Keaton Age 14, Week 13 History

                                               Renaissance Vs. Reformation


At the beginning of the 13th century, the inquisitive, curious minds of young men throughout  Europe began to suffer for lack of knowledge about the world, and began seeking to find out more about  philosophy, and the purpose for life.  So, they fell upon the ancient Greek and Roman writings which stated to have explanations for what the morals of life are.

Haiku by Kendall, Grade 5

Blueberry (title)

 

 

Juicy blueberry (5)

 

Round and sweetest blueberry (7)

 

Grow and reach for sun! (5)

Amendments and such

Now, true Charlotte Mason form is to have the students show their gleanings of what they have heard and read by narrating back, either verbally or in writing, to me.  However, for some students this can be monotonous, especially in the area of history.  And for me, enforcing this concept 3-5 times weekly per student can create unnecessary stress.  Also, I found that although recall was fairly good, many important details were being missed. 

So I have been implementing "study guides" or "reading guides" that have fill-in-the-blank statements, usually numbering 20-25 per history chapter.  These I type up myself, which of course is more time-consuming.  However, it helps me review the material myself and keeps me abreast of what all they are taking in.  They find this activity helpful, more stimulating, and walk away remembering things they would otherwise miss.  The other side to this work is that it provides material for tests I can prepare, covering several chapters at once.  Knowing what they have read and recorded is much more "track-able" for me this way. 

Copywork and Memory Work: I Corinthians 13

Mrs. B here reporting...

At the beginning of February I realized we were drastically deficient in our Bible memory this year.  I must say our best years for that were always the ones in which we followed the "My Father's World" Curriculum.  It just keeps us on track best of any other plan.  So...in accordance with that curriculum's plan, the two younger students in our academy were to be memorizing verses 1-7ish of I Corinthians 13.  I decided to give them 3 weeks to memorize the entire chapter, all 13 verses.  At first, there were sighs and concerns they would not meet the challenge.  However, by the grace of God, I was able to hear both girls recite all of the chapter before noon last Friday, March 7.  I was so pleased with their diligence to learn this and pray they will "hide it in their hearts" all of their days.

Clovis, the Ex-barbarian (Kara, grade 7)

There once was a strong fighter named Clovis.  He lived in the country of Gaul, now known as France.  France had been looknig for a good emperor and Clovis decided he wanted to be ruler.  So he tried to convince the Frankish leaders to swear allegiance to him.  Soon he ruled all over Gaul and when he was twenty, he married a princess named Clotilda.  Clotilda was a Christian who was from a barbarian tribe called Burgundia.  Clotilda wanted her husband to become a Christian.  Clovis refused until he saw his men being slaughtered.  He said to God, "Give me the victory!"  After that he wanted everyone who lived in France to become Christians.  He only wanted one religion in his country because he knew that if all of his people followed the same religion, they would be less likely to attack each other.

The Lone Willow (Poem by Keaton, 2012, 8th grade)

The Lone Willow

The old and noble willow tree doth sit within the meadow,

With sunshine's rays behind him casting queer and graceful shadow.

Though sitteth he alone sometime, for many years abide

Not ever can the wind and rain succeed to steal his pride.

He never turns to loneliness despite his quiet site,

For he has many friends he knows, and has for all his life.

His closest friend from sapplinghood goes by the name of Breeze,

Who cools a summer day when hot and ripples past the trees.

Keaton Bunting

Grade 8

Satan the Fallen Angel (Keaton, poem from 2012...8th grade)

Satan the Fallen Angel

He sits within the Lake of Fire

Dwelling on his great desire

Of how to win Man's Empire

Satan the Fallen Angel

He plans and schemes and hopes and dreams

While passion will not cease

He thinks for sure he must succeed

Satan the Fallen Angel

And surely does this angel know that soon the end will come

When swords will flash in wondrous clash, the battle will be won

But not by Satan! No indeed! One much more powerful than he...

Christ Jesus comes to claim his own!

As Satan...falls...to his knees.