Week Eleven---October 25th-29th

This week is a bit different, Tex. Baby Boo and Ladybug were sick Monday-Wednesday, and I was unwell Monday and Thursday. I appreciate your help with the kids and the house.

Monday--No School--Mom and Katy sick all day

Tuesday--Finish drawing for Nature Study, IXL, Bible Lesson 11, read Teddy Roosevelt book, get ready for storm, doctor's visit with Daddy, Beavers IMAX

Wednesday--Bookmobile comes, return all dvds and tapes, rain in pm, play outside with kids, IXL, Bible Lesson 11 finish, mom cleans all day, Katy and Joey ill,

Thursday--Bible Lesson 12, ride your bike and enjoy last warm day, make sure animals are warm, mom works on shelves all day, IXL, Write Lesson 1, Finish Roosevelt book

Friday--Bible Lesson 13, IXL, Write Lesson 2, Critical Thinking Skills, Building Blocks, try out GA links, Hey Andrew!, Nature Study "Apples"

Saturday--Concert with Dad.  Have fun!! Come home safely. We love you.

Week Ten---October 18th-22nd

Monday: Christian Manhood start Lesson 9, finish Time4Writing, Critical Thinking Skills, Sketch Tuesday "Something in an Art Museum" and post, finish up Tony Dungee book, "Hey Andrew!", read about a GA delegate in For You They Signed, math speed drills, watched video on PBS about the first Thanksgiving, spend time with your horse working on manners and brushing her

Tuesday: Surprise! Field Trip to Yorktown for FREE admission on Yorktown Day. Watch video about Washington and Cornwallis in Visitor's Center, view exhibits, take trolley tour of town, see memorial and monument, visit the Nelson House and try out games...complete the Junior Ranger Sheet by the end of the week....highlight anything we need to wrap up next week when we take the driving tour. Yummy dinner at Juan's for kids eat free night!

Wednesday: Christian Manhood finish Lesson 9 and discuss with me, lesson in Building Blocks, Nature Study "Horses" do drawing and look up info on horses so I can post tomorrow first thing, look up Georgia and help with the post by filling in maps, adding to the notebook, and finding information, read about Georgia in Our Fifty States by National Geographic, IXL drill and next math lesson, typing skills, check for the new Lego Challenge and start it tonight, work on Yorktown sheet

Thursday: Surprise! Doctor's visit and library trip. Christian Manhood start Lesson 10, start thinking about novel story, get out your CW notebook, and write 10 ideas down, start the Nature Study for next week (ie. go outside and observe, write observations, take samples/pictures), read one of the Character Studies in Christian Character book (about someone in GA), watch an IMAX with kids from Netflix (Bears one?), do IXL drill, read book about Ben Franklin to the kids, finish up Yorktown sheet

Friday: Christian Manhood finish Lesson 10, choose three ideas and brainstorm using idea webs, Hey Andrew!, watch Linwood Thompson video and do worksheet, work on Harmony Art and Nature Study drawings for next week, IXL, read a second selection about a GA delegate in FYTS, finish up any loose ends before the weekend

Books of the week:  Shine by The Newsboys and United Tweets of America by Hudson Talbott (does not have to be completed)
Lego Challenge: Harvest Festival

Extra Chores: clean the bunny cage and spread the manure, empty every water bin, clean it and refill it, give
the appropriate animals straw for colder nights, sweep out trailer for Saturday, help your dad plant my rose bushes (please!!!  :-).

AND, KEEP YOUR ROOM CLEAN!!

Love ya,

Mom 

Time4Writing Middle School Powerful Paragraphs Papers

Below you will find copies of all of the original writing assignments from the Powerful Paragraphs Course. Good work!!

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1.4 Original Topic Sentences: 97%

1. A favorite sport: I love playing baseball because it is challenge to throw the ball and hit the mark you aimed for.
2. A favorite book: When you read a book once or twice a month like I do with Eragon, it must be your favorite book ever.
3. A family member: My brother Phillip has a farrier business, or some would call it a horse shoeing business, and sometimes he takes me with him.
4. A goal for the future: I want learn how to make Bananas Foster and other delicious desserts.
5. A favorite website to visit: Right now(comma) I am beta testing a new type of online video game called Lego Universe, and they have an awesome website!

2.5 Writing Supporting Details: 93%
3.3 Writing Concluding Sentences: 98%

1. Computers are useful for the entire family.
Detail #1 My mother uses her computer to blog, find homeschool curricula, and to make a website.
Detail #2 My dad uses his computer to pay bills.
Detail #3 I use the computer to play games, complete my schoolwork, and find new books to read.
Conclusion: In fact, everybody in my family (except my baby brother) loves to use their computers.


2. Zoos are a great place to take children.
Detail #1 Your children will learn all about animals.
Detail #2 You will make lots of good memories with your kids.
Detail #3 You will learn something about many animals while having fun with your kids.
Conclusion: Certainly, zoos are both fun and educational for the entire family.


3. Yo Yo Ma is the most talented musician I've ever known.
Detail #1 He first started playing concerts when he was five years old.
Detail #2 The way he plays is absolutely amazing.
Detail #3 He takes old classics such as "Here Comes the Sun" (with James Taylor) and makes them even better than the original.
Conclusion: Actually, I think he is like a Beethoven for this generation.

4. Ice cream is a great dessert.
Detail #1 It's yummy.
Detail #2 You will never get bored by ice cream because there are so many flavors.
Detail #3 It is very refreshing on a hot day.
Conclusion: In fact, ice cream is the perfect food.

5. I would love to have a pet.
Detail #1 If I had a dog I would play fetch with it every day.
Detail #2 If I had a cat I would pet it and cuddle it every night.
Detail #3 If I had two ducks I would dig them a pond and chase them for fun.
Conclusion: Certainly, you would be kept very busy if you had a pet, but I would love it.
3.4 Time to do it Yourself! You are now going to create your own paragraph. The subject of the paragraph will be the one thing you like to do in your spare time. This paragraph will have a topic sentence, at least three supporting sentences, and a closing sentence. Also, remember that all sentences must be complete sentences. Do watch your spelling and your punctuation as well. 100%

Time for Reading

by Tex

I am an avid reader. If I was given a choice between going to a movie, playing video games, building with Legos, (this comma is optional) and reading, I would rather sit down and read a good book. There are many reasons why I think reading is so great. First of all, I like how complex books are. Reading is good mental exercise, and keeping track of all the characters and what they are doing keeps you on your toes. Second(secondly) , books that are well-written not only inform you about new ideas and places, but they help you learn new vocabulary and how to write. Last (lastly), when you read a good book, you learn about different places and people. Really good books capture your imagination and make you want to keep reading because you like the setting and characters so much. It is almost like being somewhere else with lots of new friends. Every book is an adventure you will never forget. That's why I love to read.

 4.6 A Storm is Brewing Paragraph: Using the pictures given, write a paragraph using time sequencing. 98%

A Storm is Brewing

by Tex

Out in the Atlantic, a storm is brewing. Its name is Hurricane Earl. Hurricane Earl is expected (to) skirt the edges of the East Coast from North Carolina to New England. This impacts us because we live very close to the water in Gloucester, VA. Therefore, this week we are going to prepare for the arrival of Earl. First, we are going to work on cleaning out our garage, to make sure nothing is stored too low and (could get) gets ruined by flooding. Next, we are going to make sure that all of our livestock, including the chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, and bunny, are secure and safe. Finally, we will get our survival supplies together. For example, we will make sure we have enough batteries, flashlights, water, canned food, and animal food to last for a while if the storm floods our area and we cannot get out easily. If we do all of these things, we will weather the storm with no problem.

5.4 Narrative  Paragraph: Write a story about  week you were miserable. 98%

Last week was the worst week of the year! I was miserable. It began when I woke up on Monday. My mom and dad were afraid that Hurricane Earl was going to hit us. So we started preparing for Earl to hit our area. We went to our garage and put all the clothing, books, and cardboard boxes up off the ground. That way, if our area flooded they would stay dry and not get ruined. Then, we went to make sure our chickens, ducks, horses, dogs, cats, and bunny were secure in their houses, so none of them would drown. The last thing we did that day was to put all the children's toys away. That was a lot of work! I was thankful when we were done with that. Over the next few days we cleaned up our yard and house, and we went shopping for emergency items. The final straw was when finally, around 2 a.m. on Friday, Earl hit our area and all we got was a little rain and some wind. I guess it was better than having to wade around in two foot deep water for a week like we had to last year during the big Nor'easter, but I think it was a lot of fuss over nothing and an awful lot of wasted work and worry. This week has to be an improvement, because there is nothing left do around here.

5.6 Narrative Paragraph: Write a narrative paragraph about a time you received a gift you really wanted. 100%

On the day I turned five years old, I received my favorite birthday gift ever: my dog Bella. When I first saw Bella, she was just a tiny puppy. We were at my mom's friend's house and her dog just had puppies. I asked if I could go see them, and when I looked down at the sleeping puppies, the only one awake was a black and white female with the cutest eyes I ever saw. When I picked her up, she was so soft and friendly, it was love at first sight. The whole time I was there, I played with her and brushed her fur. I never once asked to get her, but I really wanted her. When we left, I was really unhappy because I didn't want to leave my new friend, Bella. A few weeks later, it was my birthday, and when I woke up, there was beautiful Bella sleeping right next to me! Mom and Dad had gotten her for my birthday. They also bought her a doggie bed, a new collar and leash, and her own food and water dishes. I was ecstatic! Almost eight years later, I still play with my friend Bella every day. She is the best ball-fetching, frisbee-catching, chicken-herding dog ever. What a great gift!


6.4 Descriptive Paragraph: Write a descriptive paragraph about either a noisy place or a quiet place. Describe what makes it either noisy or quiet depending upon which you chose to write about. Remember that you must have at least least three supporting detail sentences. Use as many colorful adjectives and strong verbs as possible. 96%


 A Noisy Place: Land of the Dragons
by Tex

One of the noisiest places at Busch Gardens, The Old Country, is in the Land of the Dragons. This area was built just for kids and every time I visit, it is filled with the sounds of children playing and laughing, hundreds of parents talking and calling for their kids, and many voices raised to be heard over the noise. Near the entrance to the Land of the Dragons is a waterpark for the little ones to enjoy. They are all soaked to the bone, but laughing and splashing water continuously. No matter which way you go as you pass this part of the Land of the Dragons, you ALWAYS manage to get wet.

As I walk toward the kiddie rides, children above my head are dashing across rope suspension bridges that lead from one part of the treehouse to the other. They shout "hello!" to their moms and dads with engergetic waves. Suddenly, I hear a loud clacking and clinking as the Loch Ness Monster roller coaster rumbles overhead. I look up just in time to see it plunge to skim over the water below. People on board scream with excitement, and I can't wait to ride it.

I turn around to head for the nearby roller coaster line, and pass the brightly colored carousel where I hear the cacauphanous music as the ride starts to move. Happy children giggle as they go round and round. I am enchanted by the carousel, but the Loch Ness is calling my name. That is, until a soft breeze brings the smell of fresh popcorn and funnel cakes to my nose and I crave them instantly. I think I will hustle on over to England instead for my favorite tantalizingly tasty treat: a Brownie-Delight Fudge Waffle Cone. It's scrumpdillyicious...and it's a lot quieter over there.


7.6 Compare Paragraph: Compare your mother, your father, or your family to a television or movie mother, father, or family. Grade 97%


Why My Family is Like the Waltons
by Tex

I think that my family is a lot like the Waltons. I think we are like the Waltons, instead of a more modern show, because our family lives in the country and follows traditional Chritian values. Let me explain the similarities further.

First of all, my family has a farm and so do the Waltons. We live in an old farmhouse, too. They have animals to care for and chores they are responsible for, just like us. Secondly, my family is very close knit and our grandparents visit frequently (but they do not live with us). They have influence on our family, just like the Walton's grandparents do. Thirdly, my family has six kids. The Walton's have seven. Both of our families are large and love each other a lot. We enjoy helping each other, playing together, and eating meals at a large table each night just like the Waltons. Furthermore, my mom stays home, cooks, cleans, and cares for the kids just like Mrs. Walton. Mrs. Walton makes sure her kids were well educated, just like my mom. She also teaches her daughters how to care for the home, just like my mom teaches my sisters (and me). Lastly, they attend church and are respectful to adults. They are also hardworking. This is very similar to my family. My mom calls these "Home Town" or "Old Timey" values. I wish more people had values like the Waltons because I think they showed respect and caring for each other more than most people do these days.

My family and the Walton's may have minor differences, but in many ways we are the same. I am proud of that because I like the Waltons and I think they are interesting and kind. Even Former President George H.W. Bush said he wished more families would be like the Waltons than the Simpsons.* I wish I could meet the Waltons. Since I can't, at least I can watch the shows!


7.7 Contrast Paragraph: Contrast the music that you enjoy to the music either your parents, your grandparents, or your friends enjoy. Remember! You are going to contrast your music to just one of those sets of people. Grade 100%

My Music vs. My Grandparents' Music by Tex

While my grandparents and I both enjoy listening to Christian music, the Gospel music they listen to is vastly different from the Contemporary Christian music I like. The Newsboys, the group I listen to, are a Christian rock band with mostly young people who singing and listening to them. The Gaithers, on the other hand, are a Gospel group with mostly older singers and listeners. Furthermore, the Gaithers' style is folksy, soothing, and soft, while the Newsboys style is more rhythmic, invigorating, and loud. The Newsboys usually sing new songs written by their songwriters, or louder remakes of old songs, whereas the Gaithers sing mostly hymns and old time classics.

Although there are many differences between the Gaithers and the Newsboys in style and in sound, there is one thing that is the same. Both bands' main purpose is for their songs to praise the Lord and to help people grow closer to Him. So, even though my grandparents would rather listen to the Gaithers, they actually enjoy some of the praise songs the Newsboys sing. Likewise, I'd rather listen to the Newsboys than the Gaithers, but they do have a few songs I really like. It just goes to show you that even differences can be appreciated.


8.3 Narrative Paragraph: A favorite summertime activitiy. 100%

Summertime Fun With Friends 
by Tex

My favorite thing to do in the summer is to have some of my friends over for a few days. The first thing we do is to go find my black plastic training swords, so that the guys and I can go sword fight in the woods near my house. We are trying to learn how to use the swords correctly and sometimes we practice for hours. Afterward, we go inside to make our lunch and plan what we are going to do for the rest of the day. When everyone is done eating, we usually play board games and Legos for several hours.

Our favorite game is Apples to Apples. It is fun because you can come up with outrageous answers to the questions that are absolutely hilarious, and yet you can still win. We love to build with my Legos and create worlds of mass destruction. We always end up blowing up whatever we just made. Sometimes my littlest brother, Joey, helps with disassembling!

At around six o-clock, my mom calls for us to come eat dinner; it is almost always pizza. We like to order from Dominoes. The best pizza is a Hawaiian style pizza, which has Alfredo sauce instead of marinara, and ham and pineapple on top. After we clean the table, we go help my mom put the little kids to bed. Mom makes us set up beds in the back room for ourselves, and keep the door shut, so we don't wake up my brothers and sisters.

Once everything is ready, we start up a football tournament on my Playstation Two using the game NFL Street. I am the reigning champion, but Jake is catching up quickly. If Mom lets us get away with it, we like to stay up until all of the pizza and soda wears off around two a.m.. We all conk out and sleep like babies, exhausted from our day of fencing and fun.

Fortunately, my mom lets us sleep in until about eight-ish the next morning. Mom makes delicious sausage and gravy over biscuits, and Zach and the guys love it. Then after we work together quickly to complete my chores, back to the woods we go and the bashing of swords begins all over again. Ouch!

8.5 Expository Paragraph: What do you think is more important, how a person looks or how a person acts towards others? Remember to support your opinion. 100%

Pretty Is As Pretty Does
by Tex

There us an old folk saying that goes, "Pretty is as pretty does," and I believe this to be true. It means that beauty comes from your heart and your actions, not from what you look like. No one wants to be friends with someone with a bad attitude, no matter how good looking they are. People might stick around for a while, but in the end they will leave the rudeness and negativity behind. Folks just don't want to stay around people who are bickering and gossiping constantly, or who are always talking and thinking about themselves. The truth is, God does not look on the outside either. He looks at what's inside to see what is in your heart. It is whatever is in your heart that reflects who you really are. Most people look at your heart, too. In the end, it's better to be ugly with a good attitude, then to be beautiful with a crummy one. Beauty starts on the inside, and slowly and surely will shine through.

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Tex,

You made me cry with your paragraph -- it was that well written! I could tell you connected with the prompt because your writing was so 'real.' I did make a few small punctuation corrections to improve your paragraph but these are minor.


Your overall writing style is organized, focused and detailed - all of the aspects of strong writing! Please save this piece of writing for your portfolio, as this is the sort of writing that wins contests - or gets you into a great college! Nice job, Austin!

Ms. Burrows

Final Grade for the Course (including quizzes, brief writing exercises, and paragraph writing assignments): 98.3%  A

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Great job, Tex!! You worked hard and did well. You should be proud of yourself. I am proud of you.

Love you,

Mom

Week Nine---October 11th-15th

Monday: Columbus Day holiday----must work on your room and do your Sketch Tuesday picture before noon---Something Thirsty

Tuesday: Christian Manhood Lesson 8, Cool Math Games/IXL, Write 8.3 and turn in, Finish 21 Scientists, Building Blocks science, do Where in the World? research and complete NJ map in Maps of the United States book, Hey Andrew! lesson, read John Witherspoon from For You They Signed.

Wednesday: Bookmobile day!! Lots of fun in store...Read Tony Dungee book, finish Where in the World? information so I can post New Jersey, babysit in afternoon so Bubba and I can go to B's house and trim her horses, watch an appropriate IMAX movie of your choice with the kids, make dinner since I will be home in evening

Thursday: Christian Manhood finish chapter 8, AMT test, Write 8.4 descriptive paragraph by 8 pm, read Shine by The Newsboys, Thinking Skills exercise, read  New Jersey in The United States of America, read John Hart from For You They Signed, draw something from an art museum for Sketch Tuesday...it must be MOSTLY done at the end of your art time (you may color it later, if you like).

Friday: Bible-read Proverbs entries for the day, AMT speed drills, write comments for Time4Writing and print certificate, read Chapter 14 John Witherspoon in Character for Life (Reverence for God), Mini-Marshmallow lesson with kids, work on Outdoor Hour assignment on Horses, view the next Linwood Thompson video---The Wards will be coming over and you can have fun with your new animation program in the evening IF your work is all done AND your room is clean.

I hope you have a fun weekend with your friends.

Love you,

Mom

Week Eight---October 4th-8th

Guess who is having a birthday this week? I can't believe that you will be thirteen in only a few days. You are growing up too fast...but you are doing a good job of it, so keep up the good work.

There is, however, one thing we need to work on. That one thing is: getting all of our weekly work 100% done. Last two weeks...hmmm...not so good. So, here is the deal: IF you complete all of the unfinished work from last week AND all of the new work for Monday and Tuesday, then Wednesday (your birthday) will be a holiday for you. Included in that, of course, is that your room must be cleaned up for your friends to come over on Saturday, so you really ought to have that done, too. I'd LOVE to have the entire day off, so you can (hopefully) play around with your new animation program. It would be neat if we could start setting up a "studio" in your room and make an animated birthday short. GET YOUR WORK DONE!!

Monday: Catch up anything from last week that remains undone. Do Christian Manhood Lesson 7 this week. Part of your catching up is YOUR PLANNER...Just DO it. Make me proud. ;-) You MUST complete Nature Study Tuesday/Outdoor Hour (ducks and geese) and Sketch Tuesday TODAY. Part of Nature Study is to do the research on the topic, so you must include some good research for me to post. If you can get a photo or two of the ducks/geese you choose to draw, that would be great. Email me links to your info sites, so I can include them. Check Enchanted Learning for simple info and handouts people can print up. Other new work: Math and writing are a must (I can hear you doing them now, so I won't go into details). Do a new typing lesson (20 minutes).

Tuesday: Since we will be off tomorrow (I HOPE!), you need to do the research for Where in the World? Wednesday today. You can email it to me, if you'd prefer to type it, or write it, if you wish. Same info as last week, OK? Just make sure you email (use the cox address) me the links you used. Math: next lesson and at least ten problems (until you are sure you get it, and I must see work to check it). Writing: finish and turn in your Narrative Paragraph. Do one Hey, Andrew! Listen to the Virtuaous Boyhood sermon two with me. Critical Thinking Skills book. Keep up with your reading assignments.

Wednesday: Hopefully, off. If not, you will have to finish what was unfinished and clean your room. Definitely spend time with Lily and ride your bike, if it is nice.

Thursdsay: Math: next lessons. Ten problems. I check. Writing: do next (and final, I think) writing assignment...finish it and turn it in. Bible: Christian manhood lesson 7. Science book lesson. Read about William Penn in Character for Life. Do a Mini-Marshmallow lesson with the kids. Check for new drawing and nature assignments, so you can be thinking about them (and check for Lego Challenge). Watch The Story of Us first video with me and the kids. If it is not rainy, ride your bike and spend time with Lily.

Friday: Mr. Rex's funeral. You will be helping with the parking. I will probably be home with the little kids unitl the reception at Mrs. Rex's house. Please make sure your clothes are ready the night before (and shoes). No school. After the funeral, you may want to read your books and clean the bathroom and back room, so you will have a nice screening room for your "Star Wars Screening Room" party. Read Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush in For You They Signed.

Things you need to know: Book of the week is Quiet Strength by Tony Dungee. Please take extra care to make sure the animals are warm this week. Let us know if we need feed or bedding.

I love you and I can't wait until your birthday!

Mom

Week Seven---September 27-October 1

This week we will do something a bit different (again!). We are all playing catch-up and expecting a Tropical Depression this week, to boot. I will be brief and outline the essentials. We will actually have to TALK and coordinate the rest. LOL. Hey, isn't somebody going to have a birthday next week? Hmmmm. I wonder who that is?

Monday: Official Catch-Up Day. I really mean it. Anything you are behind in, don't get behinderer in and get caught up!! Bible first, then everything else. We especially need to get the Time 4 Writing assignments finished as we have the new program to start reviewing asap. I need your art to post for tomorrow.

Tuesday: Essentials are getting ready for rain, Christian Manhood Lesson Six, math test, Compare paragraph, post art project, finish re-reading Foundlings for the review and give me your opinion, Hey, Andrew!, and read God's World News.

Wednesday: Essentials are Christian Manhood Lesson Six, Critical Thinking Skills, Contrast Paragraph outline, Typing lesson online, math practice on IXL, do a science experiment of your choice from a kit, and watch History Videos (Linwood Thompson) and Lewis and Clark video...it is raining cats and dogs. Let's hope they don't stick around here long,!

Thursday: Essentials are Christian Manhood Lesson Seven, Science Investigations, Finish Contrast paper, birthday card for Grandpa Grimes, finish 21 Scientists Book, finalize book review, update planner and reading list, math practice on IXL.

Friday: Essentials are Christian Manhood Lesson Seven, lesson 8.1 and 8.2 on Time 4 Writing, re-start math lessons, Hey Andrew!, update your blog and planner, and do a mini-marshmallow lesson with the kids. Read Kids of Courage magazine during lunch. IF you have kept up, this should not be a difficult day. You can use it to maybe, um, clean your room in case you want friends to come over for your birthday??

Thanks for all the help this week getting ready for the rain, and taking care of the kids who are sick and the animals. You are awesome!

Love you,

Mom