Friday

I can not believe this is the end of the third full week of school. We have hit our stride and are fully into our first quarter curriculum.

During the first quarter, students will study narrative forms of writing, specifically autobiographical works and memoirs. Today, for instance, students participated in a brainstorming activity that asked them to think of two topics for each letter of the alphabet. Next week we will launch our writer's workshop and learn the procedures of this productive time in LA. All students need to have their alphabetical charts completed to be able to participate in workshop on Tuesday.

Students also took their first exam in class today. We kicked off our first quarter with a study of 15 Greek and Latin roots and their cognates. We also learned six Latin phrases that have become common in the English language, too. For instance, "alma mater," "e pluribus unum," and "mea culpa!" That last one became a favorite as students shared anecdotes from their lives about when they SHOULD have said "mea culpa." (Their translation="my bad!")

I hope everyone has a safe, happy weekend.

Fondly,
Mrs. Venekamp :c)