Great to see you all!

Hello Everyone,

It was a real treat to see all of my Master students and parents at the Orientation! As you may recall, I am new to blogging, so bear with me as I move through this process. I have included a copy of the parent letter and presentation schedule so you will have an electronic copy of both.

Again, if there is anything that I can help you with as we move through this year, please let me know. I am truly looking forward to spending more time with you all!

Blessings,
Debbie Black

Presentation Schedule for Cycle 3
Classical Conversations 2011-2012

When: Every other week

Who: Even weeks: Rachel Richardson, Maren Shaw, Mary Blake Murphy, Anna
Ritchie Lewis, and Grace Matthews
Odd weeks: Rebekah Thomas, Macy Thurmond, Joseph Dees, and Cara Neely

Length: 3-5 minutes

**The following is a guide for each week. Please remember that you (the parent) are the teacher and you can decide what your child will do. **


Week 1: Impromptu Presentations: It’s all about you!(Everyone)
• Tell the class about yourself

Week 2/3: Pick one of your favorites to present.
Suggestions are…
• My favorite Bible verse
• My favorite book
• My favorite toy
• My favorite vacation
• My favorite Bible character

Expression: Make your voice interesting by varying your tone and volume, and using pauses to enhance you presentations.

Week 4/5: History
Suggestions are…
• What is the Mayflower Compact?
• Who was Christopher Columbus?
• Pick a Timeline Card
• What is your favorite event in History?
• Tell us about your history. Where were you born? When? Who are your
grandparents and where is your family from?

Volume and Articulation: Speak with appropriate loudness so your audience can hear you. And, speak clearly so that your audience can understand you.

Week 6/7: Geography
Suggestions are…
• Tell us about one of the locations we have learned.
• Tell us about Greensboro. Find out about some local landmarks here in our
community.
• Pretend you are on an adventure. You can go anywhere in the world. Where
would you go? What would you do when you get there?
This place can be real or make believe.

Eye Contact: Make a point to look at each person in the audience.

Week 8/9: Family Traditions
Suggestions are…
• Birthdays
• Holidays
• Family reunions
• Special times

Poise: Calmly and confidently continue even if something goes wrong.

Week 10/11: The Best Things In Life
Suggestions are…
• Your best friend
• The best time you have ever had
• Your best subject in school
• The best things about CC
• The best joke you have heard

Tempo: Speak with appropriate speed, neither too fast nor too slow.

Dear Masters’ Parents,
This is such an exciting time of the year! I have always loved getting “Back to School,” and I am looking forward to spending a part of each week with your child learning and growing in the knowledge of God’s creations. This year, Foundations will focus on U.S. history. We will learn about our wonderful nation through memory work, as well as art and music. Science will concentrate on the human body with an opportunity to learn how “fearfully and wonderfully we have been made.”

Here are a few important facts to know:
• Supplies: Bring paper and a pencil to class each week. It would be great if each family would donate a bag or two of marbles. As the year progresses, I may find that our class will need specific supplies. If so, I will let you know via the blog and/or a note home.
• Students are expected to be respectful of others. I will be encouraging students to be attentive when others are speaking and to be listeners, instead of talkers while class is in session. We will take time on the first day of class to discuss these expectations and look at Bible verses that encourage respect. Should the need arise, I will address continued disciplinary issues with the parent directly. With that said, I am anticipating an incredible year!
• It is my goal to encourage the students to begin, or continue, their love of learning, so there will be incentives for hard work. During class, as well as our review time, I will be rewarding the class by “filling the pitcher” with marbles. Once the pitcher is full, the class will have some sort of simple celebration. Incentives will be rewarded to the class, as each of them is expected to participate each day in some way.
• Do we need a snack? I am not sure that we need something each week, but I always love a reason to celebrate! Please give advanced notice via email if a snack is coming in for a special occasion, or no occasion at all! Also, I will be bringing in snacks once in a while. Be sure to be sensitive to allergies. I will let you know what allergies or sensitivities we have in our class.
• The first week, the students will give an impromptu speech about themselves. After that, they will give a 3-5 minute presentation every other week with a specific presenting skill focus.
• Tuesday’s Schedule: Opening 9:00 (20-30 min.)
New Grammar 30 min.
Science 30 min.
Fine Arts 30 min.
Drawing and Tin Whistle – 1st semester
Great Musicians and Artists – 2nd semester
Review 30 min.
Presentations 30 min.

• If you know that your child will be absent for any reason, please let me know.
• Each week, I will be posting a note about our day on our Classical Conversations blog. Please be sure to check the blog weekly for updates or class news.
It is my desire for your child to have a successful year in Classical Conversations. Always remember that you are your child’s teacher. And, you know your child the best. If there needs to be modifications to the work, please know that I am supportive of that. Teaching my children at home has been a blessing, and a challenge, for me. But even after 8 years, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. If you ever need me, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.


Blessings,
Debbie Black