you can give them a word such as hungry, tired, or funny...How tired are you? "Rather tired!" How funny are you? "Too funny!")
Latin - Imperfect Tense (same tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" as we learned in weeks prior.)
Geography: Balkans to the tune of Wheels on the Bus (I realize that it makes two times of using this tune this week - my apologies! The math tune was suggested to me just this morning, so it was a late addition!)
In the Balkans,
Greece is on the bottom,
up to Albania,
Yugoslavia;
Over to Romania,
Down to Bulgaria,
Those are the countries in the Balkan Peninsula!
We talked about finding Italy on the Apenine Peninsula and then looking to the right to find the Balkan Peninsula. If you start at the bottom with Greece and move in a clockwise rotation, you will find it easier to find the countries. Please note that if you have a map from the beginning of the year, Yugoslavia may be missing (due to the line not copying accurately).
History: Tell me about how WWII began
WWII began in 1939 when Hitler (finger under nose like a moustache)
invaded Poland (act like throwing a spear).
Two engagements (hold up two fingers)
that helped the US win the Pacific front (move arms like you are swimming)
were the Battle of Midway (boxing moves)
and dropping atomic bombs (move both arms straight up over head)
on Hiroshima (drop one arm to the side)
and Nagasaki (drop other arm to the other side)
in 1945 (flash "4", then "5")
Science: What is Newton's 1st Law of Motion?
An object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in otion tends to continue moving in a straight line at constant speed, unless an outside force acts upon it.
While this is a mouthful for this age, we did review this a few times, though the focus was on understanding the concept. We demonstrated with matchbox cars and then practiced with our bodies how we could 1) be at rest, then 2) move in a straight line, and then 3) bumping into something so that we were no longer moving in a straight line.
For science lab, we had three experiments - and a lot of fun!
First, we tested the Law of Motion by placing a penny on top of an index card that was placed on a plastic cup - when the card was thumped, the card disappeared and the penny dropped into the cup. The children were so excited when it worked. It is one of the true joys of homeschooling to be witness to our children's unbridled enthusiasm for learning!
We also pretended to be planes dropping bombs - could they run and drop a ball onto a target on the floor? This was much more difficult than it first appeared, but it offered many opportunities to test if they needed to drop sooner or later.
Our last experiment had us racing two jars down ramps - which one would 1) get to the bottom faster and 2) which one would go further? Such fun to see the jar of sand roll so far across the gym floor!
I will get the Timeline hand motions to you soon via email. Have a good week - happy memorizing!
Here is a recap of our new material this week.
Math: To the tune of Wheels on the Bus
The area of a circle equals pi r squared, pi r squared, pi r squared, the area of a circle equals pi r squared... for all circles!
English Grammar: To the tune of B-I-N-G-O
In English Grammar there are adverbs - to what extent:
not so too very
rather quite somewhat
not so too very
rather quite somewhat!
(To make sure the children understand what these mean, you can give them a word such as hungry, tired, or funny...How tired are you? "Rather tired!" How funny are you? "Too funny!")
Latin - Imperfect Tense (same tune of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" as we learned in weeks prior.)
Geography: Balkans to the tune of Wheels on the Bus (I realize that it makes two times of using this tune this week - my apologies! The math tune was suggested to me just this morning, so it was a late addition!)
In the Balkans,
Greece is on the bottom,
up to Albania,
Yugoslavia;
Over to Romania,
Down to Bulgaria,
Those are the countries in the Balkan Peninsula!
We talked about finding Italy on the Apenine Peninsula and then looking to the right to find the Balkan Peninsula. If you start at the bottom with Greece and move in a clockwise rotation, you will find it easier to find the countries. Please note that if you have a map from the beginning of the year, Yugoslavia may be missing (due to the line not copying accurately).
History: Tell me about how WWII began
WWII began in 1939 when Hitler (finger under nose like a moustache)
invaded Poland (act like throwing a spear).
Two engagements (hold up two fingers)
that helped the US win the Pacific front (move arms like you are swimming)
were the Battle of Midway (boxing moves)
and dropping atomic bombs (move both arms straight up over head)
on Hiroshima (drop one arm to the side)
and Nagasaki (drop other arm to the other side)
in 1945 (flash "4", then "5")
Science: What is Newton's 1st Law of Motion?
An object at rest tends to remain at rest and an object in otion tends to continue moving in a straight line at constant speed, unless an outside force acts upon it.
While this is a mouthful for this age, we did review this a few times, though the focus was on understanding the concept. We demonstrated with matchbox cars and then practiced with our bodies how we could 1) be at rest, then 2) move in a straight line, and then 3) bumping into something so that we were no longer moving in a straight line.
For science lab, we had three experiments - and a lot of fun!
First, we tested the Law of Motion by placing a penny on top of an index card that was placed on a plastic cup - when the card was thumped, the card disappeared and the penny dropped into the cup. The children were so excited when it worked. It is one of the true joys of homeschooling to be witness to our children's unbridled enthusiasm for learning!
We also pretended to be planes dropping bombs - could they run and drop a ball onto a target on the floor? This was much more difficult than it first appeared, but it offered many opportunities to test if they needed to drop sooner or later.
Our last experiment had us racing two jars down ramps - which one would 1) get to the bottom faster and 2) which one would go further? Such fun to see the jar of sand roll so far across the gym floor!
I will get the Timeline hand motions to you soon via email. Have a good week - happy memorizing!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Week 15
What a perfect week to study the topic of energy! Our class was MOVING today! But we went with it and had some different activities to show for it :)
SCIENCE: Potential (stored energy) & KINETIC (energy of motion)
We walked around like robots and said the science sentence in a robotic voice. In science lab, we experimented with different objects to see how they could at times have potential energy and at times kenetic energy. Then the children played potential/kinetic tag - so funny! When tagged, they said, "POTENTIAL!" and when tagged again, they said, "KINETIC!" It must have worked, because at lunch, we saw two students eating - pausing - eating - pausing as they took turns with kinetic and potential.
ENGLISH GRAMMAR: Double negatives to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (Oh you better watch out)
no, not, neither, never, none
nobody, nothing, scarcely, hardly. (use fingers to count with each one until "9" is reached)
These are the
Double (flash both hands twice)
Negatives (quickly move head from right to left like "no")
HISTORY:
Each student was a country. Three Allies stood on one side, with two Central Powers on the other.
The three allies held hands and raised them up in the air.
Fought against - both sides pretended to box
Central Powers - held arms up like showing off muscles
US entered the war - another person joined the Allies and held hands raised in the air
MATH:
Whispering "Shh, Shhh! Secret. Agent! Shh, shhh! Secret. Agent! The Area of a triangle equals one-half base times height." I color-coded the base and height of the triangle to match the B and H of the rule to make it easier for them to understand - but they are 4-6 year olds, so it was just an intro :)
GEOGRAPHY: Middle East
To the tune of Jingle Bells
Middle East, Middle East, Miiiiiiiidle East
Persia, Iraq, Syria, Cyprus, Tuuuuuuuurkey!
(And for presentation time, two students brought some things their dad brought back from his tour in Iraq - how neat!)
LATIN: We sang the Latin song (and for some reason they all seemed to want to practice Latin in review, so we went through most conjugations!).
FINE ARTS: I was so impressed with the creativity of the students! Their landscapes were beautiful! Remember to draw and cut out people and animals to paste to your landscape.
REVIEW: We played Make a Bucket, Roll the Dice, and Timeline Shuffle. This was the first time for this format of Timeline Shuffle - I think it was a hit!
Keep practicing - it shows! Thanks for another great class. I love them all so much!
SCIENCE: Potential (stored energy) & KINETIC (energy of motion)
We walked around like robots and said the science sentence in a robotic voice. In science lab, we experimented with different objects to see how they could at times have potential energy and at times kenetic energy. Then the children played potential/kinetic tag - so funny! When tagged, they said, "POTENTIAL!" and when tagged again, they said, "KINETIC!" It must have worked, because at lunch, we saw two students eating - pausing - eating - pausing as they took turns with kinetic and potential.
ENGLISH GRAMMAR: Double negatives to the tune of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (Oh you better watch out)
no, not, neither, never, none
nobody, nothing, scarcely, hardly. (use fingers to count with each one until "9" is reached)
These are the
Double (flash both hands twice)
Negatives (quickly move head from right to left like "no")
HISTORY:
Each student was a country. Three Allies stood on one side, with two Central Powers on the other.
The three allies held hands and raised them up in the air.
Fought against - both sides pretended to box
Central Powers - held arms up like showing off muscles
US entered the war - another person joined the Allies and held hands raised in the air
MATH:
Whispering "Shh, Shhh! Secret. Agent! Shh, shhh! Secret. Agent! The Area of a triangle equals one-half base times height." I color-coded the base and height of the triangle to match the B and H of the rule to make it easier for them to understand - but they are 4-6 year olds, so it was just an intro :)
GEOGRAPHY: Middle East
To the tune of Jingle Bells
Middle East, Middle East, Miiiiiiiidle East
Persia, Iraq, Syria, Cyprus, Tuuuuuuuurkey!
(And for presentation time, two students brought some things their dad brought back from his tour in Iraq - how neat!)
LATIN: We sang the Latin song (and for some reason they all seemed to want to practice Latin in review, so we went through most conjugations!).
FINE ARTS: I was so impressed with the creativity of the students! Their landscapes were beautiful! Remember to draw and cut out people and animals to paste to your landscape.
REVIEW: We played Make a Bucket, Roll the Dice, and Timeline Shuffle. This was the first time for this format of Timeline Shuffle - I think it was a hit!
Keep practicing - it shows! Thanks for another great class. I love them all so much!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Week 14
Wow! The children really studied this last week. Congrats to parents and students for reviewing this week! Here is a recap of what we covered today - hope it helps as you study this week. Please forgive the typos - I don't have the guide in front of me right now for double checking.
English Grammar (4 Kinds of Sentences)
Chant: ive, ive, ive and an ory - ive, ive, ive and an ory
Declarative (hand out like the "land" we did a few weeks ago
Interrogative (questioning tone with hands out)
Imperative (stern voice, point finger)
Exclamatory (hands up by face, animated/excited face)
History
Which started in 1914 and ended in 1918 (dance with arms up and down)
Clemenceau of France (eiffel tower stance we've used for France all year)
Lloyd George of England (drink tea)
Nicholas II of Russia (hands move up and out, like "HUGE")
Wilheim II of Germany (pretend to steer car, for "Volvo")
and Wilson of the United States (point to floor, as in "right here")
were leaders during World War I (dance with hand in front of eyes, move out/alternate)
Latin
Present Tense - took turns singing different verbs
Science
An acid donates (said silly) a hydrogen atom and a base accepts (higher pitch) a hydrogen atom.
We took turns donating/accepting a present (hydrogen atom)
Math
The area of a square equals length (put both arms out beside body) of its side (lean whole body over on the side so that your head is close to the floor) squared.
Geography - Sung loosely to the tune "Here Comes Santa Claus" I rearranged the order in which we recite them so that we recite them in the order in which they appear on the map
Baltic Europe, Baltic Europe, Estonia
Latvia, Lithuania, East Prussia
And then there's Poland at the bottom of Baltic Europe
Timeline - will (hopefully) get these entered into the Excel sheet and email to you soon.
For Review, we skipped to the Latin Future Tense conjugation and we did ballet to the Latin Present Perfect Tense. We also played a roll the colored dice game - I love seeing their excitement when they get to test an adult! I continue to be amazed at their skill in remembering the timeline cards. Just imagine how much ahead they will be next year!
Thanks for another great week!
As a reminder - we are studying great artists in fine arts, so remember your colored pencils!
Kristyn
English Grammar (4 Kinds of Sentences)
Chant: ive, ive, ive and an ory - ive, ive, ive and an ory
Declarative (hand out like the "land" we did a few weeks ago
Interrogative (questioning tone with hands out)
Imperative (stern voice, point finger)
Exclamatory (hands up by face, animated/excited face)
History
Which started in 1914 and ended in 1918 (dance with arms up and down)
Clemenceau of France (eiffel tower stance we've used for France all year)
Lloyd George of England (drink tea)
Nicholas II of Russia (hands move up and out, like "HUGE")
Wilheim II of Germany (pretend to steer car, for "Volvo")
and Wilson of the United States (point to floor, as in "right here")
were leaders during World War I (dance with hand in front of eyes, move out/alternate)
Latin
Present Tense - took turns singing different verbs
Science
An acid donates (said silly) a hydrogen atom and a base accepts (higher pitch) a hydrogen atom.
We took turns donating/accepting a present (hydrogen atom)
Math
The area of a square equals length (put both arms out beside body) of its side (lean whole body over on the side so that your head is close to the floor) squared.
Geography - Sung loosely to the tune "Here Comes Santa Claus" I rearranged the order in which we recite them so that we recite them in the order in which they appear on the map
Baltic Europe, Baltic Europe, Estonia
Latvia, Lithuania, East Prussia
And then there's Poland at the bottom of Baltic Europe
Timeline - will (hopefully) get these entered into the Excel sheet and email to you soon.
For Review, we skipped to the Latin Future Tense conjugation and we did ballet to the Latin Present Perfect Tense. We also played a roll the colored dice game - I love seeing their excitement when they get to test an adult! I continue to be amazed at their skill in remembering the timeline cards. Just imagine how much ahead they will be next year!
Thanks for another great week!
As a reminder - we are studying great artists in fine arts, so remember your colored pencils!
Kristyn
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Cycle 2 Week 13
What a fun day back! We missed two of our boys - we hope Garret's family feels better next week and we will continue to miss Andrew (and secretly hope he returns to us!)
English Grammar - we did motions as we stated the definition of an Adverb
Adverbs (hold both hands in a "V" with base of palms touching & fingers diagonally up) tell
how (hold both hands out, as in "I don't know"),
when (tap wrist, like a watch),
where (hold circle hands up to eyes, like binoculars),
to what extend (begin with both hands together, then spread apart horizontally),
how often (hold fingers up 1, 2, 3),
how much (begin with both hands together, then lift top hand),
and modify verbs ("V" sign),
adjectives ("A" sign),
or another adverb (hold both hands in a "V" with base of palms touching & fingers diagonaly up)
Science - we did motions as we stated the states of matter
solid (think "rock, paper, scissors" - we did the "rock")
liquid (motion for "water")
gas (both hands lifte up with fingers "playing", like water vapor)
plasma (move body silly, like a silly mirror)
Math - we found various rectangles in the classroom. For each one, we stated the rule "The area of a rectangle equals length times width"). For length, we moved our hands DOWN our body. For width, we put our hands at our waist and stretched out for "width". The students had a tendency to say "width" twice, so please remember to practice this. You may want to give a written cue of "L" as a hint.
Geography - we looked at the compass to determine just WHERE Northern Europe can be found. Then we found Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Netherlands. We "echoed" as we listed. Example: NORWAY, Norway, Norway, SWEDEN, Sweden, Sweden, etc.
History - We did the motions a few times and then the students took turns holding up pictures of a steam engine, power loom, and cotton gin.
Motions:
Watt's Steam Engine (pump arm, like a semi horn),
Cartwright's Power Loom (both arms parrallel to each other in front of body & move back and forth),
and Whitney's Cotton Gin (act like turning something)
spurred the Industrial Revolution (move arms as if wheels of the train)
which began in the 1760's (hold up 7 fingers, then 6 fingers)
Latin - this is the same material as weeks one and two. We tried to take turns listing the conjugated verbs, but we've had a bit of a break so we'll practice a bit more :)
Timeline - I have sent an attached file to your emails with the hand motions. If I can figure out how to attach it to the blog, I will do so.
Presentations - while most of us only remembered at the last minute, I thought the children did really well :) Thank you for observing our "no electronics" policy. For next week, I encourage you to have the children retell an event that has recently occurred. For example, tell about an experience they had in the snow, family they visited for Christmas, etc.
Please remember to send a folder with your child for his/her artwork. We are in the "Great Artists" section of Fine Arts and their "self portraits" were quite interesting today. What a joy to work with this age group!
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Kristyn
English Grammar - we did motions as we stated the definition of an Adverb
Adverbs (hold both hands in a "V" with base of palms touching & fingers diagonally up) tell
how (hold both hands out, as in "I don't know"),
when (tap wrist, like a watch),
where (hold circle hands up to eyes, like binoculars),
to what extend (begin with both hands together, then spread apart horizontally),
how often (hold fingers up 1, 2, 3),
how much (begin with both hands together, then lift top hand),
and modify verbs ("V" sign),
adjectives ("A" sign),
or another adverb (hold both hands in a "V" with base of palms touching & fingers diagonaly up)
Science - we did motions as we stated the states of matter
solid (think "rock, paper, scissors" - we did the "rock")
liquid (motion for "water")
gas (both hands lifte up with fingers "playing", like water vapor)
plasma (move body silly, like a silly mirror)
Math - we found various rectangles in the classroom. For each one, we stated the rule "The area of a rectangle equals length times width"). For length, we moved our hands DOWN our body. For width, we put our hands at our waist and stretched out for "width". The students had a tendency to say "width" twice, so please remember to practice this. You may want to give a written cue of "L" as a hint.
Geography - we looked at the compass to determine just WHERE Northern Europe can be found. Then we found Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Netherlands. We "echoed" as we listed. Example: NORWAY, Norway, Norway, SWEDEN, Sweden, Sweden, etc.
History - We did the motions a few times and then the students took turns holding up pictures of a steam engine, power loom, and cotton gin.
Motions:
Watt's Steam Engine (pump arm, like a semi horn),
Cartwright's Power Loom (both arms parrallel to each other in front of body & move back and forth),
and Whitney's Cotton Gin (act like turning something)
spurred the Industrial Revolution (move arms as if wheels of the train)
which began in the 1760's (hold up 7 fingers, then 6 fingers)
Latin - this is the same material as weeks one and two. We tried to take turns listing the conjugated verbs, but we've had a bit of a break so we'll practice a bit more :)
Timeline - I have sent an attached file to your emails with the hand motions. If I can figure out how to attach it to the blog, I will do so.
Presentations - while most of us only remembered at the last minute, I thought the children did really well :) Thank you for observing our "no electronics" policy. For next week, I encourage you to have the children retell an event that has recently occurred. For example, tell about an experience they had in the snow, family they visited for Christmas, etc.
Please remember to send a folder with your child for his/her artwork. We are in the "Great Artists" section of Fine Arts and their "self portraits" were quite interesting today. What a joy to work with this age group!
Please let me know if you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns.
Kristyn
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Review Ideas
Here's for the first post of the Abecedarian B class :)
I hope you all have enjoyed the break. We had a great time with family and friends. Somehow, I didn't get as caught up as I had planned, though! One thing is for certain - my family should definitely know week 13 with all the practice we've had due to two cancellations :)
I'd like to encourage you to review with your children. Even if you just do two subjects a day, it is enough to keep it fresh in their minds. This will make review time during class go much more smoothly as well.
Here are some ideas we've done during Christmas break:
Concentration with the English Grammar - I listed each week's title (Ex: Nominative Pronouns) on one card and the corresponding list of pronouns on another (I, You, He...). I did this with all the pronoun lists we've learned. We turned the cards over and played concentration. Each time someone turned a card over, we all worked together to remember the pronouns that matched and then we'd turn over another card. This allowed for many practice attempts per pronoun group - and also helped the non-readers listen and learn.
Timeline cards - we'd review the week, then remove two or three and have them guess the missing ones. What really worked well, though, was reviewing and then seeing if they could list the first three or four without the cards present (for readers - I let the nonreaders see the cards). We worked up to them listing all eight for that week without many prompts. Challenging, but effective!
Geography - We'd list the items and then find them on our maps. What was interesting was that in this subject, sometimes the littles helped the older ones! What was also interesting was that I had COMPLETELY forgotten where some of the places were! (RIVERS?!?)
History - mine love to listen to the CD, so we rarely practice this separately. They're even learning some of the future weeks.
Bible - we have not done as good of a job with this as I would have liked. Do you guys have suggestions for memorizing the verses?
Latin - again, mine listen to the memory CD. However, I think I will make concentration cards for this as well. If mine hear the tune, they can finish. But for the Memory test, they won't have that tune to jump start their recitation!
Math - listening to the Memory CD over and over has helped tremendously. Glad I finally put it in the van! I also will stop them as soon as they are incorrect and point out the correct number and start the song over again. I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I'll ever learn the cubes!
Misc - Mine also enjoy playing the Bozo game of throwing a beanbag into a bucket. If they get the question correct, they have a chance to toss the beanbag. Geography - two chances if they get both the list of items AND locations correct. There are three buckets spaced in a vertical line. It is interesting when the person getting all the questions correct has the lowest points because she can't make a bucket!
Each week, I will try to post the latest motions, tunes, etc. so you can come here to find the information. That way, you'll be able find past weeks in one spot instead of trying to sort through a bajilion emails.
Have a great week and hopefully I'll see you Tuesday!
I hope you all have enjoyed the break. We had a great time with family and friends. Somehow, I didn't get as caught up as I had planned, though! One thing is for certain - my family should definitely know week 13 with all the practice we've had due to two cancellations :)
I'd like to encourage you to review with your children. Even if you just do two subjects a day, it is enough to keep it fresh in their minds. This will make review time during class go much more smoothly as well.
Here are some ideas we've done during Christmas break:
Concentration with the English Grammar - I listed each week's title (Ex: Nominative Pronouns) on one card and the corresponding list of pronouns on another (I, You, He...). I did this with all the pronoun lists we've learned. We turned the cards over and played concentration. Each time someone turned a card over, we all worked together to remember the pronouns that matched and then we'd turn over another card. This allowed for many practice attempts per pronoun group - and also helped the non-readers listen and learn.
Timeline cards - we'd review the week, then remove two or three and have them guess the missing ones. What really worked well, though, was reviewing and then seeing if they could list the first three or four without the cards present (for readers - I let the nonreaders see the cards). We worked up to them listing all eight for that week without many prompts. Challenging, but effective!
Geography - We'd list the items and then find them on our maps. What was interesting was that in this subject, sometimes the littles helped the older ones! What was also interesting was that I had COMPLETELY forgotten where some of the places were! (RIVERS?!?)
History - mine love to listen to the CD, so we rarely practice this separately. They're even learning some of the future weeks.
Bible - we have not done as good of a job with this as I would have liked. Do you guys have suggestions for memorizing the verses?
Latin - again, mine listen to the memory CD. However, I think I will make concentration cards for this as well. If mine hear the tune, they can finish. But for the Memory test, they won't have that tune to jump start their recitation!
Math - listening to the Memory CD over and over has helped tremendously. Glad I finally put it in the van! I also will stop them as soon as they are incorrect and point out the correct number and start the song over again. I don't know about you, but I'm not sure I'll ever learn the cubes!
Misc - Mine also enjoy playing the Bozo game of throwing a beanbag into a bucket. If they get the question correct, they have a chance to toss the beanbag. Geography - two chances if they get both the list of items AND locations correct. There are three buckets spaced in a vertical line. It is interesting when the person getting all the questions correct has the lowest points because she can't make a bucket!
Each week, I will try to post the latest motions, tunes, etc. so you can come here to find the information. That way, you'll be able find past weeks in one spot instead of trying to sort through a bajilion emails.
Have a great week and hopefully I'll see you Tuesday!
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