Thursday, August 29, 2013

September Apprentice





Study (Know)
Do all of the following to increase your knowledge:
Read: 2 Timothy 2:3-5 and decide what it means to you.
Read: The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
Choose: A favorite quote, thought or question from the book to share with the class.
Read: American History in Verse to The Word of God to Leyden Came
Word Study: If you are not doing a word study in journeyman or master class this week, do a word study on “soldier”, “strive” or another interesting word from your readings.
Memorize: A favorite poem or excerpt from a poem from American History in Verse


Teach (Understand):
Choose one of the following to increase your understanding:
(See teaching ideas for presenting your thoughts)

-Think of your own way to teach something you learned from The Last Battle.  Remember, understanding requires action so knowledge can sink into your heart.  Have a parent, or mentor, approve your inspirement.

-We are living in the Last Days and taking part in the “Last Battle” before the end of the world. Make a list of some of the enemy’s tactics in the book and see if you can find some ways how you see them around you today. Also, list some of the tactics used by those on Aslan’s side and how you might use some of them today. Teach us what you learned.

-Show how the Scripture in Timothy applies to the message in the book.  Present your thoughts.

-Pick your favorite scene in the book and represent it in some way (a skit, a picture, a poem, etc). Teach us why you liked that scene and what you learned from it.

-There were several leaders in this book such as: Shift, Trinian, Tash, Aslan, Rishda Tarkaan, any of the Queens and Kings of Narnia, and others.  Pick two leaders and compare their leadership methods. It helps to ask yourself: “How did they get people to follow them?” Share what you learned in your own way.

-Make a Character Study T-Chart of your favorite character or of you least favorite character. Also, write down some of the consequences of their actions. What does this teach you about a trait you want to develop? Present what you learned to teach the class.00

-Things became more “real” as the characters went “further up and further in”.   Have you ever seen this pattern in your life? Write about, or present in some way (Prezi, whiteboard, poster board, speech, etc), how this might apply to our lives today.

-How does the stable in the book compare to the stable in Bethlehem? Present your thoughts in a way of your choosing.

-Why could the dwarves not see what everyone else could see?  Have you ever felt like this or know someone who acts like this? What can you do to help yourself or others in this situation? Or what must happen for them to want to see? Present your thoughts.


Serve  (Become):
Choose one of the following to apply what you have learned:

-Choose an action from your thoughts or writings about The Last Battle or about Raphael to work on this week.

- Teach your family what you learned from “The Last Battle” in a family lesson.  Give them a challenge and take the challenge yourself. 

-Choose a weapon or tactic of the Spirit that you want to become an expert in using to bless others.  Set a goal on how you will practice. Follow through (you may want to ask someone to check on you or write it somewhere where you’ll remember to check on yourself).

-Pray and ask for guidance in how you can become a better soldier for the Lord.  Write down and act on your prompting.

-Choose a “Serve” from Journeyman or Master readings


September Journeyman


I want to go see this cave some day!
Here is a description of this video:
"This Overture, written by the 20 years old Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, was inspired by his visit to Fingal's Cave when he was touring Scotland. He sent a letter to his sister Fanny describing his impression of the cave and along with it an autograph of the first several bars of the overture written on 2 staves. The first section explores the cave's darkness/emptiness/echoes etc.. The following section where the orchestra plays in full tutti gives the impression of a raging ocean (The cave was located on a small island as seen in the pictures). The development section introduces a new theme which is very lyrical and in cantabile (singing) style. The recapitulation reintroduces the original theme with some variations and new orchestral colors and the use of a marcato rhythm and is finally followed by a great climax which is well prepared for in advance and very anticipated. The climax is played tutti in a raging fortissimo with many lines going in different directions but nonetheless balanced perfectly in terms of tone and harmony. Such a dramatic climax calls for a quiet ending where the strings continue to play a couple of pizzicato notes after the rest of the orchestra goes silent."

JOURNEYMAN 

Study   Know 
Do all of the following to increase your knowledge: 

Read: Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers – Felix Medelssohn and pick something you admire about him.
Listen: Listen to at least 5 songs by Medelssohn and pick a favorite – bring the name to class.
Read and Listen: Pilgrim’s Progress to when Christian come to the house of the Interpreter (right after he leaves Goodwill)
Choose: A favorite quote, thought, or question to share with the class
Read: Stories of Great Artists: Raphael
Choose and Read: Pick at least 3 of Raphael’s paintings to read about in Homebook of Great Paintings
Watch: One or more of the videos about Raphael’s paintings on Khan Academy
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H_Guv2Mk1E0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Choose: your favorite painting by Raphael and email it to Isaiah (young men) or Megan (ladies). Be prepared to share why you liked it with the class.

Teach Understand  



Choose one of the following to increase your understanding:

-Pick one of the following characters or settings:
Christian, Evangelist, Wicket Gate (place), Obstinate, Pliable, Despond (Slough), Help, Mister Worldly Wiseman, Carnal Policy (Town), Morality (Village), Legality, Civility, Mount Sinai (Mountain), or Goodwill then do a word study on that word. Come prepared to class to represent that place or person in an impromptu rendition of the story (which we will film).  Think of what they may have worn or held and of their mannerisms and tone. If you pick a place, come prepared with a prop (or yourself dressed up) that represents that place. Post your pick on the comments on the Imaginative Arts Blog so we can make sure that all of the characters get represented.



-Research John Bunyan (he has a fascinating story) and come prepared to present his story to the class and how he came to write the book Pilgrim’s Progress.  You may want to dress up like he may have dressed so that you can introduce him in the film.

-Optional (but awesome): Learn to play or sing a song by Medelssohn to share with the class or make a presentation about him.

Serve  (Become):
Choose one of the following to apply what you have learned:
-Choose an action from your thoughts or writings about Pilgrim’s Progress or Medelssohn that will bless someone to work on this week.
-Think of any obstacles in your journey right now.  Plan how to overcome one of them, write it down and act on it.
-Choose a “Serve” from the Apprentice or Master readings

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

April Memorization

Life is not a path of coincidence, happenstance, and luck,
But rather an unexplainable, meticulously charter course
For one to touch the lives of others
And make a difference in the world

-Barbara Dillingham

April Apprentice Inspirements

1. Read "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde
2. Read: Music Talks for Children Ch 22-25 
3. Write down your favorite quote(s)/thought(s)/idea(s)/question(s) from the reading

Then do one of the following:
-Present a skit, poem, prezi, art work, or find another way to teach what you learned from the story, "The Happy Prince."  Find a way to apply this knowledge to you life and share how it went.

-Present an idea/principle from any of the assigned chapters of Music Talks for Children through a teaching medium of your choice.  Include something that you want to improve in your life/education because of this idea.

-Write a book review about the book "Music Talks with Children" or present your thoughts in some way: poem, prezi, etc). Include what you liked/didn't like about the book, if you would recommend it to others, and thoughts or ideas that you gained from reading it.

-Research Oscar Wilde (read of him from a book or website) As you research, find character trait that you liked about him and how one could work on developing that trait.  Present to the class what you learned.

April Journeyman Inspirements

1. Read Spiritual Lives of the Great Composers"Schupert"

2. Watch: The 2 following videos:


 


Then do one of the following:

Research more about Fra Angelico and present to us what you learned (using media, whiteboard, skit, writing, or whatever teaching tool you'd like). Include a character trait he had that you admire and would like to develop or one that you dislike and would like to keep out of your character.

Find your favorite painting by Fra Angelico (and email it to me). Think of a way that it inspires you to be better. Let us know why you liked it and how it inspired you and what you did with this inspiration (a way you applied it).

Research some more about Schupert and teach the class what you learned (writing, skit, presentation, prezi, etc).  Include a favorite song by him. Also, find a character trait he had that you admire and would like to develop or one that you dislike and would like to keep out of your character. 
 

April Master Inspirements

1. Read "The Giver"
 (I recommend you skip chapter 5 - it shares aspects of growing up that may be uncomfortable to some, as well as leaves images in your mind that may not conducive to the spirit.  Summary of chapter 5: Jonas has a dream showing he is maturing.  He is given a pill that will suppress his desires, appetites and passions so that he will not produce children).  I also recommend parents read chapter 19 to decide if it is too graphic.
 
2. Write down your favorite quote(s)/thought(s)/idea(s)/question(s) from the reading



Then do one of the following:
 
- Do you believe that Jonas did the right thing in leaving? Why or why not? Explain your answer in writing, use examples to support what you think. Share your thoughts with the class.
 
-Do a word study on "Unique" or "Ease" or "Pain."  Remember to write a personal definition.
 
-Decide and write about the main idea(s) you got from the book.  Tell us how you might apply these ideas to your life.  If you get a chance to apply them before class, tell us how it went.
 
-Present a skit, graphic summary, picture, poem or find another way to teach the moral(s) that you found in this book.  Also, share what you learned as you try to apply these moral(s) to you life.

-Make a T-Chart of the Inward and Outward Characteristics of Jonas or The Giver. Pick one that you would like to work on yourself and make a plan as to how to do it.

-Think about our society - in what ways is it like and unlike the society in the giver?  Presents what you discover or think about and how you might go about improving the society around you.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

March Poem Memorization

The Soul's Captain (reply to Invictus) by Orson F. Whitney

Art thou in truth?
Then what of Him who bought thee with His blood?
Who plunged into devouring seas
And snatched thee from the flood?
  Who bore for all our fallen race
What none but him could bear—
The God who died that man might live
And endless glory share.
 
Of what avail thy vaunted strength
Apart from His vast might?
Pray that His light may pierce the gloom
That thou mayest see aright.
 
Men are as bubbles on the wave,
As leaves upon the tree,
Thou, captain of thy soul! Forsooth,
Who gave that place to thee?
  Free will is thine—free agency,
To wield for right or wrong;
But thou must answer unto Him
To whom all souls belong.
 
Bend to the dust that "head unbowed,"
Small part of life's great whole,
And see in Him and Him alone,
The captain of thy soul.