Proposed Course Options (2008-2009)

 

bulletZoology
In this science course we will be studying animal anatomy which will include invertebrates and vertebrates. There will be labs, some of which will include dissections and we would like all students to participate in the labs.  It will be lots of fun and students will be able to bring in live specimens (but not for dissection).

 

bulletU.S. History
A literary approach focusing on America's story as written by great authors like Jean Fritz, Genevieve Foster, the D'Aulaires, Elizabeth George Spear, Mark Twain and more.  We will meet some fascinating and noble characters in these books as we take a literary journey through this great nation of ours.  We'll make it stick with lots of hands-on activities and projects and pull it all together with a timeline.

 

bulletU.S. Geography
Students will travel across the United States learning about each state's unique characteristics along the way. Not a dry study of state capitals, flags, and trees, but a fun discovery of interesting facts about each state! Including famous and not-so-famous people and places (linking whenever possible to historical events that the students may also be studying in U.S. history); weather/climate/nature; and inventions, products and other "claims to fame." Students will have opportunities to sample different foods associated with each state, make cool arts and crafts projects, and share with classmates their experiences living in/traveling to various states. Other projects and surprises will be announced on the syllabus!

 

bulletBook Making/Yearbook Staff
This course will be broken into 2 parts. The first semester will include all the specifics of writing a book from the first idea of a story to the finished product. Each week we will work on a new chapter of the book. We will illustrate each chapter using different techniques, e.g., watercolor, pastels, photography, etc. At the end of the first semester we will have the books professionally bound.

Second semester the classes will compile and create a yearbook for the co-op. We will start some of the basics of this in the fall so the children can be taking photographs throughout the year. The children will do all aspects from layout, interviews, photography and writing with the yearbook being published and available for purchase by co-op families. Younger and older classes will both work on different parts of the yearbook. Meeting outside of co-op time may be required infrequently during the year.

 

bulletDrama
Course Description:  At the beginning of the first semester, we will briefly work through facial expressions, gestures – natural body movement & finding our dramatic voice; followed by memorizing & performing monologues & short scenes.  Second semester we will learn and perform a play or musical.  This class will be a ton of fun and a great opportunity to grow skills & confidence in acting.  Students will be regularly required to memorize lines outside of class.  We’d encourage you to be willing to try new things & discover the adventure in it!  Strong reading skills are required for 3rd grade & up.

 

bulletArt (focus on American artists)
Art will be a journey through the works of famous American artists in chronological order. Studying the life and times of the American masters, we will focus on the thoughts and trends of the day that inspired these artists’ works. We will spend time on art history, art appreciation, and studio art, allowing the children to create their own projects in the style and medium of that given artist. Our curriculum will also coordinate with the American history course.

 

bulletHealth and Physical Education
Get your kids up and moving in Health and Physical Education! It will be a great hour of fun as your children get to do what they love- PLAY. Our HPE class will focus on playing games, practicing sportsmanship and embracing health and wellness for a lifetime. We will emphasize fitness and well-being, not athleticism. Our HPE class will expose kids to the fun and long-term benefits of movement. As part of an overall approach to health and wellness, we will also include education on nutrition. The children will have a fantastic time as we play classic playground games and learn some team sports as well. Our class will take place primarily outside (even on cold days).

 

bulletPreschool (3 and 4 year olds)
We will break the day into several blocks of time and focus on creative expression and learning while providing the children with a repetitive schedule with which they can become comfortable.  Sections included in the day include:  circle time, Bible stories, letter of the day, music and movement, group games, arts and crafts, show and tell, free play stations and time after lunch for an opportunity to have some quiet time to listen to music and stories while resting their bodies. 

 

bulletToddlers/infants (2 and under)
Even our youngest deserve special attention during the co-op day! This class will provide them with age appropriate toys, stories and puzzles, opportunities to play with same-age friends and individual attention from their teachers. Afternoons will concentrate on quiet time for naps after lunch.