"Our Day" and assignments for 12/5/08

Dear Families,

We had an action-packed day. Two of our students were hurt over the holiday and we prayed for their speedy recovery. Amelia hobbled around in a cast and Gamaliel is still a bit swollen from a blow to his chin that landed him in the ER. Ya'll be careful! Mrs. Stokes was our helper and was a great assistant. Many thanks!

In Bible we ate locusts with honey after discussing John the Baptist. In Latin many tried to recite the Doxology and did quite well. History was interesting as we watched a Magic School Bus video about motion and friction (thanks to Isaac Newton!) We also did a John Locke experiment after discussing some of his ideas on philosophy and politics. Your student will get to complete this experiment at home. We ended the day with another Newton experiment by dropping two different sized balls from a high point. It was interesting to note they arrived at the same time in spite of their differing mass. We discussed the scientific method and tossed around the idea of completing a class science project in the spring just to walk through the whole process that originated with 'our man'--Isaac Newton.

Grammar is still parked on pronouns and we are plodding through. Sarah suggested a play for the 4th/5th grade class in which we make grammatical errors for them to catch. Mmmm--we'll see. . . (It sure would liven up a dry subject!)

Literature was a big hit. Ask your student about literary genre'. They know. We discussed our books so far and decided what genre' they would each fall into. We're excited to be starting A Christmas Carol which is from the fantasy genre'. We took turns creating fantasy stories about our favorite toys and sharing them. Your children made me so proud!!! They came home in their folders. I LOVE this book and I hope it will be a treasure for years to come. We have some fun activities to do with it.

Your scientist should be able to explain the two types of igneous rocks and several details about them. We split into 3 groups and examined three samples and determined what kind of rock we had by using our lab manual. I always feel I'm pounding facts into their heads during science when they are already anxious to be going home. I hope they retain the knowledge. We may switch our schedule up a little to see if we can use our fresher brains on some of these subjects that usually are at low-interest times.

Enjoy two great days of learning. Remember we only have 3 class days until we break for Christmas. Let's finish 2008 strong, academically. Until next time. . .

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:

Grammar: 3rd: review lesson 46 on page 113
--complete exercise A, B, and C on page 114
--review lesson 47 on page 115
--complete exercise A, numbers 1 and 2
--complete Review and Practice
2nd: read Unit 3 Lesson 6
--complete Oral Drill with Mom
--complete exercise A
--read Unit 3 Lesson 7
--complete Oral Drill with Mom
--complete exercise A

Literature:
--look over vocabulary sheets
--pick one of the words not defined and use it to complete the "Helpful Hints" page
--look up and define the words not defined on the vocab sheet (put "see attached" beside the word you used for "Helpful Hints")
--read through page 25/discuss the different "moods" these pages put you in

History:
--mapwork
--optional color page
--produce two narrations on ch. 16. The first half on Newton is due Friday. The second part on Scientific Farming will not be due until next Tuesday.
--for the John Locke part of this chapter, read through the directions for the "Science Project: Examine John Locke's Philosophy". Have your student tell you about the sweetness part we did in class. Conduct the selflessness part at home and list the four acts you actually did on paper to share in class.

Science:
--review lab with parents
--be able to explain the differences in extrusive igneous rocks and intrusive igneous rocks
--NOTE: Your student will receive a study guide on Friday which we will go over in class. There will be a quiz on 12/9.

Latin:
--finish completing page 48
--finish making flashcards of Lesson 6 through 10. Be sure to include practical Latin terms. For vocab from lesson 8 on page 39, include English derivatives on the same side as the Latin word. Bring these to class on Friday.

Bible:
--answer review questions over lesson 8 (which we read in class)
--read chapter 9