Movement Class/ Brain Gym

Recently, I had the privilege of going to a Brain Gym conference. Brain Gym is a learning program that brings about rapid and often dramatic improvements in reading, writing, language, and other numerical skills. Many others use the work to profoundly enhance the quality of their attention and concentration, relationship and communication, memory and organizational skills, athletic performance and more. People of all ages can benefit from the program. This quarter the kindergarten, second, fourth and fifth grades have had the opportunity to learn one of the basic exercises to take back to their regular classroom and to use at home. There are 26 other movements that enhance the benefits of the program in which the students will continue to learn in Movement class. The second semester Pre-K, first and third grade will have the opportunity to learn about Brain Gym. We are excited to see the positive changes in our students as we enhance their learning environment.

Darci Schattinger
Movement Teacher
(954)556-4559

Did You Know?

One of our CCA teachers is a descendant
of a Mayflower passenger/pilgrim...

Elementary Music Teacher, Kimberly Adkins,
is in the line from Stephen Hopkins, a pilgrim
who was born in 1582 and died in 1644. He
was a tanner and merchant who was one of
the passengers on the Mayflower in 1620,
settling in the Plymouth Colony. Hopkins
provided governance for the colony as well as
assisted with the colony’s ventures through
1636. He was also one of forty-one signatories
of the Mayflower Compact, and was
deputized to meet the Indians and act as an
interpreter. This means that Mrs. Adkins’ kids,
Clayton and Elise, who go to CCA, are also
descendants of Stephen Hopkins. Cool stuff!

Robert Elmer visits CCA!

What a grand day we had when Christian author, Robert Elmer, spoke to students in 3rd-8th grade! The day began with an all group assembly in the Theatre from 8:15-9:00. He was able to capture and hold the students' attention while expressing the virtues of reading and writing. While every student may not become a professional writer, every student does have a story to tell. He explained further, that God has planted seeds in a each and every one of us. Those seeds are planted through our experiences and we use those experiences to relate to others whether in person or in writing.

Fourth and sixth grade students were chosen to further their understanding of the writing process by attending several workshops throughout the day. The workshops focused on ideas such as, developing characters, writing good endings and using what you know to write historical fiction.

The highlight of the day was the "Lunch with the Author" that was held in the Grill for six students-one each from 3rd-8th grade- that won the essay writing contest sponsored by the CCA Library Media Center. We are so blessed to have the resources to offer students such an incredible opportunity. We look forward to planning next year's author visit!

Collaborative Learning: High School Presents to Elementary Students

Mrs. Peyton's high school "Speech and Debate" class had an opportunity to practice their presentation skills by speaking to our elementary third and fourth grade students. Mrs. Peyton had nine students who presented a mini-devotional that focused on each individual high schooler's childhood experience and how they learned and grew from that experience.

Mrs. Peyton opened by sharing her student's favorite things with the class so they would have some knowledge about their presenters. She then opened in prayer.

The high schoolers began by individually sharing a story that had a beginning, middle, and end. They displayed positive body language, eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and use of props. They each closed with a scripture that mirrored and taught a lesson regarding their particular story. At the end of each presentation, Mrs. Peyton framed the entire presentation with some relatable questions so our elementary students could interact with the message.

Mrs. Peyton notes... This collaborative effort has been made to give the students "real world" experience with an authentic audience. Due to the class being small, speaking to an intimate group does not afford them the opportunity of real growth in their public speaking. These elementary venues and those of the study hall for high school students provide REAL, on the spot audiences that do provide feedback. Yes, authentic assessment at its best! God is FAITHFUL!

It's Fall in Pre-K!!!

If we can't bring the kids to where the leaves change colors and fall to the ground,

then we will bring the leaves to the kids!!!

It's Fall in Mrs. Ellis' Pre-K class! They are enjoying the "falling leaves" and raking them up too!

Everyone needs Compassion

The students at CCA have been studying the virtue compassion for the month of October. Putting our action to God’s word, Coach O’s 6th graders and Ms. Vitulli’s 3rd graders teamed together to talk about what it means to have compassion. Coach lead the discussion by reading Luke 10:25-37. Then the group talked about what compassion looks like in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Together, the two groups searched and shared verses from the Bible on compassion. As we wrapped up, the Bible Buddies made compassion rolls. These rolls were filled with Hershey hugs and kisses, a band aid for healing and a life saver to show we all need a Savior. The task presented to them was to go and find someone who needs compassion and share it with them. We can’t wait to hear some of the exciting stories the students will share.