Memory Masters

This year we participated in Classical Conversation, Inc. Foundations program. We met for 24 weeks this fall and spring, and the children were all introduced to the same grammar facts in Latin, Geography, History, Math, English, Science and also a historical time line. At the end, those children who would like to can attempt to achieve Memory Masters status - meaning they have effectively memorized a large amount of facts:
24 sentences describing a historical event
160 points in history
Our 44 presidents
Conjugate a Latin verb in six tenses, all six pronouns for each tense
Over 80 individual facts and 6 scientific laws in science
124 geographical locations in the world
24 weeks of English grammar including memorization of over 112 words in list forms
The multiplication tables to 15, square to 15, cube to 10; 5 geometry rules, 7 other rules commonly used in higher level mathematics

In order to reach Memory Master, the child must obviously master the facts, and being able to recite every one of these without any errors at all to several proofers, before meeting with the Local Classical Conversation Director for the final testing.  Today, Lukas had his meeting with the Local Director and he breezed right through the random testing and was awarded Memory Master Status.  This is the most difficult academic accomplishment for him so far, and a significant mile stone. He has know proven to himself that he is able to memorize large amounts of facts and retain them - this work began in September 2010. He also has learned that if he applies himself he can do much more than he first thought - great lessons that we hope will take him further in life than Memory Master Status. Yet, today we celebrate his achievement and cheer for his accomplishments.
Lukas learned one more valuable lesson today.... Duck does not taste so good.