thoughts on today and assignments for 11/14/08

Hello Families,

As usual, I'm breathless after spending the day with your children. We missed Chloe and prayed for her today. Mrs. Stokes (Riddock's mom) was our helper. She didn't feel well but was a real trooper and helped out in so many ways. Many, many thanks!

We started our day with a discussion of Veteran's Day and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. None of the students knew what a veteran was. We chased a few rabbit trails in our discussion but ended by being aware that the freedoms we enjoy in the USA are enjoyed because many have served in the military to keep us free.

In Bible, Elizabeth visited our room and read to us about her husband, Zacharius, being struck dumb when he was told that they would have a son in their old age. We enjoyed this story by candlelight for "mood". In Latin, it was stump Mrs. Tkach, again. I'm doing pretty good--not many could stump me. We started Lesson 8 and looked at derivatives.

History was a great learning time. We looked at a book about Versailles that was full of pictures we enjoyed. Once again, we split up and learned facts about The Sun King and then quizzed each other over what we learned. Grammar was tough. We learned that some pronouns tell WHO, while others tell WHOM. These are two important lessons that will need some concentrated work at home.

In literature, we always enjoy the swords. We did a couple of thought questions where we examined scenes from the book and applied them to our own lives. It was light-hearted and fun to hear about secrets and telling lies! During science we took a walk and looked for different rock specimans. It was nice to be outdoors and to be scientist! We will look further at our rocks next week to see if we can tell which of the three major kinds of rocks they are.

We ended the day making masks that could be worn to a fancy ball at Versailles. I brought in a couple that belong to my daughters that were our models. I hope they arrived home in one piece.

Next week we will celebrate a Thanksgiving Feast on Friday with the 4th and 5th grade class. Half of my class should dress as an Indian and the other half as a pilgrim. Here are your students assigned roles:
Chloe--pilgrim Gamaliel--Indian
Amelia--pilgrim Woods--Indian
Riddock--pilgrim Sarah--Indian
Abby--pilgrim Kirsten--Indian

If you have an amazing costume that is the opposite of what you were assigned, contact one of your classmates to trade with you. Sound okay? Let me know.

Enjoy learning this week and I will see you Friday as we bid farewell to our brave Musketeers!

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar: 3rd: review lesson 37 carefully on page 96
--complete exercise A, B, and "Singular and Plural"
--review lesson 38 on page 98
--compelte ex. A and B and "Writing Sentences with Pronouns"

2nd: read lesson 2 of Unit 3 on page 128
--complete Oral Drill with Mom orally
--complete "For You To Do"
--read lesson 3 of Unit 3
--complete ex. B #2--5

Literature:--finish reading the book

History: read chapter 14
--mapwork
--optional color page
--choose an option: (1) answer review questions or (2) write a narration on ch. 14
--decorate another kind of Versailles mask and cut it out. Use what you have at home, markers, crayons, pencils, etc. We'll attach sticks in class next time as we share.

Science:--explain to your parents the three kinds of rocks and how they are made. Tell them how our sugar crystals tasted.

Latin:--review lesson 8
--complete page 40

Bible:--read ch. 2 and 3 on page 264--267
--write this beautiful Christmas story in your own words in a narration to read in class next week.