The English Corner of KA has been buzzing with reading, writing and presenting. The Middle Schoolers are marching through their Grammar: pronoun usage and a deeper investigation of adjectives and adverbs. (Did you notice the pun?) They got to use their creativity (which they have a LOT of!) in making photo essays: very short essays told through photographs and captions. These are displayed in the hall for all to enjoy. They were able to reign-in their creativity on another project where they wrote clear, concise explanations of how to do something, like make a taco or start a four-wheeler.
Slam-Jam (February 22) was a success, thanks to our amazing God, the hard work and high standards of the students, and to the support of the parents and administrators. Our audience was entertained by 26 memorized poems (16 original) and 16 original, dramatically-told stories that evening. That's 42 pieces of literature! The hot chocolate bar, candlelit tables, and the fluffy pillow kept it cozy. Thanks to all those who made it a reality.
The American Lit students (Juniors) just finished the Unit on the Regionalist writers, and are now studying the Major Realist authors: Howells, James, and Clemens (Mark Twain). We'll see how Twain uses satire to express his views in Life on the Mississippi and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Though he uses humor, unfortunately we will also see his underlying pessimistic world view.
The Freshman class is finishing a unit on Essay and Short Story. They had fun working with Dr. Watson and Dr. Holmes solving the crime in The Adventure of the Speckled Band. The essay, Civil Peace, brought us to Nigeria after the civil war there and showed us how a financially poor, but morally strong, family managed conflict. We will end this unit next week with a test followed by writing an essay of their own.
The Middle Schoolers are working on a Unit called Adventures. We read short stories, essays and poems, such as On the Banks of the Sacramento, which takes place after the gold rush. They are now using the RAP system to write answers to the questions after the reading. Ask your student about RAP-it is helping them to answer those questions more thoroughly. The vocabulary and spelling lessons keep them building our personal "useful word banks." Their creativity got put to good use after reading The First Robin. They were asked to ponder whether they are a "first robin" or a "fifth robin," and explore the overarching question: "What is success?" Ask to see their essay-there was much good thinking!
We are looking forward to the field trip to the Menno-Hof Museum in Shipshewana tomorrow! Learning about anabaptist beginnings, lunch at Millie's Market Cafe, and road-time to relax with friends-thankful for it all. If you read this in time, please pray for the safety of everyone on the trip.
Thanks, again, for all your support and encouragement for the students, teachers, administrators and the many others that make up KA.
We are thankful for Jesus, "the Living Fountain that forever quenches thirst." Hymns of Zion, p. 232.
Mrs. Lemmen
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