P, Pr, Pre, Prep, Prepa, Prepar, Prepara, Preparat, Preparati, Preparatio, Preparation.

As we're officially within one month from the 2013 Wax Museum, it becomes vital that our preparation ramps up. When we look at the gap between where we are and where we need to be, it should push us to work harder each day. I have included videos from 2012 students showing qualities of a great performance. Those include: volume (loud), speed (natural, not too fast), body language (movement - not statue-like), confidence (an "I'm awesome" attitude) and fun (it's ok to smile. I think some famous people smiled once in a while). 

Strong tips for successful preparation:
    - read your 1st person narrative and time it. Is it 2:00-3:00 long? 
    - memorize, memorize, memorize.
    - practice for your parents, sister, hamster, in the mirror, to your imaginary friend.
    - memorize, memorize, memorize, memorize.
    - wear your costume to the mall (no, maybe just around home) so you get used to it. 
    - stop memorizing and BECOME - speak it as if you ARE your person.

Surely you're not studying Christianity in school. We are, and don't call me Shirley

Before everyone constructs their defenses, or puts up a "stop right there" sign, let me assure you that everything contained in our next unit complies with all federal laws - specifically Law 2.003.B-2 (I made that law up). But this next unit does make people get a little weird - we're talking about Christianity. . . in school. . . Say what?!

Yes, we are. Studied through the eyes of history, the rise and growth of Christianity can tell us a lot about not only history, but about the world today. It is not my job, my intention nor my goal to impose any beliefs on students - Christian beliefs, Muslim beliefs, Jewish beliefs, etc (it's not my role to impose beliefs on anyone for that matter). We will discuss Jesus - the man. We will discuss the Bible - the best selling book of all time. We will discuss Christians today - the two billion + of them. 

I think the next week and a half in social studies will be interesting for everyone - whether you're an expert of the Christian faith, or if you've never even seen a cross. Thanks for your understanding. Now, we've got some learning to do!

Remind 101 - What is it?!

How to get onto Mr. Klumper's Remind 101 list! Sign up now before all the spots are taken.

(There is no limit to spots, but sign up now! You'll be glad you did and be in the loop with all happenings on 6.3)

Mr. or Ms. 15,000

As we near our 15,000th hit on KnowStrength, I begin to wonder who the lucky winner of a personalized Bumper Sticker will be. . 

Check often, you never know when 15K is going to burst onto your screen!

Happy Blogging. 

Are YOU prepared for succes?

See if you're prepared for Thursday's test! 

Mediterranean Map Cheat

Working on your Study Guide? Want to make sure you've labeled locations accurately, here's your cheat! KnowStrength provides you w/ everything you need. 

Time to Eruption: Five, Four, Three, Two, One. . . Nero

Every civilization, culture and empire of history can say they've had one or two bad leaders, right? Well, in the case of ancient Rome, under the leadership of Nero, a stronger adjective than "bad" may need be used: 

Horrible - Awful - Wreched - Frightening - Terrifying - Volatile 

I feel this video clip does a fine job conveying the personality and behavior shown by Emperor Nero spanning fourteen years of Roman history.