Presentation

Oops,

If you do not have the list of presentations, please let me know so I can send it out again. 

Just a reminder on the presentation next week:  Recite a poem
Choose any kind of poem. It can be funny or serious. Memorize as much as you can and use notes only if needed. Remember to enhance your recitation with expression and gestures.

We also talked about the 3-second rule before beginning and when ending the speech.  A speech technique called "blocking" was also reviewed.  In simple terms, it involves using the space on the floor to present information about the topic.  It is not pacing.  The speaker will move to one location and say some facts.  Then move again.  It is not pacing.  It does provide interest to the listener.  Any questions or comments, please feel free to see me at lunch.

Denise

Hey Guys.

This past Tuesday as I introduced the science fact and I briefly stated the the reasons of importance of the stem, leaves, and roots.  The information I shared is in the Everything You Need to Know About Science Homework book and is a great way to go deeper with the science history facts.  (There is a similiar book for World History too.)  In a brief summary, the book mentioned the following:
- the leaves being the plant's food factory,
- stems the water and food highway with xylem tissues transfering water and minerals from the soil upward from the roots and phloem tissues transporting the food from the leaves to the stem to the growing parts of the plant
- roots being anchors, absorbers, and providing storage for sugar and starch.
We also drew flowers, discussed parts, and discussed pollination.

We are continuing to trace and draw Africa, Europe, and Asia.  I have stressed to the kids that in class this time is not for perfection, but to get an overall understanding of where the countries are on the map that we are studying this year. 

Lastly, the tin whistle....I truly have struggled with the coordination of my fingers on this instrument.  Fortunately, your kids are doing fine.  Probably an age thing!!!
It would be wonderful for your kids to practice "Jingle Bells" at home.  There is not enough time to move very quickly with this task in class.  Any at home practice would be very beneficial. 
Also, here are the notes for "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Another great tune to work on at home....our practice time in class would move more systematically if the kids are able to practice this as well.  However, no pressure!!!! 

We Wish You a Merry Christmas
D G GA G F E E
E A AB A G F D
D B BC B A G E
D D E A F G

See ya Tuesday.  Denise

brief meeting tomorrow @ lunch parents

Hey guys.

Please let me know if you can meet briefly after class to discuss a few exciting changes in our class.  Know this is last minute.  This is for the parents only.  Thanks, Denise

Tin Whistles

Hey Guys,

Tomorrow is the tin whistle.  Please bring to class. 

Have your kids review CC.  Pay special attention to geography and Latin.  We will play review games before lunch.  Please let me know if your kids will not be around after lunch.  We will plan to ice cream after they have lunch. 

See ya tomorrow. 

prepositions

Hey Guys,

I introduced the girls, who already know the preposition song, to a few extra prepositions. 

There is a list of these type of prepositions on the CC Trivium Tables for Grammar under prepositions.  The ones I showed this past week were:

except for
along with
away from

Just thought I would let you know.
Have a great weekend.
Denise

Week 7

Hey Guys,

Next weeks presentation is a biography and famoous speech.  Introduce the person whose speech you are giving for the first minute.  You may pretend to be the historical character or simply tell about him or her.  Then for 2 minutes recite the famous speech that your historical character gave.

We start tin whistles this next 6 weeks.  Don't forget them.

If you would like a copy of the hand motions for timeline, please e-mail me if you have either purchased a new Foundations book or purchased the timeline cards.

Have a great week.  Your kids did great today....consider a commitment to memory master.  They really know it well!

Denise

wet erase markers

One more item....

I would like to use wet erase markers on the maps.  Please let me know by e-mail if you have one that your daughter can use in class.  We use them at home, and they are easy clean-up.  Thanks, Denise

Week 6

Hey Guys,

Hope you had a wonderful break and enjoyed this fall weather. 

This week's presentation is to show how to do something. 

We will do review of the first 6 weeks.  If you have time, have your daughter review geography tomorrow.  We will play a game to review geography on Tuesday.  It should be fun!

See ya then!  Denise