Class Descriptions
2011-2012
Please read ALL the areas applicable to your family : )! You will find what you need to purchase, if anything, for the classes your kids are in.
A lot of these descriptions were written in full or in part by others --- thank you so much for helping!
Lead teachers, if I have explained your class badly (very possible) or you need to add or take away something that parents need to know or purchase, please let me know ASAP!!
Lunch and Assembly
Lunch
Bring your lunch for a time of fellowship. The only beverage allowed in the building by students is water.
If at all possible, we eat lunch outside --- picnic style. You might want to keep some sort of blanket or lawn chair(s) in your car for this weekly fun event.
After we finish eating, whether we eat inside or out, please check you children’s eating area to make sure it is appropriately cleaned up.
There is no snack time for 1st and up – The consensus on snacks (from the feedback sheet) is that a snack is too hard to make happen and takes too long at Co-op. If your child needs a morning snack, one mom suggested keeping snacks in the car to eat right before arriving at Co-op. Brilliant!
MORNING Assembly
At 9:30, (re-read that time and say it out loud three times!) Now, where were we ….. At 9:30, we have a quick assembly in the auditorium. We say the Pledge of Allegiance, pray, and share quick announcements before we’re off to our morning classes. Your day and your kids’ days will go better if you are on time! Be there (at 9:30) or be square! If you need to drop things in your classroom beforehand, allow time for that. All students should be in assembly.
What time does assembly start ; )? What time do you need to leave your house to be at North Ridge Church of Christ on time and sitting in assembly at 9:30? Just curious : ).
Preschool and Kindergarten
(Coordinator – Emily C)
Please note: Children will be placed in nursery, preschool, and kindergarten classes using their ages as of September 1.
Nursery: Birth – 18 month-ish
Lead Teacher: Beverly A.
Help Teacher: Debbie G.
The babies and young toddlers will receive tender love and care. A child in this class needs to have a bag and cup/bottle with his name on them. Babies will need to eat lunch with their mothers so that our nursery teachers can dine with their children. Please try to pick up your babies right at lunch time, so the nursery caregivers can get to lunch with their own children. If your baby needs a diaper change after lunch, please take care of it before moving onto your class. Obviously, if you notice it right before you are supposed to be lead teaching an after-lunch class, just explain as you drop the baby off.
Lions, Tigers, and Bears ---- Oh MY!
(PLEASE NOTE: Because of how ages fall from year to year, it is very common for a kiddo to be a lion, tiger, or bear TWICE somewhere along the way)
Bears: 2ish-3ish
(in diapers)
Lead Teacher: Leticia A.
Help Teacher: Lena G.
The Bears have simple arts and crafts, reading, games, outside play, nap time, and more. All of these wonderful things happen while they play, of course! : ). Have your Bear bring a labeled water bottle or sippy cup each week. Because they have a nap time, each Bear must also bring a labeled Kindermat. A favorite blanket and lovie make naptime more comfy! We keep the mats at Co-op until the end of the school year. If you left a mat last year, we still have it in the storage room. If you need one, see Wal-Mart school supplies aisle.
All preschool classes have some time outside every day, so keep this in mind when choosing their clothes and shoes for the day.
Each Bear needs to be picked up at lunch time by a parent or older sibling. Try not to be late so the teachers can get to lunch with their children too! If you are going to have an older sibling pick up your child, make sure the teachers are introduced to him or her. After lunch, change the diaper of your Bear so he is ready for a good nap.
Tigers: 3ish-4ish
Lead Teacher: Tabitha D.
Help Teacher: Trinity H.
The Tigers engage in active learning while they play games, do crafts, do puzzles, play with playdough, listen to books, and more. They have an outdoor play time and a nap time.
Have your Tiger bring a labeled water bottle or sippy cup each week. Because they have a nap time, each Tiger must also bring a labeled Kindermat. A favorite blanket and lovie make naptime more comfy! We keep the mats at Co-op until the end of the school year. If you left a mat last year, we still have it in the storage room. If you need one, see Wal-Mart school supplies aisle.
All preschool classes have some time outside every day, so keep this in mind when choosing their clothes and shoes for the day.
Each Tiger needs to be picked up at lunch time by a parent or older sibling. Try not to be late so the teachers can get to lunch with their children too! If you are going to have an older sibling pick up your child, make sure the teachers are introduced to him or her. After lunch, please take your potty-trained Tiger to the so they are ready for a good nap.
Lions: 4&5’s
Lead Teacher: Amy D.
Help Teacher: Marcy C.
The Lions enjoy unit studies based on the letter of the week. This involves them in developmentally appropriate arts and crafts, reading, games, music, outside play, and more. Tigers need to bring a labeled water bottle or sippy cup each week. Because they will have a rest time, each Tiger needs to bring a labeled Kindermat. A favorite blanket and lovie make naptime more comfy! We keep the mats at Co-op until the end of the school year. If you left a mat last year, we still have it in the storage room. If you need one, see Wal-Mart school supplies aisle.
All preschool classes have some time outside every day, so keep this in mind when choosing their clothes and shoes for the day.
Each Lion needs to be picked up at lunch time by a parent or older sibling. Try not to be late so the teachers can get to lunch with their children too! If you are going to have an older sibling pick up your child, make sure the teachers are introduced to him or her.
After lunch, please take your Lion to the potty so he is ready for rest time.
Kindergarten (K):
Lead Teacher: Stephanie Y.
Help Teacher: Tina Ford
The Kindergarteners will enjoy a literature-rich unit approach that will complement your homeschooling. The kindergarteners will have some time outside every day, so keep this in mind when choosing their clothes and shoes for the day.
Your kindergartner will need to bring a one-subject spiral composition book on the first day. Stephanie will put their names on them and keep them at Co-op for the year. Each week please send a bag, backpack, or satchel, and labeled water bottle
First through Fourth Grades
(Coordinator – Christie G.)
Every 1st-4th grader will need:
1. A labeled backpack or satchel to carry their supplies in.
2. An inexpensive binder or folder to hold science papers, art productions, and journal (1st – 4th only and the journal will be provided)
3. a pencil (every week!!!)
4. a water bottle for PE. This can be a separate water bottle. or they can refill their lunch bottle – but that refilling would need to be done at the end of lunch --- not at PE : )!
5. Other supplies as noted in the descriptions below.
Preparing the backpack or satchel the night before is an excellent opportunity for the younger students to learn responsibility.
The students rotate hourly through classrooms for writing, Hands on His-story, science, music, and PE. First and second graders will travel as a class, and third and fourth graders will travel as a class. Although the two age groups will have the same classes, the content will be tailored developmentally to the various ages. Each of the classes is described below.
Writing – Workshop with home opportunities
Lead Teacher 1st/2nd – Carrie H.
Lead Teacher 3rd/4th – Amy Mc.
Students participate in a low risk writing environment with a workshop feel. The focus is on the process of writing. This will be a time for young authors to share, create, and build/strengthen writing skills. Kids will have the opportunity to find their voice and develop a love for writing. The cornerstone of instruction is the 6+1 trait model. The instructional text for the classes is 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham. Understanding the concepts taught at co-op will help you support your child as they grow in their writing no matter what writing curriculum or assignments you do at home. The book by Ruth Culham is a great resource in coming along side ALL age groups (even high school!). There are also wonderful resources for understanding this writing concept online. Just google 6+1 Writing Traits.
Each 1st-4th grade student needs a folder with brads and a spiral notebook with wide rule paper. It will be helpful if the first graders have notebooks with handwriting paper suitable for beginning writers. They should be ready to transition to regular notebook paper in the spring.
Astronomy – Exploring Creation through Astronomy
Lead Teacher: Paula D.
Help Teacher: Kitty O.
Help Teacher: Natalie F.
Help Teacher: Others assigned one hour
We continue to use Apologia's elementary science curriculums. The book for this year is Exploring Creation through Astronomy by Jeannie Fulbright. To learn more about this curriculum and see sample material, go to www.highschoolscience.com, choose elementary science, choose Astronomy. Rainbow Resource also has a nice explanation of the curriculum at http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/009088/e0e58bcadba585a0db20e724.
There will be assignments weekly for you and your child(ren) to read aloud together or for better readers to read alone. There will be hands-on activities and chapter-related discussion in class.
This is our second time through this book, so there are many out there to borrow! Start by asking on the loops (CHEMPA and CHEC)
The book is about $39 from Apologia but can be purchased cheaper elsewhere.
For instance, it is $28.95 from Rainbow Resource. Here is the link to this specific product: http://rainbowresource.com/product/Exploring+Creation+with+Zoology+3%3A+Land+Animals+of+the+Sixth+Day/005555/1250708044-1328858
It is $31.29 at The Scroll in Tyler. http://www.thescroll.org/hsconnection/search.php?mode=search&page=1
It is $38.99 at Mardel’s http://www.mardel.com/search/default.aspx?keywords=apologia+astronomy
His-Story through Rome through the Middle Ages
Lead Teacher Content: Joy G.
Lead Teacher Hand-on Activities: Laura B.
Help Teacher: Ruthie G.
Help Teacher: Johnette H.
Using selected people and events as a springboard to travel back in time, Joy tells the tales of God’s hand in history. Students discover and continue to learn that the Sovereign God has chosen them to be a part of His Story right now. They will be inspired by how He has always used people, places, and events to fulfill His glorious plan for the redemption of mankind and His creation!
Laura uses food, activities, and crafts to help the student experience different cultures and times.
Families use various history programs at home --- some staying with the era at Co-op, some doing something totally different. There is nothing to purchase for this class, but there will be an occasional project fee.
Music
Lead Teacher: Cammy B.
Help Teacher: Dora H. (Dora does Spanish work weekly with the kids to open or close the class.)
A general music class in which students learn how to read, write, and compose music. Students will be introduced to a variety of composers, genres, and stylistic time periods of music. Students will also experience dances and movement that correlate with the specific time periods and learn how to enhance literature and their own writings with music.
P.E. & Games
Lead Teacher: Tommy E.
Help Teachers: Many brave souls (brave to work with Tommy and be in the weather)
The kids play games outside, weather permitting, with the goal of enjoying group play, having fun, and learning teamwork.
Please dress your child appropriately for the day’s weather! We will go out on cold days as long as is not raining. If your child wears nice shoes to Co-op that are not appropriate for running and playing, please throw a pair of sneakers (or whatever) in his or her backpack. Don’t forget that water bottle!
Fifth and Sixth Grades
5th and 6th graders travel together, rotating through history, science, writing, book club, and Music/Art.
His-Story through Rome through the Middle Ages
Lead Teacher Content: Joy G.
Lead Teacher Hand-on Activities: Laura B.
Help Teacher: Ruthie G.
Help Teacher: Johnette H.
Using selected people and events as a springboard to travel back in time, Joy tells the tales of God’s hand in history. Students discover and continue to learn that the Sovereign God has chosen them to be a part of His Story right now. They will be inspired by how He has always used people, places, and events to fulfill His glorious plan for the redemption of mankind and His creation!
Laura uses food, activities, and crafts to help the student experience different cultures and times.
Families use various history programs at home --- some staying with the era at Co-op, some doing something totally different. There is nothing to purchase for this class, but there will be an occasional project fee.
Writing – Workshop with home opportunities and MORE
Lead Teacher – Carrie H.
Help Teacher – Amy Mc.
The description below is the same as the 1st-4th grades, BUT there is a difference in the writing class for this age group. The students in the class will be encouraged to take pieces of writing from home through the writing process to the point of publishing for more detailed teacher feedback. Publishing means presenting the piece polished and ready to share to the class and teachers. Moms and students are supported in making this happen. Carrie will be working through the traits in class with the students. We encourage the parents to purchase or borrow the book by Ruth Culham (details below) to read along and learn about the traits and ways to communicate with their students at home. The writing workshop at orientation exposes moms on the process of writing, which is helpful for ALL age groups, even high school students. Carrie and Amy will be available some hours at co-op to encourage moms and help them teach and support their students at home.
Students participate in a low risk writing environment with a workshop feel. The focus is on the process of writing. This will be a time for young authors to share, create, and build/strengthen writing skills. Kids will have the opportunity to find their voice and develop a love for writing. The cornerstone of instruction is the 6+1 trait model. The instructional text for the classes is 6+1 Traits of Writing by Ruth Culham. Understanding the concepts taught at co-op will help you support your child as they grow in their writing no matter what writing curriculum or assignments you do at home. The book by Ruth Culham is a great resource in coming along side ALL age groups (even high school!). There are also wonderful resources for understanding this writing concept online. Just google 6+1 Writing Traits.
Each 1st-4th grade student needs a folder with brads and a spiral notebook with wide rule paper. It will be helpful if the first graders have notebooks with handwriting paper suitable for beginning writers. They should be ready to transition to regular notebook paper in the spring.
Astronomy – Exploring Creation through Astronomy
Lead Teacher: Paula D.
Help Teacher: Kitty O.
Help Teacher: Natalie F.
Help Teacher: Others assigned one hour
We continue to use Apologia's elementary science curriculums. The book for this year is Exploring Creation through Astronomy by Jeannie Fulbright. To learn more about this curriculum and see sample material, go to www.highschoolscience.com, choose elementary science, choose Astronomy. Rainbow Resource also has a nice explanation of the curriculum at http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/009088/e0e58bcadba585a0db20e724.
There will be assignments weekly for you and your child(ren) to read aloud together or for better readers to read alone. There will be hands-on activities and chapter-related discussion in class.
This is our second time through this book, so there are many out there to borrow! Start by asking on the loops (CHEMPA and CHEC)
The book is about $39 from Apologia but can be purchased cheaper elsewhere.
For instance, it is $28.95 from Rainbow Resource. Here is the link to this specific product: http://rainbowresource.com/product/Exploring+Creation+with+Zoology+3%3A+Land+Animals+of+the+Sixth+Day/005555/1250708044-1328858
It is $31.29 at The Scroll in Tyler. http://www.thescroll.org/hsconnection/search.php?mode=search&page=1
It is $38.99 at Mardel’s http://www.mardel.com/search/default.aspx?keywords=apologia+astronomy
Book Club
Lead Teacher: Beth P.
Help Teacher: Christie G.
Help Teacher: Dora H. (Dora does Spanish work weekly with the kids to open or close this class. Since Cammy only has the 5th/6th graders for half the year in music, we decided that instead of having the Spanish instruction in music class like the younger classes, Book Club could share the time with Spanish more easily.)
Book Club students read assigned chapters and sometimes questions to answer at home. Weekly reading IS required to participate fully in the class. Through class discussion, in-class projects, and literature circles, the students will learn about plot, theme, and character development. In addition, students will be introduced to various literary devices such as simile, metaphor, foreshadowing, imagery, and the use of dialogue.
Purchase these books or borrow from others or the library as needed:
Twice Freed by Patricia St. John
The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White
The Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Bruchko by Bruce Olson
Please print the reading schedule available on the CHEC website, so that you will know what the assignments are and when you will need to have the next book ready. If you see your child struggling with a particular book, do not hesitate to step in and do some reading aloud with them.
There will be an opportunity to turn in a book report on the first class day in January and we will end the year with a creative project covering one of the books that we read this year.
The students will be allowed to pick the book and the way in which they would like to present the material. It is a wonderful way to express their individuality and unique giftings.
Music/Art
Like last year, the 5th and 6th graders have half the year in art and half the year in music. Last year they were split into a boy group and a girl group, but this year they will be split by grade. This is so Cammy can take the 6th graders who learned to play the recorder last year to a higher level in reading and playing music
Music
Lead Teacher: Cammy B.
Help Teacher: Christie G.
If you do not have a recorder that has been purchased by Cammy, she will order one for your child and you will reimburse her ($5ish). For the class to play music together (tuned), they must be using the same recorders.
Art
Lead Teacher: Crystal C.
Help Teacher:
Last year the students learned to oil paint with Ruthie G. This year they will learn drawing and similar skills with Crystal C.
Junior High School (7th – 8th Grades)
Literature
Lead Teacher: Christie G.
Help Teacher: Beth P.
Help Teacher: Danese S.
Over the course of the year, students will read both fiction and biographies, focusing on lives lived well for and in Christ. The class will also involve at least one parent-assigned book project. Students will read the assigned chapters and answer questions at home, then discuss the book in class. Please know that it is difficult to select literature that is challenging to every student, yet completely unobjectionable in every way, especially for students at this age. Therefore, please feel free to pre-read or inquire further about any or all of the books that are assigned..
Students will review the basics of plot, theme, and basic character development as they learn to evaluate a variety of genres. While attention will be given to the use of literary devices, homework will be limited to weekly reading assignments and a possible book-related assignment. Through group discussion and activities of selected books, the student will be encouraged to evaluate godly characteristics perceivable through literature as they further solidify their Christian worldview.
Coming soon to the website near you is the reading schedule for this class for you to print by the first week of coop. Parents are encouraged to print a copy for themselves and for each student they have enrolled in this class. This keeps us all "on the same page".
Books to get or borrow:
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Amos Fortune Free Man by Elizabeth Yates
The Hiding Place Corrie ten Boom with John and Elizabeth Sherrill
The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
American History
Lead Teacher: Jo Anne C.
Help Teacher: Ruthie G.
Help Teacher: Kirsten G.
The junior high and senior high classes will be using the eleven-book series The History of US by Joy Hakim as a text for American History. The class time will be used to discuss the reading that the students will be assigned for Monday – Thursday. To complete the series by May, the students will begin reading before Co-op starts and read during periods of time that Co-op is not meeting --- like during the very long Co-op winter break --- but not so much that it would interfere with your family’s Christmas break.
When you read the Rainbow Resource description (http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/016854/6c86f1122c6c1769e735541c) of these books, you will see that there are concerns about this series. This series is used by a lot of homeschool and Christian groups because Mrs. Hakim does such a fine job of telling the story of our country. The co-op teachers will be using the Sonlight Guide along with the books to explain a Christian perspective on the material. Sonlight has a good explanation of why and how they use the History of US. Sonlight explains, “We balance Hakim's more liberal perspective with extensive notes in the Instructor's Guide. These notes offer counter-arguments to some of Hakim's perspectives. With The Story of US and the IG combined, you have an extraordinary tool to help your children think critically about and truly understand American history.”
If you want to go to the Sonlight page to see what else is said, keep in mind that at co-op we are only using the History of US not all the other resources this article refers to. http://www.sonlight.com/100-00.html
These books are very expensive. You may choose to purchase them, BUT they are also available at almost any city library. Mount Pleasant library, for instance, said they would try to get more copies through inter-library loans. If you don’t live in MP, check with your library. If they don’t have the series, perhaps you could suggest it as a good investment for your library : ). You will only need to check out one book of the eleven book series at a time.
Below are two links where these books can be purchased. There will be assignments out of every book, but not every page will be read to keep the reading reasonable and enjoyable. Students should come to class with a notebook, dividers, paper, pen, and highlighters.
http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/016854/6c86f1122c6c1769e735541c
http://www.amazon.com/History-US-10--set/dp/0195327268/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1311978354&sr=8-2
CHEC Junior and Senior High Writing Program
A NOTE ON GRAMMAR:
Although grammar will naturally come up in the writing classes and curriculums, we will NOT cover formal grammar in the CHEC writing classes. For a student to be in a CHEC writing class, he must be doing a formal grammar program at home. At orientation, you will be asked to provide the name of the grammar program you will be doing at home with your writing student. If you do not feel equipped to “teach” grammar at home, you can learn alongside your student. We all need good grammar : ).
Most formal grammar curriculums include composition, so you may choose to skip that part of the curriculum you choose since the students will already be doing writing at Co-op. Some formal grammar curriculums you might consider are ABeka’s 7th-10th series Grammar and Composition www.abeka.com (around $15 for the student book and around $18 for the teacher’s key), Rod and Staff’s 2nd – 10th series Grammar and Composition http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/list/Building_Christian_English_Series/ (around $40 for the complete grade package), Bob Jones University Press’s Writing and Grammar http://rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1218598034-1213724&subject=7&category=1493 (around $90 for the complete package, but you might not need the complete package).
There are obviously other strong formal grammar programs out there! There are also other light and fun programs that might be great IF your older student already has a strong understanding of grammar and just needs to maintain that knowledge. If you feel that your older student has mastered formal grammar, please let us know and we can arrange an exemption.
HOMEWORK:
To participate in a writing class the students MUST do the writing assignments and submit them in the form required by the teacher (or curriculum). The teachers will let the parents know if the student is not handing in his or her work or if they are not following instructions, but the parent really should know the status of the work as they oversee it at home. As in all classes, you should find time to occasionally talk to your student’s writing teacher and ask for an honest assessment of your child’s diligence and progress.
WriteShop 1
Lead Teacher: Leigh Ann K.
Help Teacher: Shelly D.
For a description of the curriculum, see http://www.writeshop.com/. Choose WriteShop I. The teacher will teach the week's lesson at Co-op. The students will do four days of homework (nicely laid out in the student manuals) and bring their papers back to class for marking. Each student will need a student workbook (Workbook 1 $45.95 Rainbow Resource, http://rainbowresource.com/product/WriteShop%3A+Incremental+Writing+Pgm+Workbook+1/002472/1218598034-1213724). You might be able to buy one used. We’ve used this curriculum four years, so there are lots of used ones floating around in CHEC and CHEMPA. Ask on the loop to borrow or buy. There are also several used-curriculum sites listed at www.chempa.org.
This writing program emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and word choice. We will focus on writing strong paragraphs through a wide range of writing activities and by teaching clear editing techniques.
WriteShop 2
Lead Teacher: Jill E.
Help Teacher: Anna P.
See http://www.writeshop.com/writeshopii.htm for a description of WriteShop II (and WriteShop I). There is a short review of the techniques learned in WriteShop I at the beginning of WriteShop II. The teacher will teach the week's lesson at Co-op. The students will do four days of homework (nicely laid out in their student manuals) and bring their papers back to class for marking. Each student will need a student workbook (Workbook 2 $45.95 Rainbow Resource). http://rainbowresource.com/product/WriteShop%3A+Incremental+Writing+Pgm+Workbook+2/002474/1218601979-1605205 . You might be able to buy one used. There are several used-curriculum sites listed at www.chempa.org, or you might ask if anyone from a previous year's class wants to sell theirs.
This writing program builds on the foundation set by WriteShop 1, emphasizing clarity, conciseness, and word choice. If an 8th graders comes into Co-op and has not taken WriteShop 1, we recommend that they take WriteShop 1 in 8th grade and then possibly skip WriteShop 2, putting them back with students in his grade if that is important to them.
One big change this year is that the class will be doing the strongest 10 lessons from the WritesShop 2 manual in the fall. In the spring, the students will be guided through the process of writing a research paper using the ABeka model. The students will each choose a topic (with help if needed) that he would like to learn about. Hopefully, they will not only produce a great paper but will also be an expert on a topic of interest to them.
CHEC Junior and Senior High Science Program
AT HOME:
The content of the sciences course is learned at home through the wonderful and easy-to-read Apologia texts --- under the supervision of the parents! Parents need to make sure that their science student is working through the material at a pace to be ready for the lab classes at Co-op (usually 5 – 7 pages per day). The parent will oversee the reading/learning, the answering of the On Your Own questions, the completion of the Study Guide(Chapter Review), Practice Problems (only in Chemistry and Physics), and the testing. Because Apologia was written for the homeschool family, all this can easily be done with a non-science parent and a diligent student! All you need is the text and the solutions manual --- and to make sure the work is being done! The first module (like a chapter) will need to be read before the first Co-op lab class on September 11. We provide a year-long science calendar for the students to follow. You should follow the lab teacher’s calendar instead if one is provided. All classes will allow two full weeks to complete each module.
AT CO-OP:
The labs and experiments are done at Co-op. This means that the mess is made and cleaned up at Co-op. The teachers will oversee the experiments and put them in context of the chapter. In some of the books there are a few chapters that don’t have experiments. Those chapters will be supplemented with appropriate videos, guest speakers, and/or teacher lectures.
THE TEXTS:
We use the first editions in all the classes, but 2nd editions have been used by students in our classes with no problem. Go to www.highschoolscience.com to learn about the curriculums. The books for all the junior high and senior high science classes are available to rent from Co-op. You will get your student’s book at orientation.
General Science Lab
Lead Teacher: Natalie F.
Help Teacher:
Apologia Science is the curriculum. See www.highschoolscience.com to learn about the curriculum. If you follow the Apologia pattern, General Science done in the 7th grade. In this class we will do the experiments/labs for Apologia General Science. You should be covering science at home by overseeing their work through the textbook. Students will be given a lesson plan (see the science calendar on the CHEC site), and they must be up-to-date and prepared when they come to class so they can participate in the learning experience. Students may rent the text, Exploring Creation with General Science from CHEC.
Physical Science Lab
Lead Teacher: Laura B.
Lead Teacher: Shana A.
Apologia Science is the curriculum. If you follow the Apologia Pattern, Physical Science is done in the 8th grade. If you have an older child who has not done Physical Science, they are welcome in this class. The Co-op class time is used to do the experiments/labs for Apologia Physical Science with the teacher putting these activities in context of what is in the textbook.. The students learn from the textbook at home under the oversight of the parents. Students will be given a lesson plan (see the science calendar on the CHEC site), and they must be up-to-date and prepared when they come to class so they can participate in the learning experience there. Students may rent the text, Exploring Creation with Physical Science from CHEC.
A lab notebook is required so the kids can write a lab report for each of the experiments done in class (or at home). Laura is supplying the notebooks this year.
CHEC Junior and Senior High Math Program
Junior high math courses focus on review of arithmetic learned up through 6th grade. Part of this review will include higher thinking variable work and integers (positive and negative numbers). The goal of junior high math is to find holes in learning and develop speed and accuracy so that when the students get to the higher math classes like algebra there is no distraction of trying to remember the how-to of basics. For instance, when a student moves onto to algebra, they be confident about things like dividing fractions so they can focus on the algebraic concepts. Another purpose of junior high math is to buy time to give students time to develop more abstract thinking that comes with maturity (literally getting older!).
HOMEWORK:
Homeschooled students benefit from self-teaching and taking responsibility for their education. We feel that if we give a good textbook to the students, they can be their own best teacher. We also feel that it is important for the students to have answers to the homework --- WHILE they are doing it. The students are encouraged to do several problems (3 – 5) and then to stop and check their work for accuracy. Traditionally, students do the entire homework set and THEN check the work. Without checking along the way for correct answers, they are possibly practicing the skill being learned WRONG. Only perfect practice makes perfect! So, to be clear, the answers are given to the student to check their work AS THEY DO the homework, not after they complete it. If you think your child will be tempted to cheat (copy the answers without doing the work), you can keep the solutions manual, having him seek you out for the answers every few problems. Your choice : ).
Important: There is only so much that can be done in one hour per week; therefore the student must be very industrious at home during the week. During class we will answer questions about the previous week's work, but the majority of the time will be spent getting them ready to do the next week's work through overviews of the upcoming concepts and through working examples. The assignments are given by the teacher. Tests are provided by the curriculum and/or the teacher. Some teachers will grade the tests if the parents prefer it.
Junior High Math (7th or 8th)
Lead Teacher: Lisa S.
This traditional junior-high math curriculum (Mathematics Today - Harcourt, Brace Jovanovich), has been purchased by the Co-op for parents to check-out for the year at orientation. There will be a reasonable rental fee. Algebra can follow this course.
Pre-Algebra (8th)
Lead Teacher: Emily C.
This traditional pre-Algebra curriculum (Basic College Math – Addison-Wesley) has been purchased by Co-op for the parents to check out for the year at orientation. There will be a reasonable rental fee. Algebra can follow this course.
Algebra for 8th graders
Lead Teacher: Shana A.
This is a traditional Algebra I course using a curriculum purchased by the Co-op for parents to check-out for the year at orientation. The book is Paul Foerster’s Algebra I. There will be a reasonable rental fee.
Independent Studies
If there is an hour that your student does not need what is being offered by Co-op, you can choose for your child to do work assigned by you.
High School (9th - 12th Grades)
Ancient Literature
Lead Teacher: Mike S.
This literature class is a part of Co-op but meets at a different time and location. Because the high school students have SIX offerings, there is not enough time in the co-op day to keep all classes on Friday. Since Mike’s literature class existed before Co-op, it has always functioned more independently. The other unique feature of this class is that students NOT participating in the Friday portion of Co-op may attend. Their families go through the same application process as other CHEC participants, but they may choose literature only.
Although this is a high school course, 8th graders who are strong readers are also welcome. Students are assigned readings out of the books listed below and are often given study questions to consider as they read. The meeting time is over lunch on Tuesdays (BYOL: Bring Your Own Lunch). Mike gives the students a syllabus at the beginning of each semester. Please keep this somewhere visible Even if the students do not hear from him between classes, they can depend on the syllabus to tell them what to read and when the next meeting is.
Fall selections:
Susan Shaeffer Macaulay, How to Be Your Own Selfish Pig
Edith Hamilton, Mythology (excerpts)
Homer, The Iliad (trans. Robert Fitzgerald)
Sophocles, The Three Theban Plays, (trans. Robert Fagles, Penguin Classics).
It is important for the Iliad and Sophocles plays that all students have the same translation, but some exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
The class will meet on Tuesdays, beginning September 6, from 11:30 to 1:00 pm at the Mount Pleasant Center for Christian Studies, 302 N. Johnson (3rd and Johnson streets, at the NW corner of Caldwell Park).
Government/Elections
Lead Teacher: Kirsten G.
Government, how do I describe thee? Let me count the ways.
Did I get your attention? This class is more than one semester because there is so much the kids need to know to become informed, active, U.S. citizens! The students will learn about the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the three branches of Government, Elections, and more! There will be lots of discussion, in class activities, a guest speaker, a mock election, Hail to the Chief game, etc. Next summer, Lord willing, the students will have the opportunity to be a page at the Republican Convention if they want. To round out the class, the kids will read from Abeka’s Government and Economics (their older book) or out of the newer “American Government.” Here are some links where you can purchase them used and new:
http://www.homeschoolclassifieds.com/show_search.asp?searchWords=Government
http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=38733 (new one from Abeka)
CHEC Junior and Senior High Writing Program
A NOTE ON GRAMMAR:
Although grammar will naturally come up in the writing classes and curriculums, we will NOT cover formal grammar in the CHEC writing classes. For a student to be in a CHEC writing class, he must be doing a formal grammar program at home. At orientation, you will be asked to provide the name of the grammar program you will be doing at home with your writing student. If you do not feel equipped to “teach” grammar at home, you can learn alongside your student. We all need good grammar : ).
Most formal grammar curriculums include composition, so you may choose to skip that part of the curriculum you choose since the students will already be doing writing at Co-op. Some formal grammar curriculums you might consider are ABeka’s 7th-10th series Grammar and Composition www.abeka.com (around $15 for the student book and around $18 for the teacher’s key), Rod and Staff’s 2nd – 10th series Grammar and Composition http://www.rodandstaffbooks.com/list/Building_Christian_English_Series/ (around $40 for the complete grade package), Bob Jones University Press’s Writing and Grammar http://rainbowresource.com/prodlist.php?sid=1218598034-1213724&subject=7&category=1493 (around $90 for the complete package, but you might not need the complete package).
There are obviously other strong formal grammar programs out there! There are also other light and fun programs that might be great IF your older student already has a strong understanding of grammar and just needs to maintain that knowledge. If you feel that your older student has mastered formal grammar, please let us know and we can arrange an exemption.
HOMEWORK:
To participate in a writing class the students MUST do the writing assignments and submit them in the form required by the teacher (or curriculum). The teachers will let the parents know if the student is not handing in his or her work or if they are not following instructions, but the parent really should know the status of the work as they oversee it at home. As in all classes, you should find time to occasionally talk to your student’s writing teacher and ask for an honest assessment of your child’s diligence and progress.
Put That in Writing I (PTIW I on the schedule)
Lead Teacher: Laura H.
The teacher will teach the week's lesson at Co-op. The students will do the homework from their student manual and bring their papers back to class for grading (marking, not really grading). To see what the curriculum is about, go www.BarrettsBookshelf.com and find Put That in Writing, Level One. The emphasis is on the well written and well thought out paragraph (and essay) --- moving away from description and towards opinions and information. Each student will need a spiral student text and answer packet. You can purchase these from Barretts Bookshelf or from Rainbow. The student text: http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/009145/5dba215385ac1057a5a78821. The answer book: http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/009113/5dba215385ac1057a5a78821. There may be other sources that are cheaper. Because this is not consumable, it may also be available to borrow from past students. You might ask on the loop.
Put That in Writing II (PTIW II on the schedule)
Lead Teacher: Jo Anne C.
The teacher will teach the week's lesson at Co-op. The students will do the homework from their student manual and bring their papers back to class for grading (marking, not really grading). To see what the curriculum is about, go www.BarrettsBookshelf.com and find Put That in Writing, Level Two. The emphasis is on the well written and well thought out essay --- moving away from description and towards opinions and information. Each student will need a spiral student text and answer packet. You can purchase from Barretts Bookshelf or from Rainbow. http://rainbowresource.com/product/sku/039554/5dba215385ac1057a5a78821. There may be other sources that are cheaper. . Because this is not consumable, it may also be available to borrow from past students. You might ask on the loop.
CHEC Junior and Senior High Science Program
AT HOME:
The content of the sciences course is learned at home through the wonderful and easy-to-read Apologia texts --- under the supervision of the parents! Parents need to make sure that their science student is working through the material at a pace to be ready for the lab classes at Co-op (usually 5 – 7 pages per day). The parent will oversee the reading/learning, the answering of the On Your Own questions, the completion of the Study Guide(Chapter Review), Practice Problems (only in Chemistry and Physics), and the testing. Because Apologia was written for the homeschool family, all this can easily be done with a non-science parent and a diligent student! All you need is the text and the solutions manual --- and to make sure the work is being done! The first module (like a chapter) will need to be read before the first Co-op lab class on September 11. We provide a year-long science calendar for the students to follow. You should follow the lab teacher’s calendar instead if one is provided. All classes will allow two full weeks to complete each module.
AT CO-OP:
The labs and experiments are done at Co-op. This means that the mess is made and cleaned up at Co-op. The teachers will oversee the experiments and put them in context of the chapter. In some of the books there are a few chapters that don’t have experiments. Those chapters will be supplemented with appropriate videos, guest speakers, and/or teacher lectures.
THE TEXTS:
We use the first editions in all the classes, but 2nd editions have been used by students in our classes with no problem. Go to www.highschoolscience.com to learn about the curriculums. The books for all the junior high and senior high science classes are available to rent from Co-op. You will get your student’s book at orientation.
Apologia Biology
Lead Teacher: Lisa B.
See www.highschoolscience.com for a description of the course. At Co-op, students will be doing only the lab work. The students will be responsible to do all readings, questions, reviews, and testing at home. For biology, we are blessed to have many very expensive microscopes, slide kits, dissection kits, and more. The biology students may have to pay for their four (or more) dissection specimens (worm, crayfish, perch, and frog) --- approximately $12.
Apologia Chemistry
Lead Teacher: Karen R.
See www.highschoolscience.com for a description of the course. The students will be doing only the lab work at Co-op. The students will be responsible to do all readings, questions, reviews, and testing at home. We own all the lab equipment needed to perform the experiments. Chemistry students must have completed Algebra I.
Apologia Anatomy and Physiology:
Lead Teacher: Craig D.
See www.highschoolscience.com for a description of the course. The students will be doing only the lab work at Co-op. The students will be responsible to do all readings, questions, reviews, and testing at home. We own all the lab equipment needed to perform the experiments. The students may have to pay for the dissection specimens for this class. Students in Anatomy and Physiology must have completed Biology and Chemistry.
CHEC Junior and Senior High Math Program
HOMEWORK:
Homeschooled students benefit from self-teaching and taking responsibility for their education. We feel that if we give a good textbook to the students, they can be their own best teacher. We also feel that it is important for the students to have answers to the homework --- WHILE they are doing it. The students are encouraged to do several problems (3 – 5) and then to stop and check their work for accuracy. Traditionally, students do the entire homework set and THEN check the work. Without checking along the way for correct answers, they are possibly practicing the skill being learned WRONG. Only perfect practice makes perfect! So, to be clear, the answers are given to the student to check their work AS THEY DO the homework, not after they complete it. If you think your child will be tempted to cheat (copy the answers without doing the work), you can keep the solutions manual, having him seek you out for the answers every few problems. Your choice : ).
Important: There is only so much that can be done in one hour per week; therefore the student must be very industrious at home during the week. During class we will answer questions about the previous week's work, but the majority of the time will be spent getting them ready to do the next week's work through overviews of the upcoming concepts and through working examples. The assignments are given by the teacher. Tests are provided by the curriculum and/or the teacher. Some teachers will grade the tests if the parents prefer it.
In most math classes students will need a one-subject 100-page spiral notebook and two good pencils.
Algebra I
Lead Teacher: Lisa S.
This is a traditional Algebra I course using a curriculum purchased by the Co-op for parents to check-out for the year at orientation. The book is Paul Foerster’s Algebra I. There will be a reasonable rental fee.
Geometry
Lead Teacher: Emily C.
This is a traditional Geometry course, using a curriculum purchased by the Co-op for parents to check-out for the year at orientation. The book is Harold Jacob’s Geometry. There will be a reasonable rental fee. Students will need other supplies, TBA, such as protractors, etc.
Algebra II
Lead Teacher: Shana A.
This is a traditional Algebra II course using a curriculum purchased by the Co-op for parents to check-out for the year at orientation. The book is BJUP’s Algebra 2. There will be a reasonable rental fee.
Electives and Such
Spanish
Lead Teacher: Andrea C.
Help Teacher: Dora H.
The class time will be spent reinforcing what is learned at home in the curriculum. Andrea and Dora both speak Spanish fluently, so this class will be VERY helpful in learning Spanish.
You need to purchase:
Paso a Paso textbook Level 1
Paso a Paso Level 1 Practice workbook
Paso a Paso Level 1 Teacher's Edition (to grade their work at home.)
All of these can be found on Amazon. Used copies are really inexpensive.
OPTIONAL, but very useful:
English/Spanish Spanish/English dictionary
501 Spanish Verbs (VERY useful reference book!)
Spanish Bible - Reina-Valera version (I have several of
these that they can borrow, so this is just if they want their own copy.)
All three optional books can be purchased at Hastings or maybe even Walmart.
Coming soon!
Independent Studies
If there is an hour that your student does not need what is being offered by Co-op, you can choose for your child to do work assigned by you.