Exciting Changes Happening for Our 4-8 Year Olds This Fall!

We have a great team of motivated moms organizing our Explorers (6-8's) and Scouts (4-6's) and developing a science-based enrichment program for the upcoming fall semester.  This year, lesson plans are in the works that will highlight scientific exploration utilizing the Bible, experimentation, art projects, and music.  They will be studying Water (1st Semester) and the Plant Kingdom (2nd Semester).   The goal will be to use our children’s natural desire to explore God's Creation to point them to Christ.  The same unit study and activities developed for our older Explorers will be adapted for the younger Scouts.

FAMILY CO-OP REGISTRATION AND VOYAGER CLASSES FALL 2013 (UPDATED)

The Horizons Family CoOp registration opens 

Friday, May 31st, 10:00-12:00 

at Pine Grove Baptist Church

**All classes and parent helper positions are 1st Come-1st Served.**

Voyager Classes (ages 9 yrs +)

Fall Semester 2013

Subject to Change

1^st Hour (Choose 1)

1A. Food Preparation
Instructor: Rachel Turner

In this class we will be learning about selecting good recipes, kitchen safety (briefly), and preparing food for optimum taste and visual appeal. We will be making cake, cupcakes, appetizers, and a variety of other dishes. We will also be learning about theme meals and creating a menu/ plan for parties and gatherings.

Limited Class Size: 8

1B. Adventures in Literature 
Instructor: Camille Lopez

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 Newberry Medal winning book “Carry on Mr. Bowditch “ by Jean Lee Latham. We will take an in-depth look at the characters, vocabulary, and Early American time period through discussion, supporting worksheets, and some activities. Students are expected purchase/borrow a book (or audio book), read or listen to 3 chapters per 2 weeks, and fill out selected study questions that will help them participate in the discussion.  

Class Limit: 12

Book description for Carry On Mr. Bowditch

Description by Progeny Press about the study guide: This study guide provides easy-to-use, reproducible lessons on literary terms, comprehension and analysis, critical thinking, related scriptural principles, vocabulary, and activities,

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

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2^nd Hour (Choose 1)

2A. Food Presentation 
Instructor: Roxanne Mulder

In this class we will be learning to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. We will also be learning about displaying, arranging, and presenting food in more creative, appealing ways.

Note:  If the child does not take the Food Preparation class 1^st hour, then they will need to bring whatever food we are working on that week from home**

Class Limit: 8

 

Updated Class  2B. In the Time of a New Nation
Instructor: Diane Smith

This is an in-depth study of the people and challenges facing Post-Revolutionary War America (the same time period as "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch).  Students will practice self-directed learning by coming up with their own topic/question during the course of group discussion.  **As homework, they will then answer their question on a single notebook page that can include pictures/illustrations.  These pages will be shared with the class (jumpstarting new discussion/questions) and will be included in a copied compilation for each student to take home at the end.  Topics could include George Washington, John Adams, muskets, Articles of Confederation, Constitution, problems with currency, etc.
Class Size: 12

**Students are expected to work within their abilities - younger students may write less and illustrate more on their notebook page (to be determined by parents)

Students do NOT need to take the literature class or read the book.  However, it might spark some questions that they could use for their homework question)
 

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

NOTE:  The Study Hall option is also available for Voyager students who do not wish to take the classes offered during a given hour or if the desired class is full.  Students would need to bring work from home.

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.

Horizons Family CoOp Voyager Class Options for Fall 2011

Voyager Classes

(ages 9-early teen)

1st Hour - Choose 1

1A. Public Speaking                                                                         

Instructor: Brenda Gilardone

 There’s nothing to fear in this class - Kids will gain experience in an encouraging and comfortable atmosphere among friends.  Students will prepare speeches on assigned subjects and will be able to improve presentation skills by watching videos of themselves speaking.  Homework would be researching and preparing a short talk. 

Class Size Limit: 12

1B.  World Cultures Potpourri                                                                 

Instructor: Karen Ashor

 We'll learn folk songs, dances, stories and art from various cultures around the world (Hawaii, China, Russia, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, Africa, India, Brazil are possibilities).  During each class time, we'll focus on a culture and participate in one or a combination of the above activities.

Class Size Limit: 12

1C. Service – This option is open to students 12 years and older to assist in one of the younger classes or nursery during this hour.

2nd Hour - Choose 1

2A. Great Composer Appreciation                                                  

Instructor: Tiffany Sheldon

 Students will learn about different famous composers of the ages including Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky, Handel, Mozart, Chopin, Francis Scott Key, and contemporaries like John Williams.  Students will explore a brief history of their life and will learn to recognize at least one of their famous works.

Class Size Limit: 12

2B. Hebrew: Alef-Biet (Alphabet)                                        

Instructor: Virginia Nakiah-Burnes

 This class offers younger kids a unique opportunity by teaching them to pronounce and write the Hebrew alphabet.  Students should have basic writing skills in English and practice at home is recommended.  Parents are welcome to audit so long as there is space available.

Class Size Limit: 12+

2C. Service – This option is open to students 12 years and older to assist in one of the younger classes or nursery during this hour.

What Classes Can Be Expected Through the Horizons Family CoOp?

Because this program relies on the gifts of participating parents, every semester offers a unique assortment of options. You may not be able to count of the same classes each semester, but there is always something new and exciting, offered by someone who has a passion for the subject.  However, popular subjects tend to be offered frequently and teachers like to take advantage of current events with specialized classes (for example, a class in American Government around election time).

Activities for our youngest groups (Sprouts 2-3’s and Scouts 4-6’s) typically involve age-appropriate songs, indoor or outdoor games, stories, crafts, and sometimes experiments. Our Explorers (6-9 yrs) enjoy 2 separate hours with a different unit study each hour. For example, it could be art or outdoor games 1^st hour and a more focused academic unit study 2^nd hour (like the Continents or Famous Explorers, for example). The Voyagers (9-early teen) get to CHOOSE from a minimum of 2 class options each hour. Subjects have included Photography, Cooking, General Science, the Civil War, Ancient Civilizations, Public Speaking, Guitar, Drama, American Government, AND MORE! There’s no end to what could be available.

　

Will Horizons Classes Fulfill Subject Requirements for the School Year?

Yes and no. The Family CoOp involves only 8 class meetings per semester and serves mainly as enrichment in support of material covered at home. Children receive an introduction to a variety of study topics and experience in a small group setting.

On the other hand, Horizons High classes address the more specific needs and requirements of older students. They are designed and presented by knowledgeable teachers with a particular curriculum requirement or elective in mind. Grades or an evaluation of the student is often provided by the instructor or can be determined by the parent.

How Does the CoOp Work?

Homeschoolers are very resourceful people and they are quite good at networking and collaborating. A co-op is one popular way that homeschoolers have found to successful joined forces with other families to present a certain subjects.  Usually, it involves a few families meeting regularly in their homes and sharing teaching responsibilities. It’s a wonderful way to get kids involved in some group activities and social time, and for parents to share the load.

The Horizons Family CoOp is the same thing only on a larger scale. In this case, many families come together to offer many subjects to a variety of ages. One parent from each family is required to contribute to the co-op in some way. This could be anything from nursery helper, assistant to a particular class, lead teacher, or parents’ lounge hostess. Each parent serves for only 1 hour during each 2-hour bi-weekly meetings. The other hour is spent enjoying valuable fellowship and relaxation time in the lounge with a cup of coffee (or tea) and some finger foods.

What Does it Cost to Participate in Horizons?

The Family CoOp utilizes the gifts of parents, so minimal fees are collected. There is a $10/family registration fee to help cover administrative and facilities costs. Then, a tuition of $25 per student (3 years and older) per semester. A family is only required to pay for up to 3 students - there is no charge for more children beyond the three. So, it’s never more than $75 per semester per family! A 10% discount is given to families who pay for the entire year in advance. Your tuition helps provide supplies for all age groups and there are rarely any additional costs (sometimes a teacher may ask students to bring a notebook from home).

The Horizons High classes are more intensive and instructors often charge a fee for their time and/or supplies. This fee varies based on the type of class, number of meetings, and supplies need - past classes have ranged from $35 to $50 per student and often include a sibling discount. Students may or may not be required to purchase (or borrow) a text or other book. All potential costs are disclosed ahead of time in the class description.

Horizons General Enrichment classes can be free or require an instructor/supply fee as well, so fees vary.  In the past they've ranged from free to $65 and often include a sibling discount. Facilities fees are handled by the instructor and may be built into the class fees, so the $10 registration fee does not apply. Additional materials are rarely required but will be disclosed ahead of time in the class descriptions.

What's the Difference Between the Family CoOp, Horizons High, and General Enrichment Classes?

The Horizons Family CoOp meets bi-weekly for eight 2-hour meetings each semester. A CoOp means that everyone contributes in some way - from nursery help to classroom aid to lead teacher.  And, this helps to keep the the "home" in homeschool, keeping families connected.  Parents volunteer to plan classes and activities for kids from preschool through Jr. High, serving for one of the hours and enjoying a time of support and fellowship during the other.  Parent participation allows for costs to be kept low, and, because of the unique experiences of each person, class options are rather ecclectic and beyond the typical. How about Music Appreciation with Great Composers? Or, International Cooking?  The best teachers are those who have an interest and passion for the subject they are teaching.

Horizons High classes are offered as more traditional classes by a single instructor for Jr. High and High School students. It is a drop off program and no parent participation is required (unless requested by the teacher). Subjects target the requirements of the upper grades and have included Introduction to Public Speaking and Literature Analysis.  Classes meet weekly or bi-weekly, as needed, and often include homework, tests, grading and/or evaluation of some sort.

Horizons General Enrichment classes are usually offered by a single teacher to a variety of ages. and they do not require parent participation. These classes vary and have included art classes and youth choir. They can meet weekly or bi-weekly, for a few weeks or an entire semester.  General Enrichment Classes can be offered during summer as well.  Therefore, these general enrichment classes can be attended by children outside of the homeschooling community.

How Is Horizons Different From Other Homeschool and Indpendent Study Programs?

These days, there are a great number of academic opportunities for homeschooling through various Independent Study and Charter programs. So, why choose Horizons Homeschool Ministry?

Well, we recognize that there are as many approaches to homeschooling as there are people who take that journey.  Horizons tries to address many different needs for many different people in three different ways: The Family Co-op, Horizons High Classes, and General Enrichment Classes. In all options, God is the head.

The Horizons Homeschool Ministry does not provide, require, or advocate any particular curriculum or approach. We do not offer any recordkeeping services, evaluation or testing. How families choose to home school and what materials they choose to use at home is completely in the hands of parents.

What we offer goes beyond basic academics - we minister to hearts as well as minds.  We recognize that Christ is included every aspect of life, including education. And, the benefits of fellowship experienced by kids AND parents in the Family Co-op has been absolutely priceless, giving families much needed support and encouragement on this challenging path.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Philippians 4:13