2021-2022 Grade 6-8 Course Descriptions
Please click Class Schedule tab to view the 2021-2022 Class Schedule.
Introduction to Literature Middle School Math/Pre-Algebra Public Speaking
Earth Science w/Labs Ancient History: Greek & Roman Biology
Living Skills Beg Sewing & Quilting Drama
CORE ACADEMIC CLASSES
Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 6 students
Class Time: W 12:30-1:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Middle school students will study monthly genres which emphasize literature appreciation, introduction to writing, and creative projects! Classic and current literature will be included which appeals to students’ interest and grade level. Thematic elements will include humor as well as emphasizing positive values and behavior. Students will engage in learning that involves written responses, objective recall, and hands-on activities and projects which allow each student to “show they know” in a way which suits their learning style. Instruction and assignments will appeal to the students’ strengths while reinforcing their under-developed skills. Students are encouraged to “bring something with them” when they read a book or see a movie, that something being their own value system. Weekly Schedules and List of Assignments plus any needed resources/worksheets will be emailed to parents and, upon request, students.
Curriculum: Most selections will be emailed, online, or available at the local library.
Some units will be ordered from the Canadian Winter Homeschool website.
Middle School Math
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time: W 10:00-11:00 Class Fee: $220 per Semester
Pre-Algebra
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time: W 10:00-11:00 Class Fee: $220 per Semester
Mr. Macedo will teach one of these courses, depending upon enrollment.
A small Zoom class can also be scheduled to meet the needs of students needing the opposite course.
The traditional approach of mathematics education is to teach the students "HOW" to get answers by doing the correct steps in the right way. However, mathematics is much more than just working like a calculator by memorizing and repeating the steps that yield the right answers. Today's world requires that students also understand "WHY" mathematics works. At its foundation, mathematics is purely an exercise in logical thinking. That is why I teach my students to think first, using a multitude of exercises involving logic puzzles and games of strategy. What we do in class is a mental workout that teaches the children clear, logical, critical thinking so that they can grasp mathematics concepts easily. Students will be given daily assignments to complete at home. Parents will have the answer key and test booklet for ease of grading.
Curriclum: Teaching Textbooks
**Scroll down to Textbook and Answer Key https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/discs-and-books
Middle School Math Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Level 7 $39.95
Pre-Algebra Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Pre-Algebra $59.95
Ancient History: Greece & Rome Will meet Mondays approximately 2x per month.
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-8
Class Time: M—12:30-1:30 Class Fee: $116 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
Zeus, Aristotle, Mars, Caesar…these are some of the names associated with ancient Greece and Rome. Join this class to learn more about these great classical civilizations and how they still affect us today! Class time will be spent on instruction and hands-on activities that will make these ancient worlds come alive for your students!! Outside optional reading assignments and online visual resources will be given to complete independently in the off weeks for those who are interested.
Curriculum: Teacher-created materials and online resources
Earth Science Will meet Mondays approximately 2x per month
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-8
Class Time: M—1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $116 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
This class will explore varying aspects of our wonderful earth! Each 4-class unit will include hands-on activities in class plus instruction as well as optional material to read independently with questions to complete at home in the off weeks. As stewards of our world, it is important for us to understand the larger aspects of nature, so we will be studying: The Layers of the Earth (including minerals, volcanoes and plate tectonics), The Ocean (including waves, tides, currents) The Atmosphere (including layers, interaction with the sun), and Weather (including wind, clouds, storms).
Curriculum: TBD but we are trying to find free unit studies
Biology Labs
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4
Class Time: W—11:30-12:30 Class Fee: $236 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
This class will provide Biology labs to go with any textbook. Students will be given a syllabus listing the order of the concepts that will be explored in the labs and can complete the corresponding parts of their textbooks independently. Some labs will include using a microscope and viewing and/or making slides. Students will create a lab book with diagrams, tables and answers to lab questions. Lab fee will cover all lab materials and supplies. Students may be asked to bring some items from home, eg. empty jar. Due to insurance and rental restrictions, labs will not involve any dangerous chemicals or heating of any kind. In addition, the only dissection will be a simulated frog dissection kit. A list of labs is available upon request.
Curriculum: Composition book or 60 page notebook. Textbook of your choice to be completed independently at home.
ELECTIVES
Individual Chess Tutoring
Instructor: Kevin Lee Hourly Fee: $25 Time: Set up w/ Mr. Lee
Chess Club Class
Instructor: Kevin Lee Class Fee : $248 per semester
Time: W 9:00-10:00 + online practice Class Minimum: 4
Mr. Lee loves chess. He didn't know it until his son started to have an interest in chess! Now, Mr. Lee runs in-person and online chess clubs. Chess helps students to gain in the ability to focus, think ahead, use logic to out-maneuver your opponent, and practice good sportsmanship. Besides that, it is a lot of fun! During meetings, chess players will learn strategies and apply them as they play matches under the supervision of Mr. Lee. In addition, there they will further practice their skills in online games offered throughout the week on Mr. Lee's secure chess website. There will also be opportunities for online and in-person chess matches!!
Curriculum: Students will create an account on Mr. Lee’s secure website and be encouraged to participate in online chess matches and in-person tournaments.
Living Skills Semester 1
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 4
Time: W 1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Money…do you know how it all works in this world? Take this course to learn about bank accounts, budgeting, savings, credit, taxes, and investing. We will also talk about what we actually need to live as opposed to fulfilling momentary wants presented to us by the constant ads bombarding us today in our consumer-driven society. Finally, we will talk about both getting a job and charitable giving.
Curriculum--One of the Following: Official Money Guide for Teenagers (Susan P. Beacham)
or The Complete Guide to Personal Finance for Teenagers and College Students (Tamsen Butler)
Public Speaking Semester 2
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4
Time: W 1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Make a difference in the world by developing confidence in public speaking! After observing speeches and breaking them down for effective and ineffective components, you will learn what it takes to make a speech that is compelling and effective!! Types of speech to be explored includes: persuasive, informative, dramatic, entertaining, and motivational! Be the one that has the courage and skills to stand up and address a group!!
Curriculum: Teacher-created including online resources.
.Drama & Theater
Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 4-12
Class Time: M—11:00-12:00 Class Fee: $110 per Semester
Do you agree with Shakespeare that “All the world’s a stage,” then join the Drama and Theater class!! Mrs. Orr will guide you through theater games which will bring you into rare acting form. Gain confidence in your ability to be in front of any group while having fun exploring what it might be like to be a character similar to yourself but in a new circumstance, or a character that is completely different than the person that is you! Learn to memorize lines by “becoming” a character. Develop the ability to recognize what good theater is all about! As a final project, at the end of each semester, you will be performing for family and friends!!
Curriculum: Nothing to purchase, but students may be asked to bring costume pieces or props from home.
Beginning Sewing and Quilting
Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-12
Class Time: M—12:30-2:00 Class Duration: 14 weeks Class Fee: $280 per Semester
Have you always wanted to try sewing projects, but didn’t quite know where to begin? Begin now in the Sewing and Quilting class! You will learn: sewing machine basics, improvement in sewing skills, fabric color matching, how pieces fit together to make a beautiful creation, and more! Depending upon the experience and abilities of the group, project examples range from cloth napkins and table runners, fold up utensil holders, satchels, pillows, quillos, rag quilts, and original quilts!
Curriculum: Students will supply their own fabric, sewing machine, and sewing items.
Introduction to Literature
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 6 students
Class Time: W 12:30-1:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Middle school students will study monthly genres which emphasize literature appreciation, introduction to writing, and creative projects! Classic and current literature will be included which appeals to students’ interest and grade level. Thematic elements will include humor as well as emphasizing positive values and behavior. Students will engage in learning that involves written responses, objective recall, and hands-on activities and projects which allow each student to “show they know” in a way which suits their learning style. Instruction and assignments will appeal to the students’ strengths while reinforcing their under-developed skills. Students are encouraged to “bring something with them” when they read a book or see a movie, that something being their own value system. Weekly Schedules and List of Assignments plus any needed resources/worksheets will be emailed to parents and, upon request, students.
Curriculum: Most selections will be emailed, online, or available at the local library.
Some units will be ordered from the Canadian Winter Homeschool website.
Middle School Math
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time: W 10:00-11:00 Class Fee: $220 per Semester
Pre-Algebra
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Time: W 10:00-11:00 Class Fee: $220 per Semester
Mr. Macedo will teach one of these courses, depending upon enrollment.
A small Zoom class can also be scheduled to meet the needs of students needing the opposite course.
The traditional approach of mathematics education is to teach the students "HOW" to get answers by doing the correct steps in the right way. However, mathematics is much more than just working like a calculator by memorizing and repeating the steps that yield the right answers. Today's world requires that students also understand "WHY" mathematics works. At its foundation, mathematics is purely an exercise in logical thinking. That is why I teach my students to think first, using a multitude of exercises involving logic puzzles and games of strategy. What we do in class is a mental workout that teaches the children clear, logical, critical thinking so that they can grasp mathematics concepts easily. Students will be given daily assignments to complete at home. Parents will have the answer key and test booklet for ease of grading.
Curriclum: Teaching Textbooks
**Scroll down to Textbook and Answer Key https://www.teachingtextbooks.com/discs-and-books
Middle School Math Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Level 7 $39.95
Pre-Algebra Curriculum: Teaching Textbooks, Pre-Algebra $59.95
Ancient History: Greece & Rome Will meet Mondays approximately 2x per month.
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-8
Class Time: M—12:30-1:30 Class Fee: $116 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
Zeus, Aristotle, Mars, Caesar…these are some of the names associated with ancient Greece and Rome. Join this class to learn more about these great classical civilizations and how they still affect us today! Class time will be spent on instruction and hands-on activities that will make these ancient worlds come alive for your students!! Outside optional reading assignments and online visual resources will be given to complete independently in the off weeks for those who are interested.
Curriculum: Teacher-created materials and online resources
Earth Science Will meet Mondays approximately 2x per month
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-8
Class Time: M—1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $116 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
This class will explore varying aspects of our wonderful earth! Each 4-class unit will include hands-on activities in class plus instruction as well as optional material to read independently with questions to complete at home in the off weeks. As stewards of our world, it is important for us to understand the larger aspects of nature, so we will be studying: The Layers of the Earth (including minerals, volcanoes and plate tectonics), The Ocean (including waves, tides, currents) The Atmosphere (including layers, interaction with the sun), and Weather (including wind, clouds, storms).
Curriculum: TBD but we are trying to find free unit studies
Biology Labs
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4
Class Time: W—11:30-12:30 Class Fee: $236 per Semester (Lab Fee included.)
This class will provide Biology labs to go with any textbook. Students will be given a syllabus listing the order of the concepts that will be explored in the labs and can complete the corresponding parts of their textbooks independently. Some labs will include using a microscope and viewing and/or making slides. Students will create a lab book with diagrams, tables and answers to lab questions. Lab fee will cover all lab materials and supplies. Students may be asked to bring some items from home, eg. empty jar. Due to insurance and rental restrictions, labs will not involve any dangerous chemicals or heating of any kind. In addition, the only dissection will be a simulated frog dissection kit. A list of labs is available upon request.
Curriculum: Composition book or 60 page notebook. Textbook of your choice to be completed independently at home.
ELECTIVES
Individual Chess Tutoring
Instructor: Kevin Lee Hourly Fee: $25 Time: Set up w/ Mr. Lee
Chess Club Class
Instructor: Kevin Lee Class Fee : $248 per semester
Time: W 9:00-10:00 + online practice Class Minimum: 4
Mr. Lee loves chess. He didn't know it until his son started to have an interest in chess! Now, Mr. Lee runs in-person and online chess clubs. Chess helps students to gain in the ability to focus, think ahead, use logic to out-maneuver your opponent, and practice good sportsmanship. Besides that, it is a lot of fun! During meetings, chess players will learn strategies and apply them as they play matches under the supervision of Mr. Lee. In addition, there they will further practice their skills in online games offered throughout the week on Mr. Lee's secure chess website. There will also be opportunities for online and in-person chess matches!!
Curriculum: Students will create an account on Mr. Lee’s secure website and be encouraged to participate in online chess matches and in-person tournaments.
Living Skills Semester 1
Instructor: Manuel Macedo Class Minimum: 4
Time: W 1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Money…do you know how it all works in this world? Take this course to learn about bank accounts, budgeting, savings, credit, taxes, and investing. We will also talk about what we actually need to live as opposed to fulfilling momentary wants presented to us by the constant ads bombarding us today in our consumer-driven society. Finally, we will talk about both getting a job and charitable giving.
Curriculum--One of the Following: Official Money Guide for Teenagers (Susan P. Beacham)
or The Complete Guide to Personal Finance for Teenagers and College Students (Tamsen Butler)
Public Speaking Semester 2
Instructor: Martha Desmond Class Minimum: 4
Time: W 1:30-2:30 Class Fee: $220 per semester
Make a difference in the world by developing confidence in public speaking! After observing speeches and breaking them down for effective and ineffective components, you will learn what it takes to make a speech that is compelling and effective!! Types of speech to be explored includes: persuasive, informative, dramatic, entertaining, and motivational! Be the one that has the courage and skills to stand up and address a group!!
Curriculum: Teacher-created including online resources.
.Drama & Theater
Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 4-12
Class Time: M—11:00-12:00 Class Fee: $110 per Semester
Do you agree with Shakespeare that “All the world’s a stage,” then join the Drama and Theater class!! Mrs. Orr will guide you through theater games which will bring you into rare acting form. Gain confidence in your ability to be in front of any group while having fun exploring what it might be like to be a character similar to yourself but in a new circumstance, or a character that is completely different than the person that is you! Learn to memorize lines by “becoming” a character. Develop the ability to recognize what good theater is all about! As a final project, at the end of each semester, you will be performing for family and friends!!
Curriculum: Nothing to purchase, but students may be asked to bring costume pieces or props from home.
Beginning Sewing and Quilting
Instructor: Teresa Orr Class Minimum: 4 Grade Level: 5-12
Class Time: M—12:30-2:00 Class Duration: 14 weeks Class Fee: $280 per Semester
Have you always wanted to try sewing projects, but didn’t quite know where to begin? Begin now in the Sewing and Quilting class! You will learn: sewing machine basics, improvement in sewing skills, fabric color matching, how pieces fit together to make a beautiful creation, and more! Depending upon the experience and abilities of the group, project examples range from cloth napkins and table runners, fold up utensil holders, satchels, pillows, quillos, rag quilts, and original quilts!
Curriculum: Students will supply their own fabric, sewing machine, and sewing items.
