Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best. John C. Maxwell
Next week is either Pajama Day or Wacky Tacky Day for those who want to participate.
Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review of what took place in class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.
Math:
Algebra ½ Students: Another great day of Math!!! You guys are the best! Keep up the good work. I know many are behind on the tests, but you'll have an opportunity to play catch up in December. So do the best you can for now. This week complete Lessons 25 - 28.
Logic:
Okay, for many, the quiz was a bit overwhelming due to lack of studying. Several told me that they actually FORGOT we were having a quiz!!! We discussed Lessons 19 and 20 during class and you are to complete Exercises 18 and 19. The text book is a bit confusing about the Lessons and Exercises.
Literature:
Of course, there were some amazing papers on The Hiding Place. This week we're reading A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal 1830 - 1832.
History of Science:
WOW!!! Several of you brought in some great experiments for your Michael Faraday projects. It's really great to see you guys help one another and team up. Many were able to explain to those whose experiments weren't successful what was actually going on. Good Job!!!! This week it Samuel Morse and the Morse Code. Hopefully we'll be able to send messages back and forth using his "dot dash" system. I'll post a copy of the Morse Code later this week so you can practice.
Current Events:
Without fail, this group does an great job with debate! We're fine tuning some things but I cannot say enough about how proud I am of you!!! This week it's "Should Women Be Allowed in Combat in the Military."
Latin:
We discussed several charts that were disbursed during class and practiced changing the endings of words to change their cases. I expect to see the charts filled out next week and our being able to plug in any word from the vocabulary to date and parse it using them. It would be helpful if you put them, along with the others, in a notebook or in your Guide for easy access at home and during class. Complete Lessons 15 - 16 this week as well. Remember, Latin is a memory subject. There's no way around it!!! You should spend at least 15 - 20 minutes practicing the vocabulary; another 10 - 15 minutes working on your charts; and another 10 - 15 minutes reviewing rules and/or completing the lessons assigned. It's the only way to master it.
Enjoy the week and weekend and don't hesitate to call, text or email me if you need me.
Blessings and Love,
Ms. Sharon
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Week 6 Updates and Assignments
The Creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do. Orison Swett Marden
You can do ALL things through Christ and His anointing which strengthens you! Philippians 4:13
Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review what takes place in the class and give a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.
Math: Algebra ½ Students: We discussed Lessons 21 - 24 and there didn't seem to be any problems or major concerns. Complete those lessons as well as this week's test.
Logic: Things are really starting to flow with the Logic for most. The discussions seem to really be flowing well and they seem to have grasped the information. This week they are to complete the Exercises for lessons 15 - 18 and prepare for a quiz on Unit 2 next week. If they complete the Review Questions on pages 97 and 98 they should not have any problems. However, if they are struggling with any Lesson have them complete the Additional Exercises for the Lessons on pages 99 - 105). They may not need to complete each one, but it will give a detailed review for each Lesson we've covered.
Literature: We discussed The Hiding Place today. This week’s assignment is a writing assignment based upon the Guide, page 28. There are several questions that they are asked to discuss in the paper. Some can be combined into one paragraph; other will need a separate paragraph. I’ve asked that they use the Writing Checklist for this paper and to attach a copy of it.
History of Science: The posters for Linnaeus we really great. Thanks for all the hard work. This week it's Michael Faraday and electromagnetism. Page 57 outlines the assignment. It includes a paper and an experiment. Again, several points are to be covered in the paper. Some may be combined into one paragraph, but others will need a separate one. I'm looking forward to them demonstrating the experiment in class.
Current Events: We are really growing in debate. Some seem to put in a bit more work than others. As I reminded them, their efforts to participate, research and support one another in Current Events will help decide who plays which roles in Mock Trial next semester. Those willing to go the extra mile in terms of research; studying their opponents perspective; and listen to their opponent's statements to gain insight for rebuttal and such will most likely play key roles in Mock Trial. This week, we decided to debate raising the age for acquiring a driver's license to 18.
Latin: We practiced the Noun Declension Charts and tried to tie it into parsing. Study Chapters 13 (a Review Chapter) and 14 this week. Continue to practice the charts for 1st & 2nd Declension (including Masculine and Neuter) as well as the Adjective Charts and 1st & 2nd Conjugation. In order to master them, they should be practiced every day along with the vocabulary.
Enjoy the week and weekend. Call, text or email me if you need me.
Blessings,
Ms. Sharon
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Week 5 Updates
"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." Ralph Waldo Emerson
Math: Algebra ½ Students: Things are moving very well and everyone seems to be on top of things. Continue the good work! This week we discussed Lessons 17 - 20.
Logic: Amazing breakthrough day today!!! I think everyone seems to be on track and the lights are coming on with Logic!!! We discussed Lessons 12 - 14 and everyone seemed to get it.
Literature: Great papers on The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The depth and insight of these kids goes far beyond their age level to say the least!!! This week we're reading The Hiding Place. It may take a bit longer to read this one so don't procrastinate.
History of Science: Everyone did a good job with the note cards. This week they're working on charts based on Linnaeus's classification system. Details are on page 57 of the Guide. They are to choose either a plant or animal and the chart should be brief, not overly detailed.
Current Events: We truly have a group of budding young debaters in this group!!! Great job!!!! Not everyone pulled their weight or actually did the research to help support their teams, but I'm sure that will be corrected this week. This week it's a debate on banning civilian's rights to own assault weapons.
Latin: I must say, according to last week's assessment, most of the group doesn't seem to have a problem with the vocabulary. However completing the Verb Conjugation and Noun Declension charts is a different story. It's important to really drill these charts everyday as they do the vocabulary. I will post or email a revised copy of the Noun Declension Chart and Adjective Chart for practice at home. This week work on Chapters 11 and 12. We will spend most of the class working on charts and beginning parsing.
Enjoy your weekend and don’t hesitate to call me if you need me.
Ms. Sharon
Thursday, September 9, 2010
How to Properly Debate - Tips to Remember
What is a debate?
A debate involves a discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. Debating successfully is all about using argument and persuasion to convince other people that your views are right.
Debating tips
· Research the subject, so that you have facts to back up your views. Each team will have 5 - 7 minutes of uninterrupted time to to state their position. Therefore you will need to choose your primary spokesperson to do this.
· Think about what the counter arguments are likely to be, so that you can work out your case in advance. You will have about 3 minutes after each position is stated to confer and prepare your rebuttals to the statements made. The "con side" will be allowed 3 minutes to rebute and then the "pro side" will be given the same 3 minutes.
· Be open minded and prepared to change your opinion.
· Don't get drawn into personal attacks.
· Stick to the subject being debated.
Strategy Reminders/Tips:
(1) - You are always right - no matter what you really believe, if you want to win then you have to know that what ever you say is correct and your opposition is always wrong.
(2) - Strong central argument - after you make each point link it back to your teams case. This makes the whole team look more prepared and gets big marks.
(3) - Rebut - if they have an incorrect fact, rebut it. If they do not link back to their teams case, rebut it. If they give an example that has no relevence, rebut it. Remember, the opposition is always wrong.
(4) - If you need more time, summerize - a good summery not only gets good points, it also increases your time. If you go under time you lost points and the same occurs if you go over. Try to find a balance.
(5) - Never insult the opposition - no matter how much you want to, don't! If you want to insult something, do it to their argument. Don't use personal attacks if you want to win.
(6) - Have passion - believe in what you are saying and you probably will win. Speak from the heart, but also use logic and academic research.
Keep it clean!
This is your opportunity to debate the issues that matter to you with your peers, so do not spoil this opportunity by using childish or abusive comments.
Have Your Say, but do so respectfully.
Ms. Sharon
A debate involves a discussion of the pros and cons of an issue. Debating successfully is all about using argument and persuasion to convince other people that your views are right.
Debating tips
· Research the subject, so that you have facts to back up your views. Each team will have 5 - 7 minutes of uninterrupted time to to state their position. Therefore you will need to choose your primary spokesperson to do this.
· Think about what the counter arguments are likely to be, so that you can work out your case in advance. You will have about 3 minutes after each position is stated to confer and prepare your rebuttals to the statements made. The "con side" will be allowed 3 minutes to rebute and then the "pro side" will be given the same 3 minutes.
· Be open minded and prepared to change your opinion.
· Don't get drawn into personal attacks.
· Stick to the subject being debated.
Strategy Reminders/Tips:
(1) - You are always right - no matter what you really believe, if you want to win then you have to know that what ever you say is correct and your opposition is always wrong.
(2) - Strong central argument - after you make each point link it back to your teams case. This makes the whole team look more prepared and gets big marks.
(3) - Rebut - if they have an incorrect fact, rebut it. If they do not link back to their teams case, rebut it. If they give an example that has no relevence, rebut it. Remember, the opposition is always wrong.
(4) - If you need more time, summerize - a good summery not only gets good points, it also increases your time. If you go under time you lost points and the same occurs if you go over. Try to find a balance.
(5) - Never insult the opposition - no matter how much you want to, don't! If you want to insult something, do it to their argument. Don't use personal attacks if you want to win.
(6) - Have passion - believe in what you are saying and you probably will win. Speak from the heart, but also use logic and academic research.
Keep it clean!
This is your opportunity to debate the issues that matter to you with your peers, so do not spoil this opportunity by using childish or abusive comments.
Have Your Say, but do so respectfully.
Ms. Sharon
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Week 4 Updates
"The only difference between your abilities and others is the ability to put yourself in their shoes and actually try."
Leonardo Ruiz, Student
Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review what takes place in the class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.
Math: Algebra ½ Students: We’re still in review mode. Complete the problems for Lessons 13 – 16 as well as this week’s test.
Logic: We discussed some of the issues concerning the Logic today and their understanding of it. For the most part, everyone agrees that the struggles on the last quiz (which will be thrown out by the way) had to do with the lack of studying and preparation, not difficulty with the subject overall. Lessons 9 – 11 were covered in class today. Complete the exercises for these lessons at home. Don’t forget to “preview” the upcoming lessons, 12 - 14.
Literature: We discussed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe today along with all of its symbolism. This week’s assignment is a writing assignment based upon the Guide, page 26. I’ve asked that they use the Writing Checklist for this paper and to attach a copy of it.
History of Science: Great work on Kepler. We had several students that were able to demonstrate the three laws using their drawings and the dry erase board. This week see page 56 of the Guide for an explanation of the 20 note cards for Pascal.
Current Events: This is truly an amazing group!!! They did a great job researching death penalty issues and discussing them. We touched a bit on how to actually debate a topic with some of the points they brought up. Next week is actually our first debate. The topic and premise is the pros and cons of Facebook. They’ve been divided into teams so they should research accordingly. I will post a video from “Youtube” that will actually demonstrate the proper way to debate on the blog before the week’s out.
Latin: I’m going to use the tests taken today as an assessment to see how the class is doing overall. For the most part, most are doing fairly well. However, it’s important to study the vocabulary and simply memorize the declension and conjugation charts each day. Each one should have a copy of the practice charts I distributed in class.
Enjoy your weekend and don’t hesitate to call me if you need me.
Ms. Sharon
Leonardo Ruiz, Student
Remember, the Guide outlines all of the assignments, what follows is an update/review what takes place in the class and gives a quick glance into the upcoming assignments.
Math: Algebra ½ Students: We’re still in review mode. Complete the problems for Lessons 13 – 16 as well as this week’s test.
Logic: We discussed some of the issues concerning the Logic today and their understanding of it. For the most part, everyone agrees that the struggles on the last quiz (which will be thrown out by the way) had to do with the lack of studying and preparation, not difficulty with the subject overall. Lessons 9 – 11 were covered in class today. Complete the exercises for these lessons at home. Don’t forget to “preview” the upcoming lessons, 12 - 14.
Literature: We discussed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe today along with all of its symbolism. This week’s assignment is a writing assignment based upon the Guide, page 26. I’ve asked that they use the Writing Checklist for this paper and to attach a copy of it.
History of Science: Great work on Kepler. We had several students that were able to demonstrate the three laws using their drawings and the dry erase board. This week see page 56 of the Guide for an explanation of the 20 note cards for Pascal.
Current Events: This is truly an amazing group!!! They did a great job researching death penalty issues and discussing them. We touched a bit on how to actually debate a topic with some of the points they brought up. Next week is actually our first debate. The topic and premise is the pros and cons of Facebook. They’ve been divided into teams so they should research accordingly. I will post a video from “Youtube” that will actually demonstrate the proper way to debate on the blog before the week’s out.
Latin: I’m going to use the tests taken today as an assessment to see how the class is doing overall. For the most part, most are doing fairly well. However, it’s important to study the vocabulary and simply memorize the declension and conjugation charts each day. Each one should have a copy of the practice charts I distributed in class.
Enjoy your weekend and don’t hesitate to call me if you need me.
Ms. Sharon
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