Reading Explorers

Course description

• In this course, we will look at the National Geographic Reading Explorers series. 

• There are 5 levels in all. Each level is a bit more difficult than the last but the structure is virtually the same. Which level students should begin on will be decided in the trial class. 

• Here, we will look at topics ranging from adventure traveling, aliens, hottest chilis, spaceships, building the great domes of the world, history of pizza etc. This course is very discussion based and varies if the students are younger or older. With younger groups they will focus more on learning new words and comprehending the content while getting into basic discussions. Older groups will work more on ethical, hypothetical and philosophical discussions while still learning new words and concepts along the way. Plus, older groups work on real world applications of the content.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain new vocabulary 

• Use context clues to discover meanings and work through passages

• Do short writing assignments that are about the weeks work

• Gain an understanding of what the story is about beyond just the surface level

Young Adult Novels

Course description

• Here we do a variety of young adult novels. Think of it like a book club with a writing component. Each book lasts about 5-6 classes and we discuss them from front to back. Some of the books that we do are Holes, Hatchet and Stargirl. This class is open to suggestions from students for future books as well.  We look at the theme, tone, setting, history, characters, plot, POV, dialogue, mood, characters, etc. to delve deep into literary analysis about each book. Also, we discuss the actual storyline and how to look at it through various analytical lenses. All in all, students will read at a higher level and be challenged to find meaning and read between the lines.

• There also can be a writing component to this course. That will include essays in response to chapters about various themes, ideas, literary devices etc.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Will be able to read, write and discuss longer and more difficult literary works

Private Class

Course description

• Private courses can be an extension of any one of the offered courses or a combination. For example, if a student wants help in a specific area of language arts I can create a unique program for them that will teach them the skills they need to learn through a variety of engaging projects, activities, etc. Basically, we will work together to create a guided and personalized course in a 1 on 1 setting that can include their own outside work as the vessel to deliver new knowledge.

• Some examples of current one on one courses include:Working on writing summaries for the Federalist PapersA guided history class for the upcoming year with a writing componentLearning the fundamentals of creative writing through a student created novel as we work towards mapping, planning and completingDeveloping a student created blog and learning about content writing

Student Learning Outcomes

• Expansion of their present knowledge, skill, understanding and ability in any/all literary/language subjects offered

Magic Tree House

Course description

• In this course, we will read the Magic Tree House book series from the beginning (Dinosaurs Before Dark) and work on understanding the narrative through reading comprehension questions, discussion, new vocabulary and learning about and identifying literary devices. We will dive deep into the content of the books and learn about the history in which the story takes place as well through the MTH Fact Tracker. This course can be more of just a reading course if it is a younger group or it can be much more discussion and analysis based for older students. Either way, they will always be talking, learning and developing with this class. This is definitely a great course for developing critical thinking, having more complex discussions and learning to analyze a text beyond basic reading comprehension skills.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Gain new vocabulary 
• Use context clues to discover meanings and work through passages
• Learn to take notes through the daily homework
• Be able to identify literary devices
• Craft literary devices of our own
• Gain an understanding of what the story is about beyond just the surface level

We Write What?

Course description

• This course is great for younger learners just beginning to write paragraphs.  In this course, we begin with some standard elements of writing like paragraphs, sentences, formats, expository writing and literary devices. As we continue, and have developed a strong foundation, we begin to get creative. Learning to write creatively even in the beginning is very beneficial! It will help them craft great essay paragraphs by learning writing as a craft. Then, we will start to branch off into different genres and styles of writing and work to create our own works during class and prepare for interesting writing assignments to do at home. This course includes all standard writing practices and delves into creative writing that includes poetry, short story, etc. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Improvement in essay writing
• Better ability to craft language and writing
• Improved writing abilities and ability to create content and ideas
• Writing about things that have been read will improve

Becoming a Better Writer

Course description

• It is a common misconception that students will only become better at essay writing by writing essays. Writing is a craft and it needs to be developed in a part of the mind that is much more important than syntax and morphology. Basically, researchers conclude that focusing on sentence structures and explicit grammatical techniques is not helping to develop better writers (if you are curious to read more about this topic I am happy to share). In order to write better essays students need to open their minds, branch out, go into uncharted territories, think outside the box, be creative and most importantly have fun. Along the way, they will develop all the necessary skills they need to answer essay questions that go above and beyond just regurgitating the same ol’ essay responses.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Develop an understanding and ability to write in various creative/academic genres
• A noticeable improvement of writing abilities in content, form and style
• Learn to work out of order and utilize a lens of analysis other than that which is natural
• Discover independence and creativity in order to improve writing
• Have the courage to write freely on any topic
• Begin to learn rhetorical principles that can be developed to make compelling arguments

Spanish

Course description

• This course will follow principles of ISLA (instructed second language acquisition). We will use a variety of methods to fulfill ideas about communicative language theory where we will focus on the method and interpretation of meaning in the classroom. We will use corrective feedback, recasting, input hypothesis, PPP, and a plethora of other methods backed by research (which I am happy to elaborate on with anyone interested).
• The purpose of this course is to actually be able to use/speak/read/write the target language in open scenarios (not just filling in blanks). The purpose of this course is not just to memorize words and explicit grammar ideas outside of a communicative application where research shows they will remain. We want to acquire usable language skills. Explicit knowledge refers to knowledge that learners are aware of and can consciously recall from memory (grammar rules). Implicit knowledge is the subconscious knowledge that learners don’t know they know (the way we learn our native tongue). It is a common misconception and an outdated belief that in order to be good speakers/writers/listeners of a second language we must be masters of the rules. Were you a master of grammar as a 4 year old?
• Overall students of this course will gain an implicit knowledge of the language and be able to ACTUALLY use it and not just fill boxes on a test.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Work on functional learning where the focus is always on meaning, useability and acquisition

Great Writing

Course description

• The Great Writing Series is a traditional grammar and language arts course. Here, we will use clear explanations and application through extensive activities to aid students in writing sentences, paragraphs and papers. These writing models will fulfill the requirements in your child’s school. Basically, with this course they will learn the writing process. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Student will have a better grasp of writing sentences, paragraphs and essays.

RAZ Reading

Course description

• RAZ stands for Reading A-Z The students will develop their reading comprehension skills as well as their ability to infer from the context. Meanwhile they will also grow their vocabulary. This is a great course for beginners! 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Bridging the gap between single word answers and full sentence discussions. 

Music History/Theory

Course description

• This is a supplemental course for music students. Students can learn about music history as well as basic theory to go along with their principal instrument training. Or, if they are just interested in music and do not have a principal instrument yet, this is a great way to expose them to wider musical horizons.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Developing a deeper understanding of music theory as well as historical insights. 

Guitar Class

Course description

• Here we will learn the guitar together. Alex Laugalis has been teaching guitar for over 10 years and has played violin and guitar since he was 4 years old. He studied violin performance at university and used to have a studio in St Petersburg, Florida before moving abroad. He teaches the Suzuki method and will be happy to accept students of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Become proficient guitar players, ear train, improvise, read music. 

Violin Class

Course description

• Here we will learn the guitar together. Alex Laugalis has been teaching Violin for over 10 years and has played violin and guitar since he was 4 years old. He studied violin performance at university and used to have a studio in St Petersburg, Florida before moving abroad. He teaches the Suzuki method and will be happy to accept students of all skill levels from beginners to advanced. 

Student Learning Outcomes

• Become proficient guitar players, ear train, improvise, read music.