February Happenings

ELA

In ELA we completed our historical fiction literary unit. The kids took a test on their novel, and then they wrote a literary analysis. Each student chose a character trait to analyze, comparing the beginning of the novel with the end, and determining if their character is dynamic or static. Writing the essay included a strong intro and thesis, well organized body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Students strengthened topic sentences and transitions, incorporated cited text using MLA formatting, analyzed their details, and incorporated vocabulary words. Bringing grammar lessons into the essay, everyone also had to highlight sentences which begin with dependent clauses, prepositional phrases, and gerund phrases. Incorporating these sentence beginnings goes a long way in improving sentence variety. 

We also continued with vocabulary. I try to teach three chapters consecutively and then give a three chapter test. Repetition helps in internalizing new vocabulary. When we hit the third trimester, I will bring in the top 75 words, which will become the focus of vocabulary work. Some of these words will be on standardized tests, including the high school entrance exams, which is another advantage to the repetition.

Next up — poetry!

Religion

This month we stepped into Lent by learning about Jesus’ Baptism and the Three Temptations. The kids incorporated this knowledge into a Symbolic 40 project, along with a chapter test. We also completed Theme Day presentations for the second trimester! 

Next up - Jesus’ disciples, mainly the 12 apostles.