Thursday, December 26, 2013

25 Words for our Cultural Literacy Game Night!

I was surprised how much fun I had choosing these terms! 


Gear up for a fun cultural literacy game night at the end of each month! This is TOTALLY OPTIONAL. Join in if you feel ready for this fun challenge.  

Anyone can come to the game night who has put in the effort of memorizing the 100 terms per month (the gist of them, not word for word). 25 terms a week means writing five cards each weekday (or about 8 a day the three days you're not at Vanguard), and reviewing them as you go. It's doable if you're persistent! 


You may know many of these already, especially if you read 1776. Get out your index cards and let the fun begin... 




NOTE:  These are all found in the chapter titled "American History to 1865," unless noted otherwise.
  1. Adams, John 
  2. Arnold, Benedict 
  3. Boston Massacre 
  4. Boston Tea Party 
  5. Bunker Hill, Battle of 
  6. Common Sense
  7. Continental Congress
  8. Cornwallis, Charles 
  9. Declaration of Independence 
  10. Franklin, Benjamin 
  11. French and Indian War
  12. George III, King (page 227) 
  13. Give me liberty or give me death 
  14. Jefferson, Thomas 
  15. Lexington and Concord, Battle of 
  16. New England (page 419)
  17. One of by land, and two if by sea
  18. Paine, Thomas 
  19. Revolutionary War 
  20. Shot heard round the world
  21. Taxation without representation is tyranny
  22. Thirteen colonies 
  23. Valley Forge 
  24. Washington, George
  25. Yorktown, Battle of 
George Washington crossing the Delaware River.
George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette at Valley Forge, PA. 

January Apprentice Readings and Inspirements

Note: Apprentice class is now taught by Sister Johnson, so these are her inspirements. Direct any questions about them to her. These look great, don't they?


Principle of the Month: WORK



1. Memorization        

We'll be working on memorizing these all month, so get a good start this week! 

Scripture:   Hebrews 12:  1-2                                    


Poem: 

The Youth Who Climbs by Walter E. Isenhour

The youth who burns the midnight light
In study and in prayer,
Will reach in future years a height
With blessings waiting there,
No wealth could never, never, buy,
Nor schemes could ever gain,
For only God can take one high
Beyond all sin and stain.


The youth who walks the upward path
And not the downward road,
And conquers self and carnal wrath
And sin wherever sowed,
Is quite a blessing in his home,
In school, at work, or play,
Or o’er the earth where he may roam,
Or where he’s set to stay.


He’ll bless the country where he lives,
The church where he belongs;
He’ll help God’s cause by what he gives
And help to conquer wrongs;
He’ll share the diamonds of his love
With other precious souls,
And point them to the grand above
Where Christ his treasure holds.


The youth who’s clean in heart and mind
And has a spotless name,
And longs to help his fellows find
God’s way that leads to fame;
Or strives to help them fill the place
That God would have them fill,
Shall be a winner in the race
Up Zion’s holy hill.


2. Read    

  1. One or more chapters from the How book:  Chapter 2, 24, 25, or 27 OR this article.
  2. Just Like Jesus chapter: Finishing Strong                              
  3. Read the Parable Of the Talents from Mathew 25:14-30
  4. Girls:  Read Understood Betsy from the beginning to A Short Morning                      Boys: Read Johnny Tremain from chapter 1 to chapter 3

3. Watch                      

This video.

4. Think About            

Complete a word study on diligence. Think about what diligence means to you.  How does diligence relate to work and property?   How can you be more diligent?   What are some areas in your life that need a little diligence? 


5. Create                        


Prepare an inspirement that will teach us what you learned from your readings and your thoughts about diligence.  It can be visual, written, an activity, something you make or build, an object lesson.  See Ideas for Learning and Teaching if you need further ideas.
 

6. Project                   


Choose a Work project for this month.  You will be working on your project each week and/or day throughout the month.  This project should be something that is inspiring and personally meaningful to you.   This is the application part of apprentice (applying principles to ourselves).  Choose something that is challenging for you and will be a blessing to others.   We will be giving presentations on your projects.  After you pick one send me an email or note about what you have chosen, then start working on it.  


Some Ideas of Work Projects for January:

  • Ask the Lord for a work project for January.  Complete His work project!
  • Practice a talent (new or not) every day this month.
  • Complete a secret service this month.
  • Attend Master class in one or more of the Lens’ this month
  • Share the gospel with someone else.
  • Read a book that is challenging for you.  Finish it this month.
  • Complete a math book.
  • Memorize all your parts for the play, and lead 2 activities.
  • Create a carry out a service project this month.
  • Make something useful for your future home.
  • Learn or practice a skill or trade.
  • Learn how to program computers.
  • Listen to a project the Lord wants you do to.
  • Plan and complete a fundraiser project to help people in 3rd world countries.
  • Read one of the following books:   The Real George Washington, The Real Thomas Jefferson,  or The Real Benjamin Franklin.
  • Mend a hurt relationship by giving it extra effort this month.
  • Start an exercise program this month.
  • Write in your journal every day this month.
  • Manage your time wisely by using SARS, having Parent-youth meetings, and managing your study time wisely during this month.  Evaluate weekly how you are doing and how you can improve.
  • Choose your own work project for January.









 


Friday, December 20, 2013

January Journeyman


1. Think about while you read 

  • Think about work and perseverance throughout your studies this week.  Why are they important?  
  • How can we become inspired to work hard and persevere when things get tough? 
  • When have you done that?  
  • What are some of the best motivations to work and persevere?  
  • How does God see work, and how does the world see work?  
  • Do you know anyone with limitations so they can't work the way they wish they could, like the young man in the video below? 
  • What do you think the connection is between faith and works? 

2. Read 

1. Study a hero of your choice. Really put some time and effort into this. Who do you admire and want to emulate?  Research this person (ideally from the time period of 1500 to 1850). If you’re reading 1776 for master class, you could choose one of the people from the book. 
  • Take notes about your hero and hand in your notes. 
  • At the end of your notes, list the heroic qualities and principles you admire about your hero.
  • Be sure to write one or more of those qualities that you want to develop in yourself.

2. Read Promises of the Constitution, chapter EIGHT (sorry--this is a correction, pages 161-169) and chapter 10 (203-223). Look for principles as you read, especially the principles of work and perseverance. Write one or more sentences at the end of each mini chapter that summarizes the main point. 

3. Read this article about God’s hand in creating America.   How have you seen God’s hand in your life?   

4. Read this article about how to give a speech.  
Scroll down a bit and start reading where it says "Method 1 of 5."

3. Watch 


4. Email 

Class Preparation Sheet by Tuesday at noon to Sister Edwards. 


5. Create 

Choose one or more of the following: 


  1. Write a hero report. Hand in your report to Sister Edwards or Cloward.  It won't be graded; we just want to read it. If you'd like to become a better writer, you can write at the top "feedback please." Be sure to include the qualities you most admire about your hero, and your plan to become more of those qualities. Also look for principles or life lessons you learned as you studied this hero. 
  2. If you signed up for this week, give your hero presentation or speech. See instructions on the Yahoo group files. Also use the speech article above to help prepare your speech.  Be sure to include the qualities you most admire about your hero, and your plan to become more of those qualities.  Also look for principles or life lessons you learned as you studied this hero. 
  3. When reading Promises of the Constitution, take one or more of the main concepts you learned choose a way to teach it to the class. You can use a white board discussion, object lesson, short game or activity or simulation, or find a video online to help you teach the concept.
  4. Do a word study about a word from this week’s study. 
  5. Create a way to document God’s hand in your life up to this point. Ask your parents what times they’ve seen God’s hand in your life, like maybe at your birth there were risks but you turned out fine, or you had a near miss being run over by a car. This could be a list in your journal, a timeline of your life, a big collage of pictures representing events where God has blessed and answered your prayers, or another way. 
  6. Write your answers to the questions in the “think about” section above. From your answers, set one (or more) specific goals for yourself and work on that goal. 
  7. Answer the following questions from Promises of the Constitution in your notebook:



  • Compare and contrast what the free enterprise system looked like in the time of the founding fathers and what it looks like now.  Which system gives more freedom?
  • Write in your own words the four basic laws that guide economic freedom.
  • Make a  list of the Constitutional amendments that specifically pertaining to the executive office and tell what each amendment covers.  
  • Do you think that trials by jury are an important part of our American judicial system or do you feel like they would be best done away with as has happened in Great Britain?
  • Choose something you want to learn more about from this week’s studies from apprentice, journeyman, or master class, or this week’s cultural literacy terms. Research the subject.  Map out your findings using the I-search paper link (pages 3-4) or a similar way. 





  •   




    Wednesday, December 18, 2013

    January Master



    1. Think about While you Read

    Thinking about work and perseverance, compare the hard work of the colonial soldiers compared to what your life is like on a typical day.  Would you be willing to sacrifice your comforts and work hard like they did if it meant protecting the freedom of your country? For what other causes would you be willing to work hard and persevere?  What do you know about America and liberty from the Book of Mormon that makes you think it’s worth working to protect?  What signs can you see from the book that God’s hand was involved in forming America?  What do you admire about the people in the war? 


    2. Read 


    1776 by David McCullough. 

    What were your favorite parts? Your favorite people? What principles or life lessons did you find? 


     


    3. Show 


    Show that you understand the basic story line of the book 1776 by CHOOSING ONE OR MORE of the following. Bring this to show the class. 

    1. Create a timeline of the main events of 1776, or of the entire war.  This can be just words or you can add pictures and maps and such.  Feel free to use the book and other sources like the internet to create your timeline. Include some of the main people too. 
    2. Do some free writing to summarize the events and people of 1776.  Be thorough enough that someone would understand the basic storyline of the book. 
    3. Create a cartoon illustration of the main events of 1776.  Include drawings and captions. Or create a Prezi using paintings found on the internet. Be thorough enough that if someone read your cartoons they would understand the basic story line of the book. 
    4. Create a video of yourself giving an informal speech summarizing the main events and basic story line of 1776. You can list the main events on index cards or a paper to help give your speech. Email the video to Sister Edwards by Tuesday at noon. 
    5. Memorize the definitions of this week’s 25 terms for cultural literacy game night. We recommend you use index cards to write the term on one side and the definition (in your own words if you like) on the other side.

    4. Find and apply


    Brainstorm one or more principles that you can learn from the book 1776. Find at least one example in your own life where this principle has applied to you or your family. Find at least one example in the scriptures that shows this principle. Write about these examples. Then choose a way to present this principle and how it applies to you and in the scriptures. You can write a paper, give a short speech, create a poster, a graphic summary of it, etc. See teaching ideas if you need more ideas. Bring it to class to share.


    Saturday, October 12, 2013

    November Apprentice Readings and Inspirements



    Theme: Life and the Pursuit of Happiness

     
    Scripture to Memorize this Week: 

    Mosiah 4:30:  “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.”


    Apprentice


    Weekly Habits
    -SAR or other time planning tool. Discuss your studies with your parents in a weekly meeting. 
    -Read a poem a day  to "Lexington" (p. 75)
    -Memorize the scripture this week: Mosiah 4:30
    -Summary sheet to hand in 


    Study (Know)
    Read/watch all of the following to increase your knowledge:

    1. Read The Power of Positive Thinking for Teens

    We hope you’ll read this book at the beginning of your study week, because we want you to have plenty of time to practice these principles that have the power to change your life!  If you own the book, mark your favorite parts, and circle your favorite quotes. 

    If you don't have the teen version, here is a free version of the original book. Note: Since this original book is longer than the teen version, if you need to skip study numbers 4, 5, and 6 (below) then you can. We'd prefer you do them all of course! 



             

    2. As you read the book, make a brainstorming list of ideas of how a person can become more faithful and positive in thoughts and words. This list doesn't mean you have to use all the ideas; it's just a brainstorm.    

    3. Watch or read this talk by Elder Holland called "The Tongue of Angels."  Take notes as you watch it, or highlight as you read it. At the end, write a summary of the main points in the talk. 



    4. Find and watch/read one more talk or article that backs up the principles in the book. You could do a search on LDS.org using words like attitude, gratitude, words, faith, charity, pray, optimism, etc. Take notes as you watch the talk, or highlight if you're reading it. At the end, write a summary of the main points of the talk.   

    5. Find 5 additional scriptures and 5 additional quotes that back up the principles in this book. Record them in your notebook. 

    6. Do a word study on a word that you found interesting during your study this week.

    Teach (Understand)

    1. After doing the above five "Study" items, find a quiet place to ponder. Write for 30+ minutes on what you think and feel about these principles. What difference do you think it could make in your life if you change your habitual thoughts and words to be more filled with faith, gratitude, and positivity?  What are you willing to do to make that change? How much time and effort do you think it will take? Is it worth it to you?  

    AND choose one or more of the following inspirements:  
    • Create your own “game plan” of how to become more positive and faithful in your thoughts and words.  The following inspirements are ideas you could include in your game plan, or create your own ideas. Use your “game plan” for a full day, or longer would be better.  If you need reminding, you could post signs around the house, tell your family what you’re doing, or use a timer or alarms.  Record and come ready to teach the class what you did and what you noticed. 



    • Write a list of positive statements either from this book, or make up your own. Post them in a place where you’ll see it at least twice a day, like where you eat meals or brush your teeth.  This week each time you see the list, say these (ideally aloud). Focus on feeling them as you say each one.  Did this habit start to change your mood or your outlook on life? Come prepared to teach us what you did and what you noticed. 
    • Find a place to quietly ponder.  Prayerfully write a list of things and people for whom you are praying, as well as things for which you are grateful.  Each time you pray, use this list to remind you to make your prayers more meaningful, powerful, and more connecting to Heavenly Father. 
    • In a quiet place, ponder and make a two-column list.  On the left, list the things you’re stressed or sad about in your life, or the negative thoughts you think most often. On the right, create a positive/faithful statement about each of those things. For example, “I feel lonely” could turn into “I am reaching out to others in friendly ways.” “I don’t have enough time” could turn into “God is helping me be a wise steward of the time He gives me. I am focused, efficient, and productive.”  Then post this list in a place where you can read the positive side twice each day. What have you noticed after doing this for a while? 


    • Once a day for a week, say a five-minute prayer that is only gratitude. Record how this changes your attitude. 


    • Give more than you get. For one full day choose to focus only on giving, and not on getting. Record what you did and how you felt. 
    • Write the list of power prayer tools on page 40-41. Use them in every prayer this week. Record what you did and how it affected your attitude as well as your relationship with God. 
    • For one full day, be very watchful of your own thoughts.  What percentage would you guess of your thoughts are negative and positive?  For a full day, every time you notice yourself have a negative thought about a thing or person or event, stop for a moment, and think or say three positive things about that thing or person or event. Do this each time you notice a negative thought throughout the day. At the end of the day, record your experience and your thoughts about it. 
    • Watch the video below about how to create a vision board.  Then create your own vision board. Stand in front of it twice a day and visualize/feel that you’ve achieved those goals. Some people use vision boards for worldly goals, but you can also use them to help with higher goals like attaining Christlike qualities, eating healthy, exercising, service, education, saving money for an LDS mission, being a George Washington-type leader, having a happy and close family, an organized desk or room, studying scriptures or journaling, achieving goals in Scouting or Personal Progress, and so on. 



    Serve (Become)
    Choose ONE of the following inspirements:


    • Record what you did in the Teach inspirement(s). Come to class ready to share what you did and how it affected you.  Habits like these are powerful only if you keep working on them.  How are you going to keep working on what you’ve been doing?
    • Or choose a Serve inspirement from apprentice or master level.






    November Journeyman Readings and Inspirements


    Study (Know)

    Read all of the following to increase your knowledge:

    • How: Essential Skills for Living the Gospel. Say a prayer to be guided as you choose one chapter. Read that chapter, marking your favorite parts as you read.  Write down a goal of how you’ll practice this skill for the next 4 weeks.  Post the goal in a place you see often, including adding it to your SAR. Tell a parent about your goal. 


    • Promises of the Constitution: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Read pages 173-199. Mark anything that stands out to you.  Discuss any questions you have about the readings with a parent. (Hint: I recommend you read this toward the end of your study week.)


    • Hero Study. Research a person you admire from the time period of 1500 to 1850. Take notes about your hero and hand in your notes. At the bottom of the page, list the heroic qualities you admire about your hero, and choose one you want to develop that in yourself.



    Teach (Understand)
    Choose ONE of the following inspirements:  

    • Prayerfully create your own inspirement to help you get the most out of what you studied. (See a list of ideas on the back of the newsletter.) Come ready to teach us.
    • Teach the Vanguard group the skill you chose to learn from the "How” book. Include how you’re applying that skill in your life. You could teach this in a variety of ways: create a poem or song, Prezi or Power Point, white board discussion, object lesson, poster board that displays the main points, prepare a talk, or write a paper about it to read to the class.  Limit your presentation to 2-3 minutes. 
    • Write a hero report.  Read the report to the class. Hand in your report to Sister Edwards or Cloward.  It won't be graded; we just want to read it. If you'd like to become a better writer, you can write at the top "feedback please." Be sure to include the qualities you most admire about your hero, and your plan to become more of those qualities. 
    • If you signed up for this week, give your hero presentation. See instructions on the Yahoo group files. Be sure to include the qualities you most admire about your hero, and your plan to become more of those qualities. 
    • When reading Promises of the Constitution, write a summary at the end of each tiny chapter.  Take one or more of those main concepts and choose a way to teach it to the class. You can use a Prezi or Power Point presentation, white board discussion, object lesson, short game or activity or simulation, or find a video online to help you teach the concept. 
    • Answer the following questions from Promises of the Constitution in your notebook: 
    1. In the original Constitution which was the only branch of government authorized to create laws?  Is that the way it is today? 
    2. In what year were several amendments added to the Constitution that changed the structure of power and money in our national government? 
    3. Explain the before and after of the 17th Amendment.  What negative side effects has it caused? 
    4. Explain the before and after of the 16th Amendment. 
    5. Before 1913 Congress coined and regulated money. To whom did they give that power? What things happened because of that change? 



    Serve (Become)
    Choose ONE of the following inspirements :
    • Write down promptings you receive while doing your readings and inspirements. Act on one that serves someone else. Come to class ready to share.  
    • Practice the skill you chose from the “How” book for 24 hours.  If it will help you remember, set alarms on a phone or watch or use a timer to remind you to practice your skill.  
    • What heroic qualities did you most admire about the hero you studied? For 24 hours do your best to act out that quality. Record what you did. For example, if the heroic quality you admire is courage, write down ways you were courageous in your day, like “I had the courage to try a new dinner my mom made. I had courage to call and make an appointment for myself, to do my chores without being reminded, and to speak calmly to my sister when she was mad and I was tempted to yell. I was tempted to tell a lie but I had the courage to tell the truth.” 



    • What does your learning make you want to do or change in yourself? Act on that for a day. Record what you did. 
    • Or choose a Serve inspirement from journeyman or master level.




    Monday, September 16, 2013

    Instructions for a Hero Study, Report, or Presentation

    Hero Study 

    Remember, the main point of studying a hero is to find the heroic qualities you admire about them and apply those qualities to your own life! 

    Choose a person you admire from the time period we’re studying (approximately 1500 to 1850). Research and take notes on that person. This could include a founding father or mother, an inventor, musician, religious leader, author, ancestor, or someone else you admire and want to learn more about. Use a book from our recommended hero book list, or find other sources with the approval of your parents. 

    (Note: Wikipedia is not allowed. Copying and pasting is not allowed. This needs to be in your own words.)  

    Here are some ideas of thing you could include in your notes: 

    your hero’s life and experiences
    how you think they filled the mission God sent them to live
    how their hard work
    education
    talents
    life challenges helped them become a better person and do something worthwhile
    how you can see God's hand in his or her life
    what Christlike characteristics that person had that you admire 

    Hero Report

    From the notes you wrote about your hero, type up a report. See Sister Edwards' example for ideas.  Read the report to the class.  

    Hand in your report so we can see that you did it. It won't be graded or anything. If you'd like to become a better writer, you can write at the top "Feedback please." 

    Hero Presentation

    If it's your week to present your hero report (you'll sign up for a turn), have fun with it!  After researching your hero and taking notes, find some fun ways to present your hero to us!  Although most inspirements are about 2-3 minutes, a hero report is meant to be 5-10 minutes, so stretch yourself and make it great!   


    Here are some ideas: 

    • Dress up as your hero and read us your hero report
    • Show pictures of your hero and some of the things he or she did to make the world a better place 
    • Perform part of a speech your hero gave, or play part of a musical composition he or she wrote
    • Show us a short video clip about your hero as part of your presentation
    • Create a skit that portrays your hero’s characteristics and what he or she accomplished 
    • Write a poem about your hero 
    • A short game to help you teach the class interesting things about your hero
    • Be sure to include what characteristics you admire about your hero, and your plan to develop one of those characteristics.


    Scripture to Memorize by October 2, 2013

    Alma 31:5

    "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just -- yea, it had had more powerful affect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them -- therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."


    Apprentice Readings & Inspirements

    October Theme: 

    Citizenship, Christian Principle of Self-government


    Study  – Know

    1. Before you begin:  Plan your studies for the week and discuss it with your parent(s).
    Use a SAR (Student Accountability Report) or another planner-type tool.  Discuss your plans and progress with your parents in your weekly parent mentor meeting. (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

    2. Read a poem a day (from Sister Bates) in American History in Verse. Read the poems to “________”.  (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

    3. Read Carry On, Mr. Bowditch. If you own the book, mark it up. Highlight things that stand out to you. Make notes in the margins. Circle your favorite quotes.



    4. Word Study. Do a word study on ONE of the following words: citizenship, society, community. (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

    Teach – Understand

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements: (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)


    • Research a navigational skill from the book, and come to class with a diagram or model and be prepared to teach us how to do it. Some examples are: using a sextant to “shoot the sun,” telling time by the Big Dipper, or keeping a log.
    • Choose one of the following quotes from the book. (Page numbers are approximate as they may be slightly off depending on what copy you have.)

    - “Being happy takes a lot of practice, don't you think?” (pg. 73)
    - “Sometimes, if you look at the stars long enough, they sort of shrink your troubles down to size.” (pg. 86)
    - “We can't have freedom – unless we have freedom.” (pg. 90)
    - “It did things to a man, Nat thought, to find out he had a brain.” (pg. 139)
    - “The best way to stay at peace is to be prepared for war.” (pg. 170)
    Reread the part of the story that includes the quote. Write a few paragraphs on what you think that quote means and if you agree or disagree with it. Be prepared to share your thoughts in class.

    • Do a character T chart on Nat Bowditch using quotes from your reading. Choose one of the qualities that he had that you would like to develop in yourself. Do a word study on that quality and include a paragraph on how you can build that quality in yourself.
    • Study the types of boats they had in the late 1700's and make a physical representation on one of them (drawing, sculpture, model, etc) and then come to class and teach us about the parts of the boat that we learned about in this book.
    • Do a skit or make a movie to show the class your favorite part of the book.


    Serve –Become

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements : (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)

    • President Gordon B. Hinckley said he was fascinated by the North Star. Regardless of the earth’s rotation, the North Star maintained its position in the heavens and never moved. He said: “I recognized it as a constant in the midst of change. It was something that could always be counted on, something that was dependable, an anchor in what otherwise appeared to be a moving and unstable firmament.” (Sheri L. Dew, Go Forward with Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley (1996), 5–6)
    Noting the unwavering, absolute position of the North Star, one writer told the contrasting story of a young boy who became lost on a camping trip. When his father finally found him, his father asked if he had remembered to pick out something in the landscape that he could always see. This, his father said, would have helped him to fix a steady position. The boy said, “I did.”“What was it?” the father asked. “That rabbit over there,” the boy said.  Think about what the navigation stars are in your life.  What things in your life do you use to measure truth?  Which of the things that you use to measure truth truly provide you with truth and which things don't?   Spend some time thinking about this and decide on something you could do better on in your life and work on it this week.

    • It takes Nat several years to learn Latin well enough to read “Principia”. Have you ever spent a year or more working on or towards something? Why did you spend that much time? Was it worth it? What did you learn from the experience? Write your thoughts down and be prepared to share in class.  If you have never spent that long working on something, think hard about something you would like to learn or do that might take that long and set a goal to accomplish it.  Be prepared to share your plan with the class.

    October Journeyman Readings & Inspirements

    Study  – Know

    Read ALL of the following: 

    1. How: Essential Skills for Living the Gospel. Say a prayer and then choose one of the chapters to read.  Read that chapter, marking your favorite parts as you read.  In your journal make note of any spiritual promptings you receive while you read so you can act on those.  (Estimated time: 30 minutes)



    2. Promises of the Constitution: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow. Read pages 125-157. Mark anything that stands out to you. (Estimated time: 2 hours)



    3. Hero Study. Research and take notes on a person you admire from this time period (1500 to 1850). (Estimated time: 1 hour)


    Teach – Understand

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements: (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)


    • Teach the Vanguard group the skill you chose to learn from the "How book."  Strive to work on this new habit all four weeks until the next Leadership Academy class, by writing it on your SAR and discussing it with your parents. You could teach this in a variety of ways: create a poem or song, Prezi or Power Point , white board discussion, object lesson, poster board that displays the main points, prepare a talk, or write a paper about it to read to the class. Limit your presentation to 2-3 minutes. 
    • Write a hero report.  Read the report to the class. Hand in your report to Sister Edwards.  It won't be graded; we just want to read it. If you'd like to become a better writer, you can write at the top "feedback please."
    • If you signed up for this week, give your hero presentation. See instructions on the Yahoo group files. 
    • When reading Promises of the Constitution, write a summary at the end of each tiny chapter.  Take one of those main concepts and choose a way to teach it to the class. You can use a Prezi or Power Point presentation, white board discussion, object lesson, short game or activity or simulation, or find a video online to help you teach the concept.
    • Answer the following questions from Promises of the Constitution in your notebook: 

    - What ways are people are supposed to be equal and ways they aren’t (pages 150-51).  
    - Draw a diagram of government’s horizontal powers and vertical powers (pages 148-9).
    - Explain the what, why, and who of the Federalist Papers (pages 126-7). 
    - List the rights God has given us on pages 142-3. 

    Serve –Become

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements : (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)


    • Teach a family home evening lesson on one of the things you studied this month: your skill from the “How book,” a government principle from the Promises of the Constitution book, your hero, or Carry On Mr. Bowditch. 
    • Write down promptings you receive while doing your readings and inspirements. Act on one that serves someone else. Come to class ready to share. 
    • Teach a family member or friend the main points of the things you've learned from your studies this week. Be sure to tell them how you're going to improve your life from the things you've learned. Come to class ready to share. 
    • Or choose a “Serve-Become” from the apprentice or master level.
    • Find three scriptures and three quotes that relate to something you learned this week. Write a summary of them in your notebook. What is God teaching you from these? Record your thoughts. 



    Tuesday, September 3, 2013

    Remember to memorize the scripture for this month!

    It goes along with our 2013-24 theme of "Joy in the Journey!" We'll be passing it off at Leadership Academy class on September 4, 2013.


    John 16:33 --  "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."



    Tuesday, August 13, 2013

    September Apprentice Readings and Inspirements

    (Estimated total time for Apprentice: 5 hours or more)

    Study (Know)

    1. Before you begin:  Plan your studies for the week and discuss it with your parent(s). 

    Read through the newsletter for this week’s lens (and master class if that applies to you). Highlight the required readings and the inspirements that most interest you. Use a SAR (Student Accountability Report) or another tool (like a planner or notebook) to plan and pace your studies for the week.  Include your Vanguard studies, other studies, and personal goals. Discuss this with your parent(s) in your weekly parent mentor meeting.  We’re excited to see everyone blossom BIG TIME this year as you develop self-leadership skills this habit will bring you: goal setting, time management, planning, pacing, accountability, finishing, and asking for support from parents. (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

    2. Read a poem a day (from Sister Bates) 

    From American History in Verse American History in Verse (by Burton Stevenson). Read the poems to "Columbus" by Joaquin Miller (through page 8).  (Estimated time: 30 minutes)

    3. How: Essential Skills for Living the Gospel 

    (by John Hilton III and Anthony Sweat).  Read the introduction (pages 1-4).  Say a prayer to be guided, and then read the table of contents and mark any of the headings that stand out to you. Then choose one of the chapters to read.  Read that chapter, marking your favorite parts as you read.  In your journal make note of any spiritual promptings you receive while you read so you can act on those.  (Estimated time: 30 minutes)


    4. Promises of the Constitution: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow  

    (by Pamela Romney Openshaw).  Read the preface and prologue. Then read pages 93-121. Mark anything that stands out to you. If it brings up any questions, jot those down in the book or your notebook. Feel free to ask those questions to your parents or in class. (Estimated time: 1 hour or more)



    5. Hero Study. 

    Research and take notes on a person you admire from this time period (1500 to 1850). This could include a founding father or mother, an inventor, musician, religious leader, author, or someone else you admire and want to learn more about. Use a book from our recommended hero book list, or find other sources with the approval of your parents. (Note: Wikipedia is not allowed. Copying and pasting is not allowed. This needs to be in your own words.) 

    Here are some ideas of thing you could include in your notes: your hero’s life and experiences, how you think they filled the mission God sent them to live, how their hard work, education, talents, and even life challenges helped them become a better person and do something worthwhile, how you can see God's hand in his or her life, and what Christlike characteristics that person had that you admire.  (Estimated time: 1 hour)



    6. Word Study. 

    Do a word study on ONE of the following words: “God,” “Liberty,” “Agency,” “Virtue” “Constitution,” or “America.” (Estimated time: 30 minutes) 

    Teach (Understand)

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements: (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)

    1. Teach the Vanguard group the skill you chose to learn from the "How book."  You could teach this in a variety of ways: create a poem or song, a multimedia presentation like Prezi or Power Point , a white board discussion, an object lesson, a poster board that displays the main points, prepare a talk similar to what you’d give in sacrament meeting, or write a paper about it to read to the class. Be sure to include a scripture or quote from the chapter, how you've benefitted from working on that skill, and an invitation for the class members to work on it too.  



    2. Create a new habit. Read the "How book" chapter first thing this week so you have a whole week to work on the skill you studied. Write down a goal on this week's SAR about the skill you studied in the “How book.” At the end of the week before you come to Vanguard, write in your journal about how you've been doing working on the skill and how it's helping you become more like Christ. Come to class ready to share the your goal and how it's helping you become better. Invite the class to improve in that area too. Optional: Since it's estimated to take 28 days for your brain pathways to make a new habit, go the extra mile and keep working on that habit until the next Leadership Academy class in four weeks. Use your SAR to write the goal each week, and include your parents in your progress in your weekly parent mentor meetings. 



    3. When reading Promises of the Constitution, write a sentence at the end of each tiny chapter that summarizes the main concept. Take one of those main concepts and choose a way to teach it to the class. You can use a Prezi or Power Point presentation, white board discussion, object lesson, short game or activity or simulation, or find a video online to help you teach the concept.



    4. Write a hero report. From the notes you wrote about your hero, type up a report. See Sister Edwards' example for ideas.  Read the report to the class. (Hand in your report so we can see that you did it. It won't be graded or anything. If you'd like to become a better writer, you can write at the top "please give some helpful feedback." You can ask your parents to proofread and offer a little feedback before you hand it in too if you’d like.)



    4. Give a hero presentation. If it's your week to present your hero report (you'll sign up for a turn), have fun with it!  After researching your hero and taking notes, find some fun ways to present your hero to us!  Here are some ideas: 

    Dress up as your hero and read us your hero report
    Show pictures a short video clip about your hero and some of the things he or she did to make the world a better place 
    Perform part of a speech your hero gave, or play part of a musical composition he or she 
    Create a skit that portrays your hero’s characteristics and what he or she accomplished 
    Write a poem about your hero 
    A short game to help you teach the class interesting things about your hero
    Be sure to include what characteristics you admire about your hero, and your plan to develop one of those characteristics.



    Serve (Become) 

    Choose ONE of the following inspirements: (Estimated time: 30 minutes or more)

    1. Teach a family home evening lesson on one of the three things you studied this month: your skill from the “How book,” a government principle from the Promises of the Constitution book, or your hero report. Or if you did the  journeyman reading, you could teach an FHE lesson on that book.

    2.  Prayerfully think of a service project you can do that has to do with something you learned from your apprentice studies.  One idea is to think of how your hero liked to serve others and find a service that follows that example.  If your hero is a musician, could your family visit a bedridden older neighbor and sing some songs to cheer her up? 
    3. Write down promptings you receive while doing your readings and inspirements. Act on one that serves someone else. Come to class ready to share. 

    4. Get involved in Teen Eagle Forum, from which a guest speaker visited Vanguard last year. (http://www.utaheagleforum.org/teeneagles.html).They have monthly meetings and you can volunteer to be a teen legislative page during the state legislative sessions to help promote pro-family issues. Or do something else to promote liberty. Come to class ready to share.


    5. Teach a family member or friend the main points of the things you've learned from your studies this week. Be sure to tell them how you're going to improve your life from the things you've learned. Come to class ready to share.