30 August

Greetings Brilliant B-ers!


Let us remember all week the prayer requests spoken today.

We covered a lot of ground today in each seminar. I applaud those of you who are really participating in class. There will be incentives and privileges given to those who wear "The Coolness Crown," so keep that in mind.

You have all made the assignment adjustments in your WAG, so you know what to accomplish this week.

I want to cover 3 topics:

• Latin
• Research (Scientists)
• Homework/Time Management

Be not stressed over Latin. We are learning how to study a language this year. You are not learning how to master a language this year.

You will not understand everything in a week or two. You won't even understand EVERYTHING about Latin in a year or two. Just follow the instructions I've given you, drill your verb flashcards, chant/sing those songs, and complete your assignments. Those nuggets of information become pegs of data in your brain, and every time you revisit that information, you're pounding that peg in deeper. I realize that that sounds incredibly violent, but so are our Latin verbs, right?!

Do the work, and you'll find that every week will get easier because you are constantly practicing!

Remember our "roller coaster ride" analogy from Literature analysis? The same can be applied to Latin or Logic or Algebra....or to ANY course of study that is challenging. It takes a while to climb that hill, but once you make it to the crest, the ride back is a fun one- unless you don't like roller coasters at all. :)

Select books AT OR BELOW your grade level when researching the scientists. Remember that I told you to use your younger siblings books? It is neither necessary nor a good use of your time to select complicated books for your research. Pick the simple ones- even the ones that have pictures. If you become fascinated by a particular scientist once your report is complete, then by all means, select more complex resources to further your study. :)

MANAGE YOUR TIME WISELY. We have no seminar next week; our campus will be closed in observance of Labor Day. I know it can be tempting to slack this week because you feel that you have two weeks to do the work. I heard one or two comments along those lines. HOWEVER, I URGE YOU NOT TO SLACK. As I said earlier (and repetitively), if you work hard this week to complete your WK 3 assignments, you can spend some time next week working ahead and STILL enjoy some time off!

A couple of you have already been struggling to complete every assignment. The work is going to keep coming, so if you get behind now, you will feel as though you're digging your way out of an avalanche. This is why time management is so key to your success. Finding six hours every day to do your schoolwork should NOT be a challenge.

Additionally, don't forget that September 6th is the only week off until November 22nd, so if you work ahead in as many areas as you can, you will discover that not only are the seminars more meaningful, you will have also built in a bit of a homework cushion for yourself. Think about it. You're a smart crew, so use your time wisely.

If you are wondering what type of work you can do, here are some suggestions:

• EXPOSITION: Work on your essay for The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. (You can write your outline, write your 1st/2nd drafts, or complete the entire thing!)
• RESEARCH: Read up on Pascal and work on writing your note cards (refer to page 56 in your WAG and the handout I gave you in class)
• LATIN: Drill your flashcards and/or work on creating additional verb charts.
• RHETORIC: Study your terms. Reading the next chapter or two in your Logic book.
• LOGIC: Work ahead on a math lesson or two.

Making the adjustment to such a heavy workload can be daunting at first, but if you stay the course and do the work, you'll find the payoff is far greater than you expect. I believe in you, and I know that you're capable, mighty homework warriors! :)

"Nihil sine labore!"

16 August, Week 1

The first day is outta' the way and everyone survived! The first couple of weeks are a bit atypical, and you were presented with a great deal of information today. Mrs. Eichert and I are happy to see that your minds are ready for action.


Check out some photos from today:
http://s591.photobucket.com/albums/ss352/MrsPandTheExcellentEssentials/Challenge%20B/




A quick word from Mrs. P:

Remember that you must put yourself on a homework schedule and STICK TO IT all week. If you fall behind now, you'll be frantically trying to catch up for the rest of the year. The tips we are discussing in class are designed to help you become a more efficient worker so that you have the time (and energy) to do the things you enjoy.

Before you begin your homework, take a moment to review your notes from class and familiarize yourself with the objective for each seminar. Look over the specifics of the assignment in your WAG and develop a "Plan of Attack" for each task. If you need help, seek your parents' advice. Do the work; Stay the course. You are extremely capable young people, so rock it out!

"NIHIL SINE LABORE!"


From Mrs. Eichert-

Rhetoric (Logic book):
Great job thinking today!
Here are a few reminders for completing your weekly Rhetoric assignments this year:

I. Read the lessons:

• Read title
• Read key points/vocabulary in the margins
• Read the summary at the end of the chapter
• Start at the beginning and read the chapter in entirety
• Complete exercises at the end of each lesson (as noted in your Assignment Guide)
  

2. Memorize the vocabulary:

• Study all of the vocabulary every day – about 7-10 minutes
• Choose a method for vocabulary study, such as::
  i. Flashcards
  ii. Glossary/Vocabulary List (organized by lesson, not alphabetically)
  iii. http://www.flashcardexchange.com/ (search “nance” for Intro Logic).

You can put the vocabulary from the lessons in a number of different formats for study. (There is a charge for some of the print options.)


Logic (Saxon Math):
Complete homework as noted in the assignment guide.
Complete your math assignments on graph paper, as we discussed in class. Work neatly! Remember to complete the optional “Math Challenge” for a small surprise next Monday!

1st Assignment

Your "official" first assignment is due on 8/16:

1. Complete pages 10 and 11 in your WAG (Weekly Assignment Guide).
2. Present me with a completed and signed copy of those pages. *Keep original in WAG.*
3. As explained on page 22, you need to bring in a copy of the Hippocratic Oath for discussion.

Your "strongly suggested" assignments are as follows:

1. Designate a STUDY SPACE. (Key words: Well-lit, desk, chair, quiet)

Ask your parents to help you find a well-lit spot that is as quiet/free from distractions as possible, with a table or desk large enough to spread out your work/materials. A comfy chair is important, too! Remember: NO HAND HELD ELECTRONICS OR TECH DEVICES NEAR YOUR WORK SPACE. Don't even turn them on- not even on vibrate. :)

2. Establish a SCHEDULE. (Key words: Planner, 2-hr intervals, timer, breaks)

The WAG provides a list of assignments and due dates, but does not provide a method for scheduling your homework. You know you'll have at least 6 hours of homework each day, so you will need to schedule time for that and also to complete chores, attend music or sports practices/games, and any other events. Refer to the document "Challenge B: Sample Assignment Schedule" which is located in that green folder handed to your parents. Try to develop a schedule on your own, and ask your parents to help you look for holes or iron out any wrinkles. Remember not to work for more than 2 hour intervals and to schedule a break that includes a snack, stretch or quick walk. *Avoid the tech/electronic devices during your breaks.

3. Organize those binders. (Key words: Tab dividers, 3-hole pocket folder; 3 hole punch)

Decide what notebook system is going to work for you. Whether you have individual binders for each subject or develop a different method, consider tabbing the subjects into these basic sections: Homework/Assignments; My Notes; Quizzes/Tests; References; Paper *no more than 15-20 sheets of paper at a time. Keeping your notes, assignments and returned quizzes organized makes studying for tests/blue book exams much easier! Remember to develop the habit of not checking off your assignment as finished until it's in your binder and the binder is in your backpack.

Spending 20 minutes on each of these items now will save you 20+ hours of stress later. Being organized is NOT about being a neat freak or a perfectionist. It's about developing a system and a routine. Once you have that in place (and stick to it) you'll work more efficiently,which will provide you with more free time to do the things you enjoy! Now I ask you, how can that be a bad thing?!

Be Prepared!

Students:

Ready or not, the year is about to begin! Please bring these items to class with you on 8/16:

• Bible
• Weekly Assignment Guide (WAG)
• Latin workbook & Quizzes/Test Booklet
• Math text & Answer Key
• Graph paper w/squares large enough to write in (looseleaf or spiral)
• Shiloh
• Logic text/workbook & Answer Key
• A copy of the Hippocratic Oath
• A signed copy of Pgs. 10 & 11 from your WAG
• Writing utensils and highlighter
• Paper for taking notes
• Notebook(s) for organizing work
• Assignments due
• Bottled water & healthy snack
• Lunch

Please get plenty of rest the night before. Don't skip breakfast! ;)