Keeping Parents and Campuses Connected
April 2013
The Importance of Grammar
by Michael Zervos, Challenger School Nevada Region Director
The development of language, both spoken and written, has been instrumental
in man’s advancement.
Thousands of years ago, before grammar was “invented,” man likely uttered
sounds as simple representations for objects. But imagine the difficulties this
might have created in attempting to convey detailed thought. A person may
have known a sound or word which represented lion, but upon hearing
it, he couldn’t distinguish between the ideas “We should eat lion for dinner”
and “A gigantic lion is sneaking up behind you, ready to pounce and eat you
for dinner!”
As man began to increasingly use his rational mind, he needed a more complex
language. Thus, grammar was born. Simple spoken words developed into more
complex sentences. Many written languages also became more complex, with
pictorial representations of words being replaced by alphabets—letters which
could be easily arranged into millions of words.
April at a Glance
• April 1–5 (ID, NV)
Speech Festival
• April 1–5 (CA, UT)
Spring Break
• April 25–26 (PS–K)
Teddy Bear Picnics
This advance in the ability to communicate
led quickly to the spread of ideas; cities arose,
entrepreneurship thrived and individuals’ lives
flourished. The development of complex language
laid the foundation for advanced societies in
which people could more easily pursue their
own happiness.
Let’s eat
Grandma.
Let’s eat,
Grandma.
Punctuation saves lives.
Today, the ability to communicate clearly and
effectively through language still plays a crucial
role in a person’s success. Someone with a limited ability to correctly use
language faces obstacles which will undoubtedly put him at a disadvantage.
We can witness the frustration in a young child who has a complex thought
but does not possess the tools to express it. Imagine a child who never
fully develops the tools he needs to communicate clearly. As he moves into
adolescence and adulthood, his frustration is compounded, and his ability to
thrive and succeed is greatly hindered by the fact that he never learned to speak
and write clearly.
Conversely, we see a dramatic increase in the chance for achievement in a
person who possesses the proper tools for communication. A quality shared by
many of the world’s most successful people, no matter what field they are in, is
the ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
continued on p. 2
© 2012,
Barbara B. Schools
Baker
2013, Challenger
ChallengerSchool.com
17-50.08-13
17-50.08-12
Grammar, cont. from p. 1
At Challenger School, an important part of our mission is to
teach children to speak and write with clarity, precision, and
independence.
In preschool, Challenger students learn the foundations of
grammar, beginning with letters and their sounds. They then
learn the basic rules for putting these letters and sounds
together. For example, they learn why a vowel sometimes
makes the short sound and other times “says its own name.”
As Challenger preschool students master the concept
of correctly putting letters together to create meaning
through words, they then learn that deeper, more complex
meaning can be created by putting these words together
into sentences. In kindergarten, students are able not only
to write sentences, but also to identify the concept of what
makes a sentence a sentence.
By first grade, Challenger students are taught the art of
diagramming sentences, a practice which greatly helps
them to construct and deconstruct sentences and to be clear
in their thinking, writing, and speaking. They learn that
each word in a sentence serves a purpose, and they learn to
identify words that don’t add to a sentence’s meaning and
are unnecessary.
Challenger students also apply their knowledge of
grammar verbally, speaking clearly and with confidence
because they understand the rules of language. Challenger
events such as Young Author and Speech Festival allow
students to utilize their valuable communication skills and
demonstrate from an early age what great thinkers they
actually are.
More importantly, Challenger students’ extensive
knowledge of the rules of language helps them to be
successful. Because our students are able to communicate
effectively, they have a solid foundation for a life of
achievement, self-worth, and happiness.
In the Spotlight—Edsel C. of Everest (ID)
Everest (ID) third grader Edsel C., a top student and
scholarship winner for several years, is also an avid
musician and actor outside of Challenger School.
A talented pianist, Edsel won a scholarship—the
youngest applicant ever to do so—from the Tuesday
Musicale (Boise’s chapter of the National Federation of
Music Clubs) last year.
Diagramm
ing sentences
and
t
ian
ill
br
helps
students
writers
become
speakers
They learn to organize their writings through outlining—
putting their thoughts in logical order from general to
specific. They proofread their own work, using critical
thinking skills and applying the appropriate rules.
Ultimately, they can write essays that inform or persuade
or create works of fiction which entertain and teach lifeenhancing virtues.
Students at all levels also learn that punctuation and
mechanics may be used to further clarify meaning. They
discover that something as simple as an apostrophe, a
capital letter, or a comma might completely change the
meaning of a sentence. Through correct use of punctuation
and capitalization, they demonstrate true understanding of
what they are trying to communicate.
The product and application of Challenger students’
expertise in grammar is seen in their compositions.
Students learn that clearly written sentences can then be
arranged to create paragraphs which convey and elaborate
upon a main idea.
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He has also been singing with the
Opera Idaho Children’s Chorus
for three years and has soloed at
every performance!
Edsel got his start on the stage
last year when he performed in
“The King & I” during Boise
Music Week. Determined to
improve his craft even further,
Edsel attended multiple summer
camps in theater.
His work paid off when he
recently landed the role of Jerome
in this year’s Boise Music Week
production of “South Pacific,”
which opens May 8.
Musician and actor
Edsel C. of Everest (ID)
Patriots’ Day (K–8)
Spring Programs (PS–8) and Art Fairs (K–8)
In class this month, elementary
and middle school students will
commemorate the Revolutionary War
holiday Patriots’ Day.
Challenger’s 2013 Spring Programs are coming in May! Exemplary art work
will be on display, too. Students are encouraged to participate in the Art Fair
and take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their creativity. You won’t
want to miss it!
This day marks the anniversary of the
Battles of Lexington and Concord, the
first military engagements of the war,
fought on April 19, 1775.
Young Author (K–8)
Students are in the process of
creating their Young Author projects.
They are writing short stories as
they concentrate on enhancing their
creative writing. Both students and
teachers are excited to be working on
this rewarding project.
Student books will be on display
during the week of Spring Programs
in May.
Rehearsals are underway for next month’s Spring Programs.
Each class will perform an entertaining program showcasing their
singing, dancing, and dramatic talents.
Summer School (PS–7)
Whether you want your child to advance academically or just have some
summer fun, Challenger summer school is the perfect way to enrich your
child’s summer days.
Our programs keep previously taught concepts alive and
fresh while introducing new ones. Contact your campus for
available programs and times, and enroll today!
Challenger students are composing and
illustrating books for the Young Author project.
Tax Number
The tax deadline is coming!
Challenger’s tax ID is
94-1709563.
President’s Challenge (1–8)
The test for the national President’s Challenge physical
fitness program for first through eighth graders is this
month. The results of these tests will be sent home with
your child’s final achievement report. During the merit
assembly at the end of the year, we will recognize those
students who have achieved national and presidential
standards in physical fitness.
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Fitness testing occurs
this month.
Heard It in the Halls
Avery Ranch (TX) campus—Four-year-old Aryan’s
father, after discussing school with his son, raved, “You
are so smart! If you keep learning like this, we’re going
to send you to Harvard!”
Aryan’s eyes widened with fear. “Does that mean I
have to leave Challenger?”
Everest (ID) campus—As four-year-old Euan rode
to school, he informed his mother, “Those are nimbus
clouds. It’s going to rain today.”
“I don’t think so,” his mother replied. “The weatherman
predicted no rain for today.”
At departure, as Mom picked up Euan in the pouring
rain, he beamed excitedly, “Mom, I am smarter than
the weatherman!”
Preschool
Teddy Bear Picnic (PS–K)
At the end of this month, we will
celebrate the arrival of spring with our
Teddy Bear Picnic. Each student may
bring a favorite stuffed animal guest to
the picnic.
Adventureland
Have you heard about Challenger
Adventureland? During our summer
school program, children will go on
imaginary trips each week as they learn
phonics, numbers, and so much more.
All preschoolers (including those in
all-day classes) need to re-enroll for
summer. Classes begin June 18. See your
school office for details.
Challenger preschoolers and kindergartners may bring
a favorite stuffed “friend” to the Teddy Bear Picnic in late April.
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