reflections on today and assignments for 11/21/08

Hello!

We had a nice day of learning. We had a different cloud, though. Chloe was better and back with us but we missed Riddock. We prayed for you and hope to see you Friday. Mrs. Hatchell was a big help throughout the day--many thanks!

In Bible we discussed the story and illustrated it on black paper with chalk--hopefully these made it home for you to admire. In Latin, we are learning to count--only to five this week. I was stumped a few times today. I'll have to practice more!

We had science early and joined the 4th and 5th grade for this subject. We conducted a lab in which we acted out the process of producing igneous rocks. By the time our lava cooled at the end of the day, we got to eat it! It tasted alot like fudge!!! In history we made beaded head bands like the Wampanoag Indians wore. We also read several stories from Indian legends. Grammar included a new lesson on using commas and more review on knowing the difference in using pronouns that answer "Who?" and "Whom?" Your student picked one of the similes we found in the story and illustrated it. Have them share these with you.

Our Thanksgiving feast should be lots of fun. It will be at 12:30 until 1:45 on Friday. I hope your costumes are just as you want them. Remember, this is for fun and learning. Paper costumes are great! Here are the sign up assignments:
Stone and McNeal-----------turkey
Langehans------------------dressing
Hatchell--------------------corn
Wollwerth-------------------dessert and rolls
Stokes-----------------------tea
Avera-----------------------green beans

It has been suggested that you bring enough to feed about 15 because of parents and younger siblings. I know we will have a great time.

Have two great days of learning!
love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar:3rd--review lesson 42 on page 105
--complete ex. A on page 106 and Review and Practice on pg. 107
--review lesson 43 on page 107
--complete ex. A # 1--5
--complete ex. B

2nd--read Unit 2, Lesson 6
--complete "For You To Do"
--read Unit 2, Lesson 7
--complete "For You To Do"

Literature:
--read through Squanto again
--choose two of the following sentences, copy it, explain what it means in your own words and use your imagination to illustrate the meaning of the sentence
--repeat the process with your second sentence
1. Only six winters have passed, but so many things have changed.
2. Smith had learned much from dealing with other Indians in the summer land of Virgina.
3. Soon we were crossing the wide salt waters.
4. English ships often sailed toward the sunset.
5. Our memories of each other were like the taste of good water.
6. I will speak them again when my own feet climb the highest mountain and I walk the Road of Stars to greet them.
7. They gave him small water, biscuits and butter, pudding and cheese.
8. In the moons that followed, there was much work to be done.
9. I told them when it was the Moon of Hoeing.
The point of this exercise is to learn and appreciate some of these colorful sayings. There are no right or wrong answers. Put down what you think Squanto was trying communicate. (We discussed most of these in class.)

History:--finish reading chapter 15
--produce a narration on these two sections (be sure it is in your OWN words)

Science:--review lab at home with parents
Igneous Rock Recipe
2/3 cup evap milk
1/4 t salt
1 1/2 cups semisweet choc chips
1 1/2 cu gran sugar
2 T butter
2 cups min marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
Combine sugar, milk, butter, and salt in saucepan. Bring to a full boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil, stirring constantly for five minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in marsh, choc, and vanilla. Stir aggressively for one minute or until marshmallows are melted. Pour into baking pan and refrigerate for two hours or until you new fudge rock is cooled!

Latin:--complete pages 44 and 45 (so we won't have any latin homework over the holiday!)

Bible:--read chapter 5 and 6
--choose either to write a narration about the events in these two chapters or SERIOUSLY (nothing silly) illustrate in story-board (like a comic strip) form the sequence of events in these two chapters

Our Friday. . .and assignments for 11/18/08

Dear Families,

Is anyone besides me feeling the holiday stress already trying to creep in?!?!? You would have enjoyed Bible with our class today. The children shared their Christmas Story Narrations, written in their own words and from their hearts. We all agreed that we're ready for Christmas and can't wait!

We had a great day of learning. The only cloud was that our Chloe was still out. I heard from her Mom and she is fighting an illness. We prayed for her twice today and hope to see her Tuesday. Mrs. Debi Gant was our helper and is a HUGE help. Many, many thanks.

We listened to a couple GRIMM fairy tales. It was interesting to note the differences in these and the Disney versions we are use to. We reflected on THE THREE MUSKETEERS and bid them adieau. Grammar went well as we are cementing the proper use of pronouns in our minds. I told them how a lot of the upper grades are struggling with grammar and promised that if they would be diligent now, they would reap the benefits.

Ask you child to tell you about my Latin Twister game. We looked further at our rocks in science and have a small assignment for home. The Thanksgiving Feast is next Friday. Look for an e-mail from me by tomorrow letting you know how you can help with the food. I hope the costume assignments are going well.

Enjoy a breath of stillness before the holidays descend on us and spend some calm time with your child.

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar:3rd--read lesson 39 on page 100
--complete ex. A & B
--complete ex. B in "Review and Practice"
--at parent's discretion complete lesson 40
--read lesson 41 VERY CAREFULLY
--complete ex. A,B, and C

2nd--read Unit 3 lesson 4
--complete "For You To Do" and "More Practice and Review"
--at parent's discretion do lesson 5 review--nothing to turn in

Literature:
--read Squanto's Journey (We'll read it through twice)
--locate one simile (remember it will compare two things using "like" or "as") write it down
--make a list of all the names Squanto uses to refer to God

History:
Note: I had an activity planned with the Prussian Flag that we ran out of time to do. If you want your child to complete it at home, here are the directions: 1. Color these parts yellow: the beak of the eagle, the letters FR on the breast of the eagle (for Frederick Rex), the scepter and the orb in the eagle's claws (the orb symbolizes the earth), and the spokes of the crown 2. Color the "cloth" portion of the crown red 3. The body of the eagle is black. (this is optional)
--read first section of ch. 15
--complete mapwork
--optional color page
--either write a narration on this section or answer review questions

Science:
--review lab with parents
--on the next page after Rock Lab #2 that we filled out today follow these instructions: Try to decide how your rock was made and what it went through to get to where it was found. Write your rock's life story on lab page #2.

Latin:
--If you did not finish in class, complete page 41
--make flash cards for the vocab words in lessons 6, 7, and 8. For 8, we need to memorize the derivatives as well. I suggest listing on them on the same side as the Latin word. Our next test will be 12/9/08

Bible:
--read chapter 4 in the New Testament part of our book

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.

reflections on today and assignments for 11/11/08

Hello Parents,

We had a great day of learning. The foam swords were back so, once again, I was voted the best teacher ever!!! Mrs. Sanders was our assistant and helped so much. Many thanks.

We always have great discussions. Your children have deep thoughts and are anxious to share them. I hope they are as open with you as they are in class. Take time to listen to them. Behavior is improving and we are on our way to the next pizza party! Yeah!

I have a houseful of teenagers and they're anxious for their turn on the computer so I must be brief. Enjoy your children this weekend and I will see them on Tuesday!

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar: 3rd: review lesson 34 on page 90
--complete ex B
--at parent's discretion, complete lesson 35
--review lesson 36, page 94
--complete ex A and B on page 95

2nd: read Unit 2, lesson 3
--complete ex A under "More Practice and Review"
--read Unit 2, lesson 4
--complete ex A under "More Practice and Review"
--read Unit 3, Lesson 1
--complete "For You To Do" #2--5

Literature:
--tell your parents about our discussion and comparison of Noah and D'Artagnan as regards their faith and perseverance
--read chapter 9, 10, 11

History:
--read chapter 13
--complete mapwork
--optional color page
--produce a narration on ch. 13

Science:
--tell your parents about our lab and what we are growing

Bible:
--finish reading Ps 119:89--end

Latin:
--review lesson 7
--complete page 37

thoughts on today and assignments for 11/7/08

Dear Families,

I feel breathless after a busy day. We had fun, learned, and were kind to one another. Many thanks to Amelia's mom, Mrs. Amy, for helping us. She was great!

Somehow I got us off on Bible lessons, so we won't start the New Testament until next week. We enjoyed sharing our favorite Bible stories today. We are pressing on in Latin and are continuing to learn more and more Latin nouns. This seems to be one of our favorite subjects. Grammar is . . .well. . . . .grammar. We concentrated on knowing when a word needs just a "s" for becoming plural and when it needs an " 's " to show possession.

History was interesting--we were all glad to be back studying European history even if it was about a civil war in England. We studied some fact cards that came out of the chapter and then quizzed each other on them. Mrs. Amy put these together and made copies. This can serve as a narration on this part of the chapter. Also, I included a couple of sheets for you to read when you have time. These are suggestions that come from the front of the SOTW Activity Guide that I use. Alot of it may not be applicable but there are some great hints for helping your child with the narrations.

Everyone loves The Three Musketeers! We learned some sword movements from an article on fencing that I brought in. See if your child can show you these three positions: 1. On Guard 2. lunge and 3. parry. I brought in some great foam swords for us to use throughout our study of this book. We discussed the events so far and made a rough picture sequence of some of the adventures in the first chapters. Also we completed a pre-reading activity sheet together.

Science finished our day as we applied "force" and changed a sedimentary rock into a metamorphic rock. Ask you scientist about it!

Enjoy learning with your students over the next two days.

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar:--3rd
--review lesson 32 on page 86
--complete exercises A and B
--review lesson 33 on page 88
--complete exercises A and B

2nd
--read lesson 17 on page 158
--complete #1--5 of "For You To Do"
--complete #1--5 of "More Practice and Review"
--read lesson 18 on page 160
--complete Oral Drill orally with Mom
--read lesson 19 on page 162
--complete ex. A on pg. 163
--complete handout sheet

Literature:
--show parents fencing positions
--read ch. 5,6,7 and 8

History:
--mapwork
--optional color page
--use class info as your narration after quizzing your family on the facts we discussed in class
--read the rest of ch. 12

Science:
--go over the science handout sheet about testing rocks for hardness
--We will not be conducting Mineral Lab #6 in class. Feel free to do this one at home and bring it in to show the class if your student so desires.

Latin:
--review lesson 7
--complete page 36

Bible:
--read Psalm 119:1--88
--try keeping a tally of how many times the Psalmist talks about listening to God's Word (Note: statutes, precepts, commandments, law, judgements, etc. are all words that also refer to God's Word)

reflections on 10/31/08 and assignments for 11/4/08

Dear Families,

We had such a great day! Someone was praying for us and I want to find out who 'cause their prayers are the kind that get answered. We had Mrs. Kerry Cook assisting us which is awesome because she doesn't even have a child in our class. She was great--many thanks!

We wrapped up our study of the Old Testament with a healthy discussion. Latin proceeded smoothly and we are anxious to add the Doxology to our list of Latin prayers we've memorized. History was most interesting as we learned together about India. I've heard from several of you how hard the chapter on Japan and China was to do a narration on. I'm sorry for that. I've included another option for this chapter on India. Instead of a narration, there are review questions your student can opt to answer. I hope this helps homework run more smoothly.

We had a great time saying good-bye to Mr. Revere and I. We remembered some of our favorite parts, illustrated more chapters for our own book and talked about an important lesson. The one in Romans 8:28. We serve such an awesome God that He can take bad things that happen and bring good from them. We reflected on the bad voyage Sherry had to the New World and the hard time at the glue factory and how she ended up so much happier because these bad things had been a part of making her the free horse and friend of Mr. Paul Revere. Today as we illustrated, I read the the Wadsworth poem The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. I wanted them exposed to it and we will touch on it again later in history.

We had a great lesson on plurals in grammar and finished our testing of minerals in science. Your children were exposed to the process of identifying minerals and rocks. We weren't real precise, but they learned alot about the process. We finished the day by making rakhi bracelets made in India to bring good luck. Also, we went outside and played a game called kabbaddda that exercised your lungs! It is a village game also played in India. Lastly, we were exposed to the elaborate theatrical performances from this part of the world by watching a scene from The King and I. It's at the library to borrow in VHS form. I think they are all interested in finishing it.

We enjoyed our celebration pizza party and some treats brought in by classmates, Mrs. Nicole (or was that Minnie Mouse?) and Mrs. Fowler who stepped in at the end of the day and helped things run even smoother.

Love to all and enjoy this crisp weather!
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar--3rd--review lesson 31 on page 84
--complete ex A and B on page 85
--complete "Using Singular and Plural Nouns"

2nd--read lesson 16 of Unit 3
--write the answers to "Oral Drill"
--read through the sheet sent home and complete exercise A only

Literature: NOTE: The Three Musketeers, which is our next selection, was chosen to keep our students in touch with literature set all over the world. Sometimes these abridged versions have to slice out alot of the literary devices we'd love to expose our children to. It will be great for our children to hear this adventure but we will hit it fast. We have two great books waiting for us for the holidays. My plan is to just have you read at home; there won't be any exercises to do. We will be reading large portions, though. This should proceed fast because the reading level of this book is alot easier than the last. With all that said:
--read through page 35 of The Three Musketeers

History: --Choose on option: 1. produce a narration on ch. 11 or 2. answer review questions
--read "Charles Loses His Head" of chapter 12 (pg. 115--top of page 119)

Science:--review our lab with parents
--tell them about the tests we conducted on our minerals: color, streak, hardness, luster, crystal shape

Latin:--review lesson 6
--complete page 33

Bible:--choose an option: 1. complete homework sheet pg. 199 (use a KJV) or 2. write a narration on ch. 110

reflections on 10/28/08 and assignments for 10/31

Good Afternoon Families!

We had a good day in our temporary setting. The room was bigger and more kid friendly. Of course, this gets us a bit wound up and we spent time getting ourselves under control so that teaching and learning could happen. I guess Halloween week is a tough time for focusing.

We sailed into our new unit in Latin and started learning a new prayer. We did take time to show Mrs. Brenda Gudzan how well we know the Sanctus. She was quite impressed and very much appreciated for all her help. Our Bible "So What" was that we must follow God even when it is extremely hard as it must have been hard for the Jewish men to send off their heathen wives in our story. Mrs. Brenda and I agreed it was, once again, a lesson you spend your whole life learning.

I covered three lessons in grammar because they were so closely related. History had some good discussion about the tough laws that closed Japan down to Christianity and eventually from the whole world. We pretended to be the various factions in China and ended up as friends and benefitting our country. Ask your student about what they learned.

We were truly scientist in Science today. We experimented on rock samples and tested them for hardness using several tools I brought in. Once again, we are sad that Mr. Revere and I will wind down this week. We looked at a map of Boston and discussed all the places that are mentioned in our story. I think all my students know what a simile is--see if they can explain one to you.

We ended our day by making Chinese lanterns and solving some tough riddles that are often used to decorate lanterns. See if your child can remember one and fool you.

Enjoy the cool weather and your children and I'll see you Friday--still at the Presbyterian Church.

love,
Mrs. Tkach

ASSIGNMENTS:
Grammar 3rd: review lesson 27
--complete "Writing Proper Nouns"
--complete "Recognizing Common and Proper Nouns"
--review Lesson 28
--complete ex. A and B
--review Lesson 29
--complete "Using nouns to answer questions" and "Review and Practice"

2nd: (Oops! I will phone both parents with the assignment. I'm posting from the library and I left it at home! Sorry!)

Literature:--review the vocab words
--finish reading the book (postscript, too)
--Answer in your own words: "Why were the Colonials successful in defeating the British troops?" (pg. 144--145)

History:--write a narration on ch. 10
--read ch. 11
--mapwork for ch.11
--optional color page for ch. 11

Science:--review our lab with your parents

Latin:--review lesson 6
--complete pg. 32

Bible:--read half of chapter 110
--answer questions 1--5 on sheet sent home
--bring Bible Story Book next time