Announcing the New Voyager Classes (9yrs+) for the Horizons Family CoOp!

Our Voyager Kids (ages 9-early teen) get to choose from a selection of unique classes each semester.  For information about the Horizons Homeschool Family Co-Op and how it works, just click HERE.
 
1^st Hour Choices

1A. Crafty Adventures                                                        

 Instructor: Tiffany Sheldon

Boys and girls alike will enjoy exploring their creative possibilities through these unique crafts.  Some of the hands-on activities include working with mosaic tiles, decoupage, collage AND MORE!  These projects are sure to be fun for everyone - whether you’re artistic, or artistically-challenged.

Limited Class Size: 10

1B. Ancient Americas                                                        

Instructor: Janna Kliewer

This class will discuss the history of the Mayans, Incas, Aztecs, and other ancient people groups.  We will learn about their stories, religion, and way of life.  The class will explore the similarities and differences of these people groups.  There are many things we can learn from these people, our neighbors.

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 Choices

2A. Fun With Creative Writing                                          

Instructor: Brenda Gilardone

This class would explore some fun techniques to inspire writing.  Some of the topics and activities would include word pictures, poetry, finishing a partially written story, utilizing thesauruses/dictionaries to increase vocabulary, and writing a skit.  Students will also build skills in presenting what they write to their classmates.

Class Limit: 10

2B. Hebrew Culture                                                    

Instructor: Virgina Nakiah-Burnes

Students will enjoy this sampler of Hebrew language, culture and customs.  Some of the topics and activities will include common words and phrases, traditions, dance, and cooking.  Don’t miss this unqique snapshot of rich Hebrew life.

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.

SAVE the DATE! 1st Annual "Adventures in Homeschooling Expo" Coming in Spring!

Every year, our children work hard on essays, science experiments, history reports, artwork, models, dioramas, and more! Wouldn’t it be nice to celebrate a successful year by sharing some of these projects with family, friends, and fellow homeschoolers? Wouldn’t you like to see what others have done or get fresh ideas for future years?

Well, if this sounds appealing to you, then we would like to invite you to participate in the “1^st Annual Adventures in Homeschooling Expo” hosted by Horizons Homeschool Ministry at Pine Grove Baptist Church! This event is planned for the evening of Saturday May 19, 2012!

If you are a Christian homeschooler in Santa Maria AND surrounding communities, then YOU ARE INVITED to showcase projects completed during the upcoming 2011-2012 school year at this free “open house” event. All students from Pre-K through 12^th Grade are welcome, and you do NOT need to be a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, Horizons, or any other support group to participate.

Categories are non-competitive and include:
- Arts & Crafts (2D & 3D)
- Writing (Short story, Short essay, and Poetry)
- History, Geography, and Cultural Studies Units (Biblical, World, and American)
- Science Units
- Literature Units
- Home Ec (sewing, knitting, cooking, etc)
- Decorative Cakes (Show off your unique cake constructions)
- Parent’s Corner (a place for moms and dads to display their own talents)

Visual display boards, demonstrations, costumes, and food samples are encouraged but not mandatory. Just share what you can, even if it’s a few sample activities from your curriculum or a photo collection of field trips taken.

For those who lead support groups, co-ops, sports, music and other opportunities from a Christian worldview perspective, we have a place for you as well! Just bring your flyers, brochures, and sign-up sheets to display at our “Local Support & Activities” table.

If you would like to be informed of the event details as they come available, send an email to horizonshomeschool@hotmail.com and be added to our list. Also, contact me if you are interested in helping with the evening in some way (set-up, clean-up, participant check-in, snack hostess, etc).

This will be a fun evening that brings homeschoolers together to celebrate our adventures in Christ-centered, family-led learning! So, make your plans to attend and spread the word!

Blessings
Diane Smith

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.

Is Horizons Like a Traditional School?

Well, we do offer an opportunity for students to work in a group with an instructor who is not their parent. In some cases, they may get to carry a lunchbox or a backpack. However, that is where the similarities end.

Horizons does not strive to imitate a school experience. Instead, Horizons programs like the Family Co-op assist families as they transition out of the traditional school mindset and into the homeschooling lifestyle. This happens quite naturally as seasoned veterans come alongside rookies, sharing their hard-earned wisdom, offering curriculum advice, and modeling strategies for a dealing with a multi-age learning environment.


Homeschooling parents AND kids are in need of support and encouragement. Here, children experience a safe, Christ-centered, parent supervised social environment where they can connect and build life-long friendships.