FE Course Descriptions 2015-2016

Grace Homeschoolers Friday Enrichment Classes
2015-2016
1st Hour classes:
Math Counts - MS Mrs. Coulter, 6-8th Grade
Math Counts teaches students how to solve word problems, such as the types they will see on
the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, as well as other standardized tests. Concepts are covered on an as
needed basis; dependent upon the problems assigned each week, and the needs of the
students in the class. There is a competition in the second semester with other schools .
Bible- High School - Dr. Breidenbaugh, 9-12th Grade
This course will cover how we got the Bible, the lands and peoples of the Bible and provide an
overview of the Bible’s messages that will lend itself to some basic doctrines. We will use both
“30 Days to Understanding the Bible” by Max Anders and the Bible. Weekly reading homework
will be assigned.
Government and Economics – Al Baker, 11/12th Grade Preference
The teacher, Al Baker, a home school dad for 29 years, is a practicing Certified Financial Planner
that specializes in estate planning and wealth management. He has been self employed in this
area for over 25 years.
American Government class: It will be taught the first semester from a Christian and
conservative point of view. We will cover how the different branches of government work, the
two party system, and how government has changed through the years.
Economics: This will be taught the second semester. It will be from a fiscally conservative, free
market trade point of view. We will cover the basics of the U.S. economy and world economy
and how they affect one another.
There will be daily homework which consists of mostly reading, a few questions to answer and
some internet research. We will administer a midterm and end of semester test. These classes
will cover all material that is required for high school credit.
Piano 101 - Janet Brandel, MS or HS
Students will learn the basics of music theory and have the opportunity to learn to play the
piano using the James Bastien piano method for older beginners. How much time they put into
practicing at home will determine how far they will go.
Introduction to Astronomy - Mrs. Moyer, 9-12th Grade
Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences. The early civilizations in recorded history, from the
Babylonians to the Mayans, performed methodical observations of the night sky. However, the
invention of the telescope was required before astronomy was able to develop into a modern
science. Historically, astronomy has included disciplines as diverse as celestial navigation,
observational astronomy and the making of calendars, but professional astronomy is nowadays
often considered to be synonymous with astrophysics.
2nd Hour classes:
Art Journaling - Mrs. Lukas, 6-8th Grade
Art journaling is a creative outlet and offers a fun class for those who enjoy being artistic.
The class will include art with journal writing. The students will be given several themes to work
from to include a writing piece. We will experiment with different art techniques. I love finding
new ways for the students to express themselves. At the end of the year, each student will
have a beautiful journal in which to enjoy for many years to come.
High School English - Sue Moyer, 9-12th Grade
Does your student like good literature? If so, this might be the perfect high school English class!
Classic literature, great books, short stories and poetry will be included in this class. The
literature will not just be read, but analyzed, discussed, and written about each week/month.
Each week we will examine the ploy, settling characters, tone, theme, point of view, style, and
techniques of the book in a book club setting.
Writing through blogging will be a fun activity to increase writing skills. Not only will each
student complete their own writing assignment (whether it is an essay, a book report, a poem,
the dreaded research paper, etc.) but they will also be required to comment on the writing
assignments of the other students in a positive manner. All writing assignments must be
completed in complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation.
If you are interested in a Grammar option for your high school student, we will be using the
Abeka Workbook VI for Handbook of Grammar and Composition. If the student brings their
book in every week, I will do the grading for you.
Robotics - Mrs. Moraes, 6-12th Limit 14 students
The goal of this class is to get kids excited about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
through fun, hands on, problem solving activities.
After introducing the Engineering Process, students will practice following its steps in solving
problems like an engineer. We will be introducing daily challenges that will require creativity,
analytical thought, teamwork and effective communication. We will touch on various science
topics and apply scientific principles to explain our reasoning and outcomes. We will also be
doing hands on activities using Legos and other materials.
Chemistry - Rhonda Avilla, 9-12th Grade Limit 14 students
This course will be for a high school credit in chemistry. The students will be watching a DVD
series followed by experiments the next week over the concepts covered in the DVD. There will
be home work, tests and quizzes.
Guitar 101 - Janet Brandel, MS and HS
Students will learn the basics of music theory and how to play guitar chords and melody notes.
Depending on how much time they put into practicing at home will determine how far they will
go.
3rd Hour classes:
Middle School English - Mrs. Cheatham, 6-8th Grade
In this literature-based course, students will read works from a variety of genres, including
general fiction, biography, autobiography, historical fiction, science fiction, drama, and
poetry. Writing and other hands-on homework assignments will reinforce literary elements
from the reading, and weekly vocabulary words will be selected from our books. Using the
Editor-in-Chief series (The Critical Thinking Company), we will practice applying grammar rules
to our speech and writing. Because reading and writing will improve most dramatically with
practice, weekly homework will be required. We'll also have lots of fun in class
with games, projects, skits, and more!
Dance - Mrs. Evelyn, 6-12th Grade
Miss Shawn will teach a variety of dance skills, stretches and exercises. She will use music in her
class to demonstrate different kinds of dance. The students will need flexible clothing and
needs to be Grace appropriate
SAT Prep - Mrs. Griffith and Mrs. Baker 9-12 grade (preference to 11 and 12 grade)
The equivalent of the old saying regarding two things you can always be sure of being death
and taxes, for a high school student would the SAT or ACT. We will be focusing on test
strategies for the Scholastic Achievement Test, with special emphasis put on writing the 25
minute topic-driven essay. Students will learn the logical patterns behind standardized test
questions along with strategies that can help increase their test scores.
Geography - Mrs. White, 6-12th Grade
Geography is more than just place names and outline maps—it’s understanding how the world
around us works! We will be using the text North Star Geography (by Bright Ideas Press) to give
students a deep understanding of how geography impacts all of us every day—with real-life
applications for college, career, citizenship, and ministry. We will cover all three aspects of
Geography including Geography Proper (maps, navigation, atlases, etc.), Physical Geography
(geology, meteorology, ecology, etc.) and Human Geography (culture, agriculture, economics,
etc.). This will be a “hands-on” approach to learning Geography as students will create their
own atlas, complete hands-on learning projects, and practice note-taking skills.
If you would like your high school student to participate then additional materials such as
quizzes and research questions/papers so the parents could use this as a 1 credit elective.
Drama (2 hour class) - Mrs. Fox, 9-12th Grade
We will be rehearsing and performing Thornton Wilder’s 1935 Pulitzer Prize winning play “Our
Town”. Auditions will be held the first 2 weeks of class and there will be a performance in late
April. Students will learn the fundamentals of acting by…actually acting!
Students planning to take this class are encouraged to read the play over the summer to
prepare for auditions. The audition process and audition pieces will be emailed to students
prior to the first week of class. This play has both a strong male lead and strong female lead
with several key characters and several smaller parts. In other words, there is something for
everyone.
A minimum of 17 students are required for this class to happen. Cast can be as large as 20-22.
Cast members will be asked to make a commitment to this class. Please consider your family
travel schedules and days off school before signing up. Your commitment to the rehearsal
process is vital to the overall success of this production.
4th Hour classes:
Critical Thinking - Mrs. Mason, 6-8th Grade
Students will learn to develop skills for everyday reasoning through multiple hands-on activities
requiring problem solving skills, creativity, and team cooperation. Students will explore their
particular learning style to analyze their own strengths and weaknesses. We will use class
information to help students recognize flawed reasoning as well as do several analogy
challenges and logic problems over the school year to strengthen the core concept of critical
thinking.
DRAMA-High School - meets 3rd and 4th period see class description 3rd hour.
Elements and Principles of Art
Anyone can learn to draw, paint and create aesthetic works of art—it is a skill that can be
acquired through knowledge and practice! We will start the year by learning the basic
ingredients that go into any work of art: line, shape, form, value, color, texture, and space.
Once these principles are understood and practiced, students will then learn to create works of
art by applying principles of composition, contrasting elements, emphasis, content, and
symbolism. We will also talk about art criticism and how to look at and judge art. Because of
the short class time, students will be required to complete art projects at home during the
week. Various works of art will be created using pencil, paint, and mixed media.
Violin 2 - Susie Cheatham, 6-8th Grade
This course is open to those who have completed the Beginning Violin class or have learned
similar skills in another violin class. We will continue to play through the Suzuki violin books but
will also learn hymns, seasonal songs, and other favorites chosen by the students. We will work
more on ensemble playing this year but will continue our focus on technique. We will
also practice our music reading skills using lots of games in class! Practicing at home will be
required.
Newspaper/Media Class - Mrs. Decker, 6-12th grade
This class is for the purpose of enrichment and is for any student who would like to write,
research, interview, or otherwise be involved directly with the Grace Gazette. It will give
students a chance to learn about the positions and responsibilities of running a newspaper will
build teamwork and teach the importance of deadlines. The main objective is the production of
the Grace Gazette, and everyone in the class will be included on the staff.
PE- grades 6-12th – Mr. Laczko
TBD