Week 2

Hi Everyone, 

Last week was a hit in my book.  We have such a great class.  There was a lot of material to cover but the kids are so bright and engaged that they pick it all up so quickly.  And I just love being able to teach them.  Thanks for sharing!

A few things: 

1.  This coming week we do NOT have presentations.  We will be practicing the skill of maintaining eye contact.  I suspect with staring contests, hilarity will ensue. 

2.  Please remind your kids that talking is okay in class but it should be at the appropriate times.  I had a few kids last week that were conversing a little more than was necessary.  I really want to give the kids a chance to sit where they like and next to the person they choose but I may have to end up separating some if it continues. 

3.  Tell your child that I think they all did a "Super-riffic" job on their presentations (They were just so good I couldn't go with one word to describe them).  We had a few that were a little nervous but they pulled it out and did a great presentation.  And a lot of the closings were so fabulous...the kids extended past a simple "thank you" into "Thank you for taking the time to listen to my presentation".  And I think all of them had a visual of some sort...I love visual aids and so does the rest of the class.  Things to practice:  don't lean on the chair in front of you, stand up straight and tall, and make sure you have an idea what you are going to say ahead of time so you can practice it...that way you don't ramble too much and have an overly long presentation.

4.  Latin declension endings start this week.  Don't panic.  We repeat the declension endings for 2 weeks in a row and we will revisit them in 2nd semester.  That means we will have 4 weeks for each of the declension endings.  I have emailed you all a pronunciation chart for your home and a chart that you can use as a visual aid or laminate to use at home.  We will be using that same chart in class.

5.  Most of you may know this but I only just discovered the fun of it.  I have asked myself several times what in the heck can I do with those timeline cards.  My kids and I had a great time making an Ancient History timeline with just those cards and then walking the timeline along with the song.  Just something for you to think about at home...and maybe try.  This used our visual, auditory and movement skills to learn the cards.  I think we will be doing this weekly at home Sydney & Camden liked it so much. 

Please let me know if you have any questions and/or concerns.  I am here for you and your children in any way that I can.

Love,
Anja