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All the parts of speech and parts of the sentence
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Phrases and clauses
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Classic sentence diagraming
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Rules of punctuation and capitalization
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Common usage errors
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To write well requires that we know what we’re going to write before we write it! The result: reduced stress, expanded creativity, and improved grades. This class incorporates both academic and professional techniques that develop a student’s critical thinking, organizing skills, and effective communication through essays, including writing about literature. In addition, this class prepares students for SAT timed essays, including evaluation and scoring. For complete descriptions, email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins This class provides an essential venue for developing writing and thinking skills for high school, college and beyond, focusing on developing a student’s natural voice while deepening their practical use of effective writing principles through time-tested professional techniques. This class also prepares students for John Jenkins’ Master StoryTeller short story fiction writing class. For complete descriptions, email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins This unique writing class combines professional fiction writing skills with the study of classic literature (short stories, not novels) – the authors, their themes, their times. Students will acquire genuine skills for academic excellence – and beyond. Students will learn how to: 1) read, interpret, and understand literature, 2) understand the impact of the author’s worldview and historical context on their stories, 3) how to plan, write, and rewrite short stories using elements that include: setting, plot, characterization, tone/mood, genre, and theme, and optionally, learn how to format and edit a story for publication. For complete descriptions, email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins Reading and understanding British Literature is essential to being prepared for the AP Literature exam and in obtaining a critical understanding of the role of classic literature in our culture. Students will explore a broad range of literary genres and themes through systematic forays into poetry, narrative, plays, and novels. In this honors-style class, students will learn 1) the historical context of British Literature from antiquity to the 20th century, 2) the thematic/worldviews focus of the authors, 3) the fundamentals of literary analysis (including literary devices) and apply their knowledge through class discussions, presentations, and both long and short answers, and 4) how to understand and analyze poetry and its use of figurative language. For complete descriptions, email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins Using a courtroom backdrop for civil, constitutional, civil, and/or criminal cases, this highly interactive and team-oriented class integrates all of the basic academic skills needed to succeed in both college and life. Less formal and structured than organized speech and debate classes, Mock Trial uses drama and an introduction to our court and legal system to create a thoroughly compelling academic environment that will help your students develop listening and verbal skills, critical reading and thinking, organizing and problem solving, time management, and collective creativity through effective teamwork. For complete descriptions, please email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins PREPARED STUDENT Gear-up your student for high school, college, and young adulthood! This upbeat classroom setting focuses on developing critical thinking and successful leadership with proven academic and real-world communication skills that last a lifetime. First semester, students will learn: 1) notetaking, listening, and reading skills, 2) problem solving tools, and 3) effective writing skills, but no formal essays or papers. Second semesters, students will learn 1) leadership and teamwork skills, and 2) verbal presentation skills integrated with first semester skills. For complete descriptions, please email john@reconciliation.com or visit www.reconciliation.com. Tutor: John Jenkins
Decoding Worldviews in Art and Literature Vision and Purpose: Most of us know we should be better informed about the worldviews that shape our world—both to communicate better with others and to protect ourselves and our children from absorbing false ideas unaware. But most of us are not abstract thinkers and we don’t particularly like reading philosophy books. If that sounds like you, then this class is for you. In this class, you will “see” the major worldviews of Western culture unfold before your very eyes through art and literature. Art is often treated as an elective, an “extra.” But that is a mistake. If you want to learn how to decode worldviews, this is the most important class you can take. Students will gain competence in recognizing and critiquing the life-changing ideas that have shaped Western culture. Get equipped to stay ahead of the cultural curve, not behind it. Tutor: Nancy Pearcey (bio: http://www.pearceyreport.com/about.php) Grade Level: 9-12 (younger students considered on an individual basis) Textbook: Each student will receive a digital version (emailed) of Nancy Pearcey’s upcoming book on the subject of art and worldviews. You are responsible for printing it out and putting it in a binder. (Use a printer with color ink for the art reproductions.) **If Dr. Pearcey gets an accurate count of students far enough ahead of time, she will take the manuscript to the printer to get it printed and put in a binder, and then charge students a materials fee for the cost.**
VOCABULARY FROM CLASSICAL ROOTS Vision and Purpose: Many families want some of the benefits of a classical education even if they are not following a strict classical program. One of those benefits is learning how Greek and Latin provide the basis for much of the English language. Just as phonics teaches how words are built up of units of sound, so classical roots teaches how words are built up of units of meaning. THIS CLASS WILL NOT INVOLVE MEMORIZING LISTS OF VOCAB WORDS. Any vocab program can do that. Instead the main focus will be on a learning activity that requires students to do creative analysis of roots and meanings. Students will take turns leading the class in this activity. A student with these analytical skills has the tools to penetrate the precise meaning of familiar words, and also to decipher unfamiliar words. Tutor: Nancy Pearcey (bio: http://www.pearceyreport.com/about.php) Grade level: 9-12 Textbook: Vocabulary from Classical Roots B (1st semester) Vocabulary from Classical Roots C (2nd semester) by Norma Fifer and Nancy Flowers
Vision and Purpose: As American society grows increasingly secularized, it is imperative for Christian students to know what they believe and why. In our parents’ generation it might have been easy to simply practice the religion of one’s family. But today Christian young people face ever-growing hostility to their deepest convictions. If they do not know how to defend their faith, they are in danger of losing it. This course will introduce common logical fallacies to train students in clear thinking, and then give them an opportunity to practice their thinking skills on some of the most common objections to Christianity. The teaching style will be highly interactive, with classes devoted primarily to student practice in presenting their ideas in a persuasive and effective manner. Tutor: Nancy Pearcey (bio: http://www.pearceyreport.com/about.php) Grade level: 9-12 Textbooks: The Propaganda Game, http://wffnproof.com/inc/sdetail/127 $30 Tactics, Gregory Koukl
The SAT has dropped analogies but has increased emphasis on Critical Reading. That means the old strategies for SAT prep are no longer adequate, such as learning tricks to outwit analogies, memorizing vocabulary words, or practicing synonyms and antonyms. A new strategy is needed that concentrates on Critical Reading. Passively acquired information must be replaced by active learning. This course focuses on the skills necessary to actively interpret a text, identifying its assumptions, implications, logical structure, and point of view. These skills are not learned in isolation. They are best learned in interaction with others, challenging one another to dig more deeply into the text and decipher it more precisely. The textbook is from Touchstones, a program developed by St. John’s College (which uses a Great Books program). It teaches students how to learn from one another in a discussion-based format. Tutor: Nancy Pearcey (bio: http://www.pearceyreport.com/about.php) Grade level: 9-12 Textbook: SAT Preparation for Critical Reading, revised edition, from Touchstones: http://www.touchstones.org/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=187846132X Homeschoolers enjoy a 15% discount. Order at (800) 456-6542 to request the discount. Do NOT read the textbook before class. This is a no-homework course (with a few exceptions). The point is to duplicate the SAT test where you confront a text with no prior experience of that text. This strategy also levels the playing field among students—no student is either under-prepared or over-prepared for the classroom discussion. All students begin by reading the text together for the first time in class and each contributes on an equal status.
Vision and Purpose: Even if your student does not play a musical instrument, classical music should be an enriching part of his or her life. For cultural literacy, it is just as important to know Bach and Mozart as to know Shakespeare. After this course, students will be able to identify the key composers who have shaped the Western musical tradition. They will be able to recognize basic eras of musical history by style. And they will come to a deeper appreciation of how music is made, and how it can be a means to glorify God. Tutor: Nancy Pearcey (bio: http://www.pearceyreport.com/about.php) Grade Level: 9-12 Materials: The course is based on a set of 18 CDs called “Introduction to the Classics,” which covers 21 composers on 18 CDs: Vivaldi & Corelli (combined) – Handel – Bach – Haydn -- Mozart -- Beethoven -- Chopin – Mendelssohn – Schubert -- Schumann & Grieg (combined) – Brahms – Wagner – Dvorak – Tchaikovsky -- Johann Strauss, Jr. -- Foster & Sousa (combined) – Berlioz -- Verdi The CDs are available at some libraries (e.g., Chinn Library in Woodbridge). But you will probably want to buy these beautiful CDs for your entire family to enjoy over and over. You can buy them on some homeschool websites but they are cheaper (about $3.00 per CD) on Amazon. Here are few to get you started: http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-of-Beethoven/dp/B000001KCZ/ref=pd_sim_m_1 http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-of-Bach/dp/B000001KCL/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_c http://www.amazon.com/The-Story-of-Mozart/dp/B000001KCN/ref=pd_bxgy_m_img_b
This course will use the Saxon book, Algebra 1, to provide a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. It offers a substantial review of pre algebra fundamentals while also offering coverage of area, volume, and perimeter of geometric figures. Major topics include evaluation of algebraic equations, thorough coverage of exponents, polynomials, solving and graphing linear equations, complex fractions, solving systems of equations, radicals, word problems, solving and graphing quadratic equations, solving systems of equations, and solving equations by factoring. Please click here for an introduction to Mr. Olgilvie's Algebra Class. Tutor: Mac Ogilvie
This course will use the Saxon book, Algebra 2, to provide a comprehensive teaching of the fundamental aspects of problem solving. It offers a substantial review of all topics in Algebra 1 and then moves on to cover these topics at an advanced level. Major topics include the solving and graphing of linear and quadratic equations, factoring, a variety of types of word problems, solving quadratic equations by completing the square, solving simultaneous equations with fractions and decimals, complex roots of quadratic equations, solving systems of nonlinear equations, graphing and solving a system of inequalities, exponential equations, and review of key geometry, probability and statistics topics. Please click here for an introduction to Mr. Olgilvie's Algebra Class. Tutor: Mac Olgilvie
General Science Course Description We will be using Exploring Creation with General Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile. This course is designed to be a student’s first systematic introduction to the sciences Parents and students will enjoy this text written in a conversational style that makes science concepts easy to understand and fun to discuss. The course covers a brief history of science, 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 using household items. Required Text Books: Exploring Creation with General Science (in two volumes - Text and Solutions Manual) Tutor: Victoria Rose
Exploring Creation through Biology, Grade 9 - 10 We will be using Exploring Creation through Biology by Dr. Jay L. Wile. This is a college preparatory high school biology course that provides a general survey of the five kingdoms. It covers the following topics: classification, the definition of life, features of the organisms in each kingdom, an introduction to biochemistry, cell structure and function, cellular reproduction, DNA, protein synthesis, cellular respiration, and genetics. Parents and students will enjoy this text written in a conversational style that makes science concepts easy to understand and fun to discuss. In class, students will participate in lively discussions of the information presented in the module, and learn to make application to the science they read about in current events. Emphasis will be on experimentation and observation while students perform the enumerated labs which include a variety of experiments and dissections and use of a microscope. Lab reports and current event reporting are important routine homework assignments in addition to the assignments required in each module of the text. Required Text Books: Exploring Creation through Biology (in two volumes - Text and Solutions Manual) Important supplies: Meade 3-subject spiral notebook with divider pockets; metric ruler; dissection kit (tools, earthworm, crayfish, perch, frog), lab apron, safety goggles. Theresa Knight, proprietor of Knight’s Book Nook (229-776-8823 or 229-881-7205), offers a discount to STARS families when purchasing science materials and text books for these classes. Tutors: Victoria Rose, Kathy Mukai
Exploring Creation through PHYSICAL SCIENCE, Grade 8-9 We will be using Exploring Creation through Physical Science by Dr. Jay L. Wile. This course gives an introduction to such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the physics of motion, gravity, Newton's laws, light, sound, and astrophysics. Parents and students will enjoy this text written in a conversational style that makes science concepts easy to understand and fun to discuss. In class, students will participate in lively discussions of the information presented in the module, and learn to make application to the science they read about in current events. Emphasis will be on experimentation and observation while students perform the enumerated labs. Lab reports and current event reporting are important routine homework assignments. Required Text Books: Exploring Creation through Physical Science (in two volumes - Text and Solutions Manual) Important supplies: Meade 3-subject spiral notebook with divider pockets; metric ruler; safety goggles. Theresa Knight, proprietor of Knight’s Book Nook (229-776-8823 or 229-881-7205), offers a discount to STARS families when purchasing science materials and text books for these classes. Tutors: Victoria Rose, Sarah Klimkowski
Analytical Grammar Course Description Analytical Grammar teaches English grammar, punctuation, and usage. It is designed to be taught in three grammar “seasons” (see timeline) over three years; however, it is flexible enough to be adapted to a one- or two-year schedule. Analytical grammar covers: For more information and where to purchase the required text Analytical Grammar click here. Tutor: Sarah Klimkowski
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