Spring Voyager Classes for 2013!

Here are the class options for our 9 yr+ students!  Don't wait to sign-up as classes are filling quickly...Classes will resume on January 8th!

Also, ask about the Horizons High Economics class for high school credit...

1^st Hour (Choose 1)

1A. Beginning American Sign Language                    

Instructor: Virginia Nakiah-Burnes

ASL is a real language where you use your hands to communicate. Participants will be taught finger-spelling and basic vocabulary - Serious students only. One twenty minute period will be spent signing each day without verbal communication. This class will include puzzles, signing games and hopefully guest "speakers".

Limited Class Size: 10

1B. K’Nex: Exploration of Energy and Motion                                       

Instructor: Laura Stone

Students will be studying energy hands-on when they build models with K’Nex.  They will experience energy transfer, potential and kinetic energy, Newton’s Laws, motions and forces, and much more in memorable ways.  Students will investigate and collect data.

Class Limit: 8

1C. Introduction to Machine Sewing (both hours)                            

Instructor: Brenda Gilardone

This class will help kids learn the basic operations of a sewing machine while making simple projects.  Students must provide their own machine (although there might be one or two loaners available) and students must participate in this class for both hours (with a break).  Some hand-stitching skills may be covered as well.

Class Limit: 6

2^nd Hour (Choose 1)

2A. Children’s Literature Study (*Can use Audiobook)                      

Instructor: Diane Smith

A group book study is always a wonderful way for kids to get into literature!  This class will utilize the Christian based Progeny Press study guide to explore the short book A Door in the Wall by Marguerite de Angeli.  We will take an in-depth look at the characters, vocabulary, and Medieval time period through discussion, supporting worksheets, and some activities.  Students are expected purchase/borrow a book (or audio book),read or listen 1-2 chapters per 2 weeks, and fill out selected study questions that will help them participate in the discussion.  Note:  this is a 3-5^th grade reading level and some dialogue is “old English-style.”   However, older kids will still benefit from the study questions and discussion that will take them deeper into the story.

Class Limit: 10

2B. Reader’s Theater                                                                     

Instructor: Angi Herrick

In spite of the name, strong reading skills are NOT required for this class.  Instead, this class will use dramatic interpretation to help children gain a better understanding of children’s literature. Possible books could include "Stone Soup", "The Story of Ferdinand the Bull", "Clown of God", "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs", and "The Giving Tree". Final book selections will depend on class size and makeup. 

Class Limit: 10

2C. Introduction to Machine Sewing (Continued)                             

Instructor: Brenda Gilardone

This class is a continuation of the 1^st hour – students enrolled in this class must participate both hours.

Class Limit: 6

Voyager Classes for Fall 2012

The classes listed below are the choices offered for the Horizons Family CoOp Voyager students (ages 9-early teen).

A variety of age-appropriate games, music, and unit studies will be provided for the younger groups as well (for example, the 4-6 yo Scouts will be using the Five in a Row Curriculum).  There will also be an American Government class offered at the same time as the CoOp - more information will follow!

The Voyagers are the only group that has class choices.  So, take a look at the wonderful options coming this fall:

  1st Hour (Choose 1)

1A. Biology: Classification of Living Things                   

Instructor: Brenda Gilardone

Come and discover different plant and animal types and species.  Students will learn about those kingdoms and be introduced to the classification system through instruction, hands-on activities, and discussion.

Limited Class Size: 10

1B. I Love California                                       

Instructor: Virginia Nakiah-Burnes

An in-depth look at our home state, its history, wildlife, government, and more. Learn about how the Golden State blends in with the rest of the states and what makes it special.

Class Limit: 10

1C. SERVICE – For kids 11 or older who would prefer to spend this hour assisting in the nursery, Sprouts, Scouts, or Explorer Groups.

2^nd Hour (Choose 1)

2A. Intro to Improvisational Theater                               

Instructor: Angi Herrick

An introduction to the basic skills of improvisational theater. Students will improve active listening skills, critical thinking skills, and learn to work creatively in a team environment.

Class Limit: 10

2B. History of the Reformation                                     

Instructor: Tiffany Sheldon

This course will give a brief history of the Reformation. Students will learn about the key players of the Reformation such as Martin Luther, John Huss, John Wycliffe, etc. We will also have a Reformation celebration around Reformation Day (October 31). Students will walk away from this class with an appreciation and knowledge of the men who stood against church authorities of their time and questioned how and what they were being taught.

Class Limit: 10

2C. SERVICE – For kids 11 or older who would prefer to spend this hour assisting in the nursery, Sprouts, Scouts, or Explorer Groups.

Adventures in Homeschooling Expo Postponed Until Next Spring

I am sorry to announce the the "Adventures in Homeschooling" Expo that was planned for Saturday, May 19th, has been cancelled.  We fell short of the number of families needed to successfully stage this event, considering set-up, clean-up and the time taken out of everyone's Saturday afternoon and evening.

But, I was - and am - encouraged by the positive comments and offers to help!  I have no doubt that we will be able to go forward with this event next spring.  I already have in place entry forms that can be submitted online, so getting those entries to me will be a whole lot easier.

So, KEEP THE EXPO IN MIND as you plan your lessons and co-ops for next year - there will be a venue for you to showcase them!!

While this event is to share what has been done the current school year, those families who did sign-up to participate this time around are welcome to include the displays they have ready to go (IF you want to store them until next spring).

Again, sorry to those families who turned in their forms and were looking forward to Saturday.  This really is a wonderful family evening and we WILL try again.