Whoot! Whoot! Say what...it's week 10?!

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are managing to keep warm during this very chilly week! 

I can't believe that next week is Week 10.  Three classes before Winter Break.  I am not sure if I am excited to have a break or sad that I will not get to see all my kids smiling faces. 

The kids are all doing so well in class.  I can't believe how some of them have come out of their shell.  I feel so blessed to help lead such a talented group of kids.  And moms...all of your hard work is really shining through.  Keep up the wonderful work! 

This week we will be doing presentations.  Don't forget...the topics suggested are:  1.  Sell a Product or 2.  Persuade the class.  My kids have decided to convince the class that a certain type of cookie is better than another type of cookie...complete with samples.  Tough sell, right?

This week we will be dissecting owl pellets.  I am so excited!  I have heard that you can even find a full mouse skull!!!  So cool!  Despite the kids initial misgivings about the crayfish, the smell and the general grossness...they really got into it so I expect that the pellets will be an even bigger hit. 

Also, remind the kids to try out their "Jesus Loves Me" music on their tin whistle.  I really want to hear them play it.  And tell them I am practicing it too.  I am hoping to play it with them this week.

Here is the snack schedule for the rest of this semester: 

Week 10: Nathan

Week 11: Kristen

Week 12: Jennings

 

Week 7 Coming Up!

Hi All,

You should know.  I just loving teaching your kids.  They are the absolute best and I am so proud of them and how much they are learning.  And big kudos to your mom's who are obviously working hard with your kiddos at home. 

Just wanted to touch base and remind you all to bring your tin whistles tomorrow.  And to warn you that I have a high tolerance for noise so we may be making a lot of noise during Fine Arts.  If it grates on your nerves please feel free to step outside...no judgement :) 

Also, during review tomorrow I have plan to play some carnival games and I would love some help.  We will shoot some hoops, play egg spoon race and a maybe a few more fun games.  I may need some judges, prize "holders & hand-er-outers", and quizzers (I think I just made up a few words). 

PS - this week is Ryan's week to bring Snack. 

Love,
Anja

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

First Day

Hi Everyone,

What a wonderful first day and start of our year.  I am tired but in a very good, happy and satisfied way.  I had a great time with your children and so appreciate you sharing them with me. 

I am very proud of all of the kids because they worked hard even when things were difficult for them; they didn't give up on any task I asked of them.  Today we did a lot of writing, played some games, smacked the wall a few times and even made quite of bit of noise.  Next week should be just as much fun and our activities will change just a little.  Bear with me as I work out some kinks and make things better for your kids. 

I have just posted the snack schedule for the year.  Please let me know if you won't be able to do your week...we can always arrange for you to switch with someone.  And thank you to Mrs. McClamroch for snack today. 

Our kids rocked the presentation practice today.  I was very proud of them because it takes a lot of courage to go up in front of the class.  We even had quite a few that were comfortable being silly and having fun.  Don't forget, next week is our first presentation...yippee!  The topics could be your summer, the 10 commandments or your favorite (ie - food, game, sport, animal, book, movie, music, etc.).  I would recommend helping your child use a notecard to organize their ideas.  Just be careful not to write down full sentences on the notecard, otherwise your child will end up reading the card verbatim.  And feel free to make a visual aid, dress up and/or bring pictures.  The kids really seem to enjoy sharing and love to go above and beyond in their presentations but please don't let it stress you or them out. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.  I am here for you. 

Give your kids my love & tell them I can't wait for next week. 

Love,
Anja

Snack Schedule

Journeymen C

 

Week 1: Nate

Week 2: Sydney

Week 3: Kristen

Week 4: Jennings

Week 5: Sophia

Week 6: Zoe

Week 7: Ryan

Week 8: Jessica

Week 9: Sydney

Week 10: Nate

Week 11: Kristen

Week 12: Jennings

Week 13: Sophia

Week 14: Zoe

Week 15: Ryan

Week 16: Jessica

Week 17: Sydney

Week 18: Nate

Week 19: Kristen

Week 20: Jennings

Week 21: Will

Week 22: Sophia

Week 23: Zoe

Week 24: Party