Assignments for September 29th, 2025
Explorations in British Literature
Today, we reviewed the characters in Beowulf and viewed a power point on the epic tale itself. Then we took the over a matching section on the characters in Beowulf, finding alliteration in a poem, a matching section quiz on Beowulf, the first epic poem ever written in Britain. We then talked about the Celtic poem Cynddylan’s Hall and the poem on life in a great lord’s hall. Both covered the passing of a way of life.
Next week, we will take our test on the Anglo-Saxon Age. It will con the seven literary terms, and two questions on the last two poems. We also have assigned five reports on the code of knighthood. Also, read the excerpt of A Parody of Knighthood by T.H. White on pages 20-22, the excerpt of Morte D’Arthur by Thomas Malory on pages 25-27, and the excerpt of T.H. White’s The Once and Future King, along with the questions on page 29.
Review Beowulf with the following 60-second recap.
American History
Today, we reviewed Chapters 1 and 2 in preparation for our quiz on those chapters. Then we took the quiz on the chapters with ten of the most important facts. Then we went over the chapter you read for today—Chapter 3. We worked on reviewing states and capitals and geography through games.
For next week, read Chapter 4. We will go over the new chapter you read and review for our next test on Chapters 1-3.
Watch this explanation of the French and Indian War.
U.S. Government
We reviewed for our quiz on Lessons 1 and 2 and then took the quiz. We went over Lesson 3 and the Bill of Rights. You only have to recognize Amendments 1, 2, and 5. We also went over Amendments 11-27 and the ones you need to know—13, 15, 18,19, 21, and 26. We will continue with that next week.
For next week, complete Lessons 5, 6, and 7. We will finish the amendments, go over the basics of the Constitution, and complete the answers in your workbook. (I will make sure you are “caught up”.) Here are the answers to Lesson 5: Congress, Lesson 6: Senate, and Lesson 7: House of Representatives. Don’t forget to ask your parents this question: Who is the founding father who was most significant but you never heard of?
Watch the following short video of the making of our Constitution.
Quick Looks at Great Books
We finished our review of what you did in our study guide and took the quiz on the details of the French Revolution.
Next week, we will actually start A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. Read Book 1—Recalled to Life. (Chapters 1-6) Also, answer Questions 1-14 in your study guide. We will go over all the questions and events before the quiz. We will also listen to the songs of the Revolution and watch the CD of the French Revolution.
Practical Public Speaking
Prepare an example of a memorization for next week. You may choose from either a toast (for a wedding, banquet, etc.) to honor a friend, sibling, etc. or prepare a presentation. (Presenting an award of some kind.) You will need to write out what you plan to say and then memorize it. Plan to turn in a copy of your speech to me. It should be approximately 1 minute.
- Toast—Identify the occasion, your relationship to the person, and a few opening remarks to the couple. (If it’s a wedding.) Then list some personal examples of good qualities of the honoree and how that will serve him/her in the future. You might also or instead tell some humorous events that the two of you shared in the past that would be entertaining to the audience. Congratulate the person again!
- Presentation—Comment on any special features of the occasion and on the purpose of the occasion. Describe the award and what it represents. If appropriate, mention your relationship with the recipient (coach, teacher, student, friend, etc.) List the recipient’s achievements. Present the award, prize, or gift and congratulate them.
This is your assignment for this week. If you could not find the assignment last week, turn that in as well. We continued our biographical interviews and will finish them next week.