The Civil Waris a huge section!!!!

Parents of my darling Fifth graders, I need your help.  I have been trying to impress on them that the Civil War is a huge section that is difficult to understand and retain all the information.  I have asked them and reminded them that they will need to start truly studying NOW!  Last nights homework was to review sections 9, 10, and 11.  Much to my chagrin, very little effort was used by the students to achieve the intended goal.  So, what do we do now?  I have handed out review questions for all 25 sections.  There are about 4 questions for each section.  Yes.  ONE HUNDRED questions.  See what I mean?  Hopefully they will answer the questions fully; That will help them in the long run.  More effort now translates to less effort later when they are trying to study.  Please keep on them.

Next!  Family life time!  We will begin Family Life next week.  It will take us about a week to cover all the information.  I do not sugar coat the subject matter.  We cover all this information under the supportive guidance of our Lord, Jesus Christ.  It is a faith based approach that is very complete.  We discuss everything they could possibly need to know at this age.  The students are given an opportunity to get all the giggles out on the very first day of class.  I allow ten minutes for them to laugh at all the words I will write on the board.  After that, they are told that if they cannot handle themselves in a mature manner they will be asked to leave the room during this time and will cover the material with their parents.  To date, I have not had to do this.  They understand and act accordingly.

I also have a question box available to them.  It is anonymous.  I pick out the question answer it and go on.  If it is a question that I feel is more appropriately answered by the parents, I instruct them to ask you.  I just like to share!

Sixth Grade:  We will be having another group project.  This time they will delve into their inventive side of themselves.  I want them to come up with an "invention" to make their lives easier.  Hopefully this will be a fun exercise for them.

Seventh Grade:  World War II is a deep subject filled with disturbing information.  I am trying to explain the subject matter as best.