The purpose of this class is to give students a weekly time to practice taking ACT content area tests. Tests will be timed by the instructor and graded by the student in class as time allows. The instructor's role will be to time the tests and give reading assignments from the textbook to prepare for the next test. The Writing Test will not be practiced in this class since it is an optional part of the ACT. Susan Warner will present a Math Review during two class sessions. The students will not take tests on these days. Students may improve their scores by studying the material in the textbook, practicing how to use their time wisely during the test, and learning from their mistakes. This class is for grades 9-12 with a homework rating of 3-4.

ACT Practice Class Syllabus

We will build on what was taught during the beginner guitar class last year and this fall semester. The first few weeks of class will be a review, and then we will begin to learn some more difficult strumming patterns, chords, and techniques. Our goal will be to learn an additional 12-15 worship songs. Prerequisites for the class are: If you took the beginner class, you are good! If you weren’t a part of the beginner class, but you know how to play guitar, you are welcome to try out the class. Just understand that we can’t take much time to teach the techniques from the beginner class to catch you up. You will need your own acoustic guitar. Also needed will be your own tuner, guitar picks, guitar strap, and capo. (Most of these accessories are included in guitar starter kits, and good deals are easy to find during the Christmas season.) I will provide all the music and chords sheets as handouts during the class. You will be required to practice 20 minutes/day, 5 days a week. Practice will involve going over strumming techniques, chords, and the songs we learn in class. This class is for grades 6-12, and has a homework rating of 5.

Algebra math class. This is a 16-week per semester, year-long class. This class is for grades 7-12, and has a homework rating of 5.

This art class is designed specifically for the younger elementary student who loves to create! Our creations will burst with spring colors as we use paints, glues, colored papers and more. Story books or interesting facts may also be used to motivate and inspire young artists. Student interaction is encouraged, and show-and-tell times are often offered in this social and fun class. All art materials wll be supplied. Students need to be at least six years of age by September 2009 to participate in the class. This class is for grades 1-3.

Art 1-3 Syllabus

The objective for this class is to allow students to experience a variety of art mediums that most homeschooling parents do not want to attempt, to teach basic art principles, and to produce an end product that is satisfying to the student! Students will work on two and three-dimensional projects using paints, paper, inks and more. A total of five to six projects will be produced and all materials are provided. Students need to be at least eight years old by September 2009 to participate in the class. This class is for grades 3-5. 

Art 3-5 Syllabus

This class is for the beginner and the more experienced art student alike. Each student will work at his or her own level as we work in the areas of clay, drawing and design. The class will be taught as a traditional art class using a variety of materials and techniques. Students will need to bring a sketch pad to each class for our quick sketching exercises! All other supplies will be provided. Students need to be at least eleven years old by September 2009 to participate in the class. This class is for grades 6-12.

Art 6-12 Syllabus

This class is for the beginner and the more experienced art student alike. Each student will work at his or her own level as we work in the areas of clay, drawing and design. The class will be taught as a traditional art class using a variety of materials and techniques. Students will need to bring a sketch pad to each class for our quick sketching exercises! All other supplies will be provided. Students need to be at least eleven years old by September 2009 to participate in the class. This class is for grades 6-12.

Please note: This class is a repeat of the 2:00 PM class. Students should enroll in one class only.

Art 6-12 Syllabus

Centering on Learning  (COL) is for our Preschool through Kindergarten children from 4-6 years old. Students must be four years of age by January 1, 2010.

Centering on Learning  (COL) is for our Preschool through Kindergarten children from 4-6 years old. Students must be four years of age by January 1, 2010.

Centering on Learning (COL) is for our Pre-K through Kindergarten children from 4-6 years old. Students must be four years of age by January 1, 2010.

Centering on Learning (COL) is for our Pre-K through Kindergarten children from 4-6 years old. Students must be four years of age by January 1, 2010. 

This is a year-long course. Students must have completed the Fall 2009 semester to enroll. This class is for grades 10-12.

Aspiring young actors and actresses in grades 1-3 will explore the basics of drama, including facial expression, gestures, whole-body movement, and voice. Students will participate in fun, hands-on activities such as pantomime, charades, mirroring, and creative movement as they act out familiar Bible stories, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and children's books. Whenever possible, we will use simple costumes and props as well as music and sound effects to enhance each child's creative learning experience. This class is for grades 1-3.

Creative Drama Welcome Letter

Come and enjoy the fun as we put together a play to perform at the end of the semester. We will use games and activities to learn the important things about being on stage and performing together. No prior drama experience is needed, just a fun and hard working attitude. Each student will have a part in the play and will be required to memorize their lines outside of class time. This class is for students in grades 6-12 and has a homework rating of 3.

Drama Welcome Letter

Come and enjoy the fun as we put together a play to perform at the end of the semester.  We will use games and activities to learn the important things about being on stage and performing together. No prior drama experience is needed, just a fun and hard working attitude. Each student will have a part in the play and will be required to memorize their lines outside of class time. This class is for students in grades 6-12 and has a homework rating of 3.

Drama Welcome Letter

This is going to be fun!  This class is set up for you to make new friends as well as foster current friendships.  We will be doing many simple crafts, indoor games, and having outdoor fun when weather permits.  When weather is warmer you will want to bring tennis shoes and possibly bring a change of clothing if you're in a skirt/dress.  A snack will be provided because I love to eat.  Who knows, we might even get to try out some new recipes together because cooking is a blast!  I can't wait to meet each of you and get to know your parents as well. This class is for grades 3-5.

Students can expect to learn and master additional techniques that will enrich their writing as determined by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. The emphasis of the second semester is a research paper, written in stages. Four to seven pages will be required, and parenthetical references will be used to cite sources in MLA format. Students may choose their research topic, but it must be approved by the instructor. Parents are encouraged to coordinate the research topic with their curriculum. Timed essays will also be discussed and practiced in class. Prerequisite: One semester of an Excellence in Writing class with Mrs. Kliewer. Previous students are welcome to join the second semester to write another research paper. This is a year-long class. This class is for grades 9-12 and has a homework rating of 4.

Excellence in Writing-High School Syllabus

Students can expect to learn and master additional techniques that will enrich their writing as determined by the Institute for Excellence in Writing. The emphasis of the second semester is a short research paper, written in stages. Parenthetical references will be used to cite sources. Students may choose their research topic, but it must be approved by the instructor. Parents are encouraged to coordinate the research topic with their curriculum at home. Prerequisite: One semester of an Excellence in Writing class with Mrs. Kliewer. Previous students are welcome to join the second semester to write another research paper. This is a year-long class. This class is for grades 6-8 and has a homework rating of 4.

Excellence in Writing-Middle School Syllabus

Hold on to your hats! This is going to be one wild ride! Extreme Writing is a class especially designed for 4th & 5th grade students who wish to learn the proper technique of good writing coupled with exposure to great literature, beautiful poetry and activities that will inspire even the most reluctant writer. Learn how to write a terrific paragraph! Improve your vocabulary! Discover the basic elements of literary concepts! Dress up those drab sentences! Write vividly! Summarize! Express! Enhance! Whew! One thing is for sure – you had better fasten your seat belts! This is going to be an EXTREMELY awesome class! Supply fee is for voluminous copies, journals, class incentives, and craft supplies. Extreme Writing is a one-semester class. NEW MATERIAL every semester! This class is for grades 4-5, and has a homework rating of 4.

Extreme Writing Welcome Letter
Extreme Writing Class Expectations
Extreme Writing Notebook Tabs

This is a year-long class. Students must have completed the Fall 2009 semester to enroll.

I. The Class

Forensics: An Opportunity to Speak classes introduce and engage students in competitive forensics. Competitive forensics is an ideal format to practice rhetoric. Through participation in the National Christian Forensics and Communication Association (NCFCA) tournaments, positive class encouragement and feedback, public speaking and performance skills are sharpened.

Students will prepare an Interpretive speech as well as a Platform speech for competition. Interpretive speeches include dramatic, humorous and open interpretation in which a student selects a piece of literature and performs it. Platform speeches are traditional speeches in which a student writes and delivers his own material. Two other types of speeches will also be taught in class. Limited Preparation speeches include impromptu, apologetics and extemporaneous and teach students to think on their feet, thus developing rhetoric; Expository speaking uses visual aids to inform or educate an audience. The larger goal of our club is to raise communicators for Christ in a team-spirited manner.

Parents new to the NCFCA league are required to attend this class to assist their student(s) during the first semester. (This does not qualify as your CHFM volunteer assignment)

Homework will be assigned each week during class. Students should bring a notebook with tab dividers, lined paper, pen and the textbook, As I Was Saying, to class each week. Students are expected to take notes, write assignments down, and be responsible for turning homework in at the beginning of class. Communication between student, parents and coach will be primarily via e-mail, so keep watch regularly for updates. This class is for grades 6-12, with a homework rating of 3. 

II. The Club

Our class is actually a club that competes against individuals (other homeschoolers) in other clubs in nearby cities and states. National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) is the national organization through which we compete. Participation in at least one tournament per semester is required. Top-ranked competitors at regional tournaments will qualify for the national tournament that is held every June.

Membership in NCFCA is not optional and typically costs between $30 and $60 per family, depending on the time of year you register. (The earlier the better.) Students must be age 12-18 by January 1, 2010, home schooled, and not enrolled in classes funded by the state over 51% of the time to be eligible to compete in the NCFCA league. As with sports tournaments, there are other fees associated with participation in a tournament. This topic will be discussed during the introduction on the first class day. For more information on NCFCA you can visit their website at www.ncfca.org . Click here to view a list of events in which students may compete.  Please pray for our class as we seek to increase our communication skills for Christ.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.” Col 4:6 (NAS)

How many states have your kids traveled to? Join us this semester as we take a whirlwind tour of our own beautiful country and learn many fascinating facts about each state. We will study the geography/history and cultural facts on each state as well as delve into fun facts on food, music, license plates, fauna, and wildlife. The class will be hands-on and age appropriate for the younger kids. This class is for grades 1-4 and has a homework rating of 3.

Jr. Geography Parent Letter

The goal of this class is to begin to equip young voices with the tools and skills to joyfully offer God their best in song! Children will be introduced to choral singing, including beginning two-part singing through the use of rounds and descants. Conducted in a choir format, children will learn the basics of good singing (pitch, posture, breathing, diction, expression) as it is applied to a variety of choral styles, including hymns, folk songs, art songs, classical songs, Latin chorales and just purely fun songs! This class is for grades 3-6.

Choir Parent Letter
Choir Singer Profile

Learning with Legos will be a fun introduction to Lego simple machines. We will begin by learning how to follow a picture plan to build Lego creations. We will then focus on early concepts of levers, pulleys, gears, wheels and axels. Students will work together to build fun examples of everyday machines showing how simple machine concepts make work easier. This class is for the beginner and for experienced Lego builders alike. This class is for grades 1-3.

Learning with LEGOS Syllabus

Students will love learning about math concepts through the use of books including "The More M&Ms Math Book" and "The Hershey's Chocolate Fraction Book." Each week we will explore math standards through the use of picture books and creative (and sometimes yummy) activities. Students will also learn some brain gym activities at the beginning of each class to help them reach beyond their normal abilities. This class will allow all children to see the fun in learning through math and literature while also supporting the math curriculum you're using with them at home. This class is for grades 3-5.

Do you want your children to get excited about the math concepts you're already teaching them at home? In Loving Math through Literature we will use fun picture books and hands-on activities each week to explore math standards including, but not limited to, number sense, fractions, and geometry. Students will also participate in some brain gym activities at the beginning of each class, encouraging them to explore their abilities beyond what they're used to. This class is great for students who struggle in match and need some encouragement to see the fun in it, AND it's engaging and exciting for your little math wizards! This class is for grades K-2.

Loving Math through Literature K-2 Syllabus

This course is a continuation of the fall 2009 semester. Students must have been enrolled in the previous semester to enroll. 

The expression "Men of Letters" in many cultures described “contemporary intellectuals.” The term gave distinction between those who “knew their letters" and those who did not. In more modern times, the expression came to stand for authors whose work was so profound it lasted the test of time. In bygone days, students would read rich, complex literature and learn how to write based on the works of great literary masters. Men of Letters is an especially designed year-long class for high school students who wish to increase their knowledge of literature and writing. It has become apparent in these modern days that writing with clarity, purpose, and structure, is an art that needs revisited.

Men of Letters students will be taught to organize their thoughts, design attention-grabbing logical thesis statements, and how to support their theories in writing.  We will immerse ourselves in pieces of literature that command our attention and our participation. Literature from timeless masters will be our teacher. The essential union of learning how to write from unforgettable literature will be our foundation. Many students can read. Many students can write. Yet, what you read and how you will write—this is the essence of Men of Letters. MOL is a year-long course. Supply fee is for voluminous copying and a book fee. Mrs. Willcox aspires to provide a broad, full, and encompassing Language Arts experience in her her classes. Consequently,  the Men of Letters Class will be attending a live performance of a play or musical.  The cost of this event  will be determined at a later date. Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. This class is for grades 9-12, with a homework rating of 5.

Men of Letters Welcome Letter
Men of Letters Class Expectations
Men of Letters Notebook Tabs

This class is designed to give you, the student, an hour of fun and socialization. Come to class ready to play outside, weather permitting, by wearing tennis shoes, suitable clothing, and a jacket for those cooler days. Outside games and activities include but are not limited to volleyball, soccer, kick ball, dodge ball, etc. On bad weather days, group activities will be planned for the classroom. This class is for grades 6-8.

Middle School Club Parent Letter

This class is a continuation of the first semester. Students must have been enrolled in the Fall 2009 semester to enroll.  This course is designed to be a student’s first systematic introduction to the sciences. Although it can be used for eighth grade, it is typically used best in the sixth and seventh grades. The course covers such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Its scope, therefore, is quite wide. There are many hands-on experiments to do, most of which will be done in the classroom. In addition, there are several at home projects designed to reinforce the curriculum.   Students will be assigned homework on a weekly basis and will be tested bi-weekly. This class is for grades 6-8, and has a homework rating of 3-4.

For our youngest students up to 4 years of age.

For our youngest students up to 4 years of age.

For our youngest students up to 4 years of age.

For our youngest students up to 4 years of age.

Goals for this class are to develop good physical habits that will last a lifetime, instilling fitness as a part of daily life. We will be working on coordination, strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and just plain fun. We will also include some sport preparation for those who wish to go into a sports program or extracurricular team competition. A good pair of tennis shoes and weather appropriate clothing is important for those pretty days when we can accomplish our goals outside. This class is for grades K-3.

P.E. Parent Letter

We can and we must be able to give an account for the hope that lies within us, and we all have the God-given ability to proclaim the truth. What more important skill is there, than to learn to speak well in front of others and to share the gospel? "Beginning Public Speaking," a wonderful curriculum developed by Communicators for Christ, will serve as the foundation for this class (textbook is NOT required). Students will practice speaking in front of others, an opportunity not regularly afforded at home, by presenting informative speeches, impromptu speeches, in addition to classroom recitation. This class will provide a wonderful opportunity for your child to improve his or her ability to communicate with others. This class is for grades 6-8, with a homework rating of 4.

Public Speaking Parent Letter
Public Speaking Syllabus

This semester's Robotics class will build on the skills students learned in Jr. Robotics; however, ALL students are welcome to join the class. The class will work in small groups, with experienced and non-experienced programmers grouped together to maximize learning! Students will be taught using the LEGO Mindstorms curriculum titled "RoboAdventures: The Alien Encounter." This LEGO theme is based on the creativity of outer space and exploration. It gives a variety of ways to build and program robots to perform actions such as: Making a RoboRover to Map Planet Terrain, Creating a RoboGrabber to Go Get Rocks, etc. This class will incorporate the foundations of LEGO robotics concepts -- breaking down problems into smaller parts, generating ideas, testing ideas and taking advantage of unexpected results, and working in small groups. Better yet, it is FUN learning. This class is for grades 4-6.

Jr. Robotics Welcome Letter

We will be learning a variety of science topics by studying scientists. Some of these people will include Archimedes, Galileo, DaVinci, Newton, and Einstein. As we learn about some of these men's contributions to science, we will try some hands-on activities and experiments to really understand the concepts presented. The primary goal for this class will be for the kids to have a good time doing science, all the while fostering their inquisitiveness and learning about the ultimate scientist, God, whose graciousness has allowed any scientific discoveries or understanding. This class is for grades 1-3.

Science 1-3 Syllabus

This class will introduce some critical thinking skills, scientific methods and note-taking. As we learn some of these skills, we will study some great scientists and their contributions, including Archimedes, Galileo, DaVinci and Einstein. There will be lots of hands-on experiments and activities as the students are encouraged to think logically and draw conclusions. This class will be a gentle nudge towards higher thinking skills needed in the coming years for science, but will still retain the "wow" factor that makes science so much fun. This class is for grades 4-6.

Science 4-6 Syllabus

Need to know more about this fancy camera? Do you know what SLR means? What is an F-Stop? What is aperature? What is jpeg? This 12-week course is designed to give you all the necessary information and help needed to become confident with your camera. We will cover subjects from SLR cameras to zoom lenses, including composition, lighting, special effects, lenses, exposure, capturing movement, cameras, film, flash photography and accessories. If time permits, we will go over some digital editing techniques! The workbook was designed SPECIFICALLY for this class and is full of information and examples as well as step-by-step instructions to help with homework. Each student will be required to photograph and print an image each week. The photograph will be based on the topic introduced in class. Part of learning is showing, therefore, each week we will look over the images taken and learn from each other. This class will count for .5 high school credit. Report cards will be given at the end of the year. A class test will be administered at the end of the 12 weeks. Students must own a Digital SLR camera and able to photograph each week. This class is for grades 6-12, with a homework rating of 3.

The students will be offered the opportunity to learn and apply conversational Spanish (Castilian) including vocabulary and phrases from a native speaker. This class will recreate a process of language acquisition, which is similar to the way children learn their primary language. The class teaches through games, poems, songs, and activities, by focusing on listening and speaking first. At the same time an effort will be made to ensure that the student’s exposure to a second language and culture is a positive and enjoyable experience.

This class will build on the vocabulary and concepts learned in the fall semester.

The material used in the class is both a reader and CD produced by IES Language Foundation. IES is a nonprofit organization and is the largest independent children’s second language organization in the United States. This class is for grades 4-8 with a homework rating of 4.

Spanish II Welcome Letter

Students – do you ever feel like all the time and energy you spend learning and studying is wasted when you sit down to take a test? Like somehow all of the information is stored in a file in your brain that you can’t access? That can be so frustrating! This study skills class can help you discover some ways to increase how much information you can access and recall when you need it most. Strategies included are pegwords, acronyms, note taking, flash cards, improving concentration, and test taking strategies.  Parents – don’t worry, these aren’t silly gimmicks that take the place of true learning; they are tried and true methods that can be applied to all types of learning situations. It’s like giving your car’s engine a tune-up so it can perform at optimal level. Sign up today! This class is for grades 6-12 with a homework rating of 2.

Study Skills Parent Letter

"The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean.” ~Robert Lewis Stevenson

Wordsmith is a year-long class designed for Middle School students who wish to discover the tools in which to study rich literature and to improve writing in regard to form and style. A “wordsmith” is someone who is an expert with words. Your wordsmith will be writing awesome paragraphs using expressive language. Wordsmith will explore a sundry of writing techniques, both formal and creative. Students will be exposed to powerful literature learning from wordsmith masters. Literary elements such as: plot, setting, character, climax, conflict, similes, metaphors, mood, and personification will be explored. We will seek to improve our writing by implementing foundational techniques and principles. This class will be taught in a methodical, systematic manner. Each lesson will lay a foundation for the next. Communicating clearly, carefully, and concisely is imperative. We must provide the tools by which our children will be able to influence the world around them in an honorable manner. Never before has there been such a need!  Supply fee is for voluminous copies, journals, and class incentives! Mrs. Willcox aspires to provide a broad, full, and encompassing Language Arts experience in her classes. Consequently, the Wordsmith Class will be attending a live performance of a play or musical. The cost of this event will be determined at a later date. Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended. For grades 6-8, with a homework rating of 4.5.

Wordsmith Welcome Letter
Wordsmith Class Expectations
Wordsmith Notebook Tabs