Month: October 2021

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Geometry, the Repetitive Nature of Definitions

The blog will also be a record of what concepts my children learn. I need a place to put this besides random pieces of paper spread all over the place. So with that stated, this blog post will be definitions in Geometry I have covered with some small person that lives with me. These definitions are really for me. I hate looking back in the book because I forgot something I just looked at two seconds ago.

Line- a straight line. Arrows going in both directions means continuous line.

Point- a specific location on a line.

Plane – three or more points that are not on the same line. Makes up a flat surface.

Postulates- statements that are accepted as true.

Theorems- can be proven true through a series of steps.

Line segments- is a part of a line.

Midpoint- is a point that is midpoint between two other points on a line.

Rays- is a section of a line that has a beginning point and continues on forever.

Parallel Lines- two line that do not cross each other.

Intersecting lines- line that cross each other.

Bisectors- lines that cross each other at the midpoint.

Transversals- a line that intersects two other lines.

Vertex- the point of the angle.

Bisecting rays- divides one larger angle into two angles of equal parts.

Supplementary angles- two angles that add up to 180 degrees.

Right angles- 90 degrees angles.

Complementary angles- two angles that add up to 90 degrees.

Perpendicular lines- two lines that intersect and make right angles.

Acute angles- less than 90 degrees angle

Obtuse angle- greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees angle.

Adjacent angles- angles that lie next to each other.

Vertical angles- angles that are opposite of each other.

Congruence- when two angles are equal.

Corresponding angles- when a transversal line cross two are more lines.

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The Brusque History of the English Language

“King Alfred’s English. A History of the Language We Speak,” by Laurie J. White.

This was a fun book to read. I love languages including my own mother tongue. It is a brief history of how English became English. It starts with the Romans conquering Gaul and Britannia.

Topics included are:

Old English

  • Brief overview about the English Language
  • The Church and Latin enter the scene
  • The Vikings and Old Norse leave their marks upon the language

Middle English

  • The Normans and Old French came calling
  • The first English Bible
  • Printing began, Gutenberg
  • Changes to spellings
  • The Great Vowel Shift

Middle to Modern English

  • Greeks leave their mark
  • Ancient knowledge comes alive again
  • Martin Luther

The making of the English Bible which led to a lot of important events.

Shakespeare was responsible for many words and phrase we use today in English.

It was an enjoyable book.

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One Way to Learn a Historical Event

Pick an event.

Pick a book you like about the events, no children’s book.

Read the introduction of the book. Maybe the author explains why he wrote the book.

Read a chapter.

Make a list of unfamiliar names and titles of said persons. Research and names and title.

Make a list of the famous writers of the time period, the author quotes in the book. Research those writers and their worldview. If possible read a book the writer has written. Read about their lives and personal beliefs.

Look up the names of the power payers in the chapters. Who are the main characters? Read about their personal lives and accomplishments.

Research events, laws or organizations mentioned about the event. Learn about their histories.

Do this for every chapter or only the chapters that interest you.

Explain it in a story like manner (narration) to your children.

Ask simple questions they can answer. It is only to check if they are actually listening.

Ask them if they think certain things were right or wrong to do.

Read about the author. Figure out his worldview. How does his worldview slant his interpretation of the historical event?

Read about the political climate, economy, religious, cultural climate of the time period of your event. Be brief.

What were a few of the major court cases of the time period, if applicable.

Read parts of the book out loud to your children.

Discuss possible long term consequences from the event.

Look up any information you don’t understand. Let your children know that you don’t know but show them how to find it.

Read about the political climate, economy, religious, cultural climate of the time period. Brief overview.

What were some of the events happening around the world during this period. Be brief.

Read parts of the book to the children.

Are there any long term consequences from the events?

Look at the index. There is a wealth of information from the list of periodicals the author uses.

Look up anything you don’t understand.

If you have the time, do this with several different books.