Mariah – Aged 14.3yrs 2016
Mariah loves writing creative essays and memorising poetry. She is a voracious reader whose preferred method of learning is via ‘living’ books. She has a particular love for the study of Geography, particularly mapwork. Mariah has a passion to learn languages and shows aptitude for Spanish. Mariah is also quite talented at many creative pursuits. She applies herself diligently to her studies.
English
Goal
To become proficient with a variety of essay and creative writing styles. To improve in the mechanics of language arts, in particular applying the rules of punctuation appropriately.
I will continue to teach Mariah and Malachi together for Grammar, Composition and Spelling as the synergy they create is most effective. Obviously the quality expected and delivered will not be of the same standard.
Grammar & Composition
Using various resources we shall be focusing on developing skills in areas such as; Creative Writing, Key Word Outlines, Note Taking, Oral Reports, Writing from Outlines, Three Paragraph Report and Research Reports. Composition work also includes written narrations for Faith, Geography, History and Science.
Whilst working on Composition attention will also be directed to an awareness and practice of correct grammatical use and a more formal study of grammar will also be undertaken using the following resources.
Resources Include:
English for Australian Schools – Ronald Ridout Bk 5
Precis Writing
Spelling
Dictation
Literature
Goal
To ensure she is reading reading quality literature from a variety of genre.
Resources Include:
Our library and town library.
Elocution
To improve her diction and voice strength
Plan:
Have Mariah read a chapter alternatively with Malachi and I during our Read Aloud time together.
Shakespeare
Mariah has read a number of Shakespeare’s plays or story versions.
This year the M&Ms are to choreograph and direct themselves and their siblings, enacting several scenes from a play of their choice. Suggest A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Poetry
Mariah loves poetry. Continue with daily reading of poetry individually or together. Memorise a poem a week to recite at Family Recitation nights.
Resource Include:
Our poetry collection
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Mathematics
Mariah ‘hit a wall’ with her maths last year and has struggled but has been inspired this year and already impressed us with her perseverance and application. She is gaining skill, strength and confidence.
Goal
To complete up to the end of Grade 9 by the end of 2016
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Science
Science
Science isn’t a strong interest of Mariah’s, though since she discovered the Horrible Science series last year her interest has been piqued.
Goal
To have a solid understanding of Earth Science which will be the focus of her studies this year.
Topic covered include:
The Layers of the Atmosphere, Weather Patterns, Winds, Climate, Biosphere. Hydrosphere, Volcanoes, Mountain Formation
Resources Include:
Horrible Science series
Nature Study
Observe – Take at two nature walks each week
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Technological And Applied Studies
Food Technology
Mariah has a clear understanding of the importance between food, nutritional status and the quality of life having personally witnessed the impact nutritional health has on ones’ overall health.
Mariah will deepen her knowledge and understanding of nutrition and food consumption this year as we delve deeper into the benefits of stocks, broths, pro-biotics and fermented foods. Mariah will participate in learning how to prepare, make and use these healing foods as well as becoming more confident in baking for a grain and sugar free diet.
Mariah will continue to be regularly involved in food preparation, hygiene, cooking, baking, menu planning and shopping for a family of ten/twelve.
Industrial Technology
-Building & Construction
We have been owner building for the past six years and likely for a couple more. Mariah has become familiar with many aspects of design environments, materials and their applications. She has been actively involved in building our home and learnt a variety of skills along the way. Some practical; reading plans, carpentry, decking, painting and interior design, yet many skills learnt are intangible but extremely important, such as patience, tenacity and teamwork. Last year Mariah and Genevieve worked alongside their father and did the bulk of the labour in building our new verandah.
She is aware of Occupational Health and Safety Practices and is competent in using a variety of tools, Mariah is always the first to grab tools and fix as soon as she sees a need for maintenance.
–Timber
This year Mariah will be assisting her father in creating our new kitchen. She is already part of the design process and will be assisting in framing or installing the cabinetry. Mariah’s particular interest and skill in industrial technology is in carpentry and she will be a keen and quick apprentice in this project.
Graphics Design
-Cabinet & Furniture Drawing
Mariah will be/has been part of the process of designing our kitchen, first by freehand with the need to be spatially accurate in expressing her vision and is now involved in fine tuning that vision be displaying it clearly and accurately via design on the computer program.
Textiles Technology
– Apparel
Mariah is gifted with a flair for fashion, this year we will be further enhancing her awareness of textiles by creating her own clothing, from cloth to model. Our first textile choice will be cotton, we will begin with a basic circle skirt and then continue to create other garments of choice and texture.
-Textile Arts
Mariah has expressed a keen interest in learning how to spin wool, crochet, cross-stitch and arm knit. As we already have the materials for these and access to resources for these, this will be our course of focus this year.
Whilst learning these skills Mariah will deepen her confidence and proficiency in design, production and evaluation of a variety of textile items.
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Human Society and Its Environment
Geography
Mariah’s first love in HSIE is Geography. This year Mariah will be furthering her knowledge and interest of geographic knowledge and skills.
Mariah is particularly keen to deepen her knowledge of ‘mapwork’, geographical landmarks and understanding of physical ‘facts’ worldwide and the culture of communities globally.
Resources Include:
Our Library and town library
Internet
Commerce
Mariah to further her understanding of consumer, financial and business issues, to have the skills to make informed and responsible decisions as an individual and as a member of the broader community. To be aware of fundamental rights and laws in our society and to know and practice ethical behaviour.
Resources Include:
Uncle – Mariah’s uncle is a law graduate, works for a political party in Canberra and is passionate about all matters relating to business, legal, employment, consumer and financial matters. He is a marvelous curator of the latest information which he constantly keeps us up to date with.
Father – A certified CPA working in business and finance. Mariah is quite familiar and aware of many business and financial terms, their definitions and their impact through many a discussion.
History
-Modern History
Mariah will be studying the effect of various environmental factors in shaping communities globally. She will be looking at how communities are affected by physical, social and cultural factors. Our focus will include biographies of various explorers, significant physical events such as Pompeii and Krakatoa, how rivers and seas have played a part in shaping communities of today and more
Resources Include:
The internet
Our Library and town library
-Australian History
Federation.
Mariah will be studying the history of the Federation of Australia. We will also include the Constitution and Government.
Resources include:
Government in Australia
Online resources
Faith
Mariah to deepen her knowledge of her Faith and grow in her journey with God. Her focus this year will include saints biographies, general knowledge, catechesim memorisation and apologetics.
Resources Include:
Saints biographies from our library
‘Green’ Catechism
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Languages
Mariah has a passion and aptitude for languages. She has already completed many hours of study learning Spanish and will continue with those studies this year. Mariah’s intention is to begin Italian or German towards the end of the year after progressing her Spanish studies a little further.
Resources Include:
Mrs Navarrete – Local Spanish speaking resident
Creative Arts
Dance
Mariah is passionate about dance, last year she studied Classical Ballet, Jazz Ballet and tap. She dances for Ashley Albert Performing Arts and had a senior role in their end of year pantomime. Mariah was excited to be awarded the Senior Encouragement Award in 2015. This year she will continue dancing with AAPA studying jazz and tap, hoping to be able to continue with classical in terms 3 & 4.
Mariah will also be learning Ballroom Dancing this year.
Drama
Mariah loves drama! She is our resident ‘drama queen’ and often has us in stitches. Last year our local homeschool support group employed a well respected and well known drama teacher. At the conclusion of our block of study the children performed the play they had been studying to a stunned audience, they were absolutely brilliant. Mariah had the leading role and thus her love of drama has deepened. We will be hiring the drama teacher again and Mariah will once again have an opportunity to perform under the tutelage of this excellent playwright and teacher. We have contacted our local theatre company who are keen to have Mariah audition this year. They perform four plays a year and Mariah is most excited.
Music
–Piano
Mariah is gifted musically, however she has chosen to not undertake further formal studies. This year she has expressed an interest in taking up her musical studies again, albeit to continue with self-teaching. With the various resources available on the internet and the help of her older sister, I’m confident she will progress.
-Choir
On the advice and enthusiasm of the drama teacher our local homeschool support group employed last year, this year we are employing a choir master. Mariah has a beautiful voice and is keen to be part of this venture.
Mariah will also be joining our newly formed Youth Group choir at Church under the leadership of a new music director and is keen to be part of it. z
Visual Arts
Mariah is talented at drawing and keen to continue furthering her skills in this medium. She is also keen to explore painting, experimenting with watercolours.
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Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
Child Studies
Due to the dynamics of our family life Mariah is quite familiar with child development of all stages from newborn to adult. Practically speaking Mariah is extremely capable of dealing with and meeting the needs of babies through to pre-adolescents. She is aware of the role positive parenting, caring and nurturing has on a child’s sense of identity and wellbeing.
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education
-Self &Relationships
Mariah is to have a strong sense of self identity, to have healthy boundaries and to be aware of the need of others to have the same.
To gain this through personal conversations and positive encouragement
-Movement, Skill & Performance
Mariah to focus this year on dance with AAPA, ballroom dancing, choir, drama lessons and drama performances with Criterion Theatre.
-Individual & Community Health
Mariah is to have an understanding of reproductive health, the need for personal hygiene and an awareness of health choices. To be aware of the positive and negative choices that we can make and the consequence of our choices. Knowledge will be gained through personal conversations, positive encouragement and teaching strategies on how to handle various situations.
–Lifelong Physical Activity
Mariah to understand the importance of exercise and nutritional health and to be given the knowledge of how to make positive choices and how to put them into practice.
Physical Activity and Sports StudiesMariah already understands the importance of lifelong participation in physical activity for overall well being. Mariah’s teacher at AAPA regularly stresses safe dance practices and teaches her how to enhance her capacity to move and perform. Mariah loves being physically active in the dance arena and rises to each challenge she is given.
