Language Arts Class Descriptions



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AP Literature and Composition (World Literature)

Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 11th-12th

Prerequisites: American Literature or equivalent

This is a full-credit high school English course taught at the AP level to prepare students for college level reading, analysis, and academic writing. The course features selections from World Literature and will prepare students for the AP Literature and Composition examination. The course will broaden a student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by challenging them to think and write more comprehensively about World Literature.

In this course, students will read and respond in writing to fiction works, non-fiction texts, and poetry. The analytical method will focus on both rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience) and the six "Big Ideas" of the AP course include: Character, Setting, Structure, Narration, Figurative, Language, and Literary Argumentation. Other objectives from the AP curriculum include reading a text closely and drawing conclusions from details; identifying the techniques used by an author and their effects; developing an interpretation of a text; making an argument for it in writing; and supporting that argument with compelling textural evidence.

Literature: Featured literature will include: Antigone by Sophocles (441- Greece); Othello by William Shakespeare (1603- England); Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847- England); The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1899-Poland); The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915-Germany); Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958- Nigeria); and The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989- Japan). Remains of the Day is summer reading.

Composition: An essential component of this course will analytical writing. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, and close reading.

Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have taken American Literature at Compass or received permission of the Instructor to enroll at the AP level. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.

Schedule/Format: There are two weekly meetings: (1) Mondays from 2:00 pm-2:55 pm online in a synchronous virtual classroom and (2) Wednesdays from 2:00 pm- 2:55 pm in person. A physical meeting room will be designated for on-campus students who have classes immediately before or after the virtual session.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 4-6 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be evaluated using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

About AP: "AP" is a trademark of the College Board, which owns and designs the course outline and "audits" (i.e. approves) high school instructors who employ their expertise and creativity to deliver the college freshman-level content. The College Board's complete AP Literature and Composition program can be read HERE, and the instructor AP Course Audit Approval form can be viewed HERE.

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-english-literature-and-composition-course-and-exam-description.pdf

AP Fees: The fee for the College Board's AP Literature and Composition exam in May 2025 is not included. Each family is responsible for scheduling and paying for their student's AP exam.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $64.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class bundle of novels.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $1490.00

Compass Kindergarten: Language Arts (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 175 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed

Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.

This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.

Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.

On Mondays, the focus will be on Language Arts where students will be exposed to folktales, seasonal stories, and classic favorites while also practicing basic reading and writing skills such as sound blends, digraphs and long vowel sounds.

Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

Other Notes:

  • Children should bring a bagged lunch and water bottle to each session.
  • There is a $50.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class.
  • Parents can choose to drop children off for this program (different than Compass's school-year policies for 55 minute classes.)
  • Registration for this program is by 13-week semester.
  • Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate kindergarten programs should review the Compass withdrawal policy.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $580.00

Compass Kindergarten: Language Arts (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 175 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed

Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.

This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.

Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.

On Mondays, the focus will be on Language Arts where students will be exposed to folktales, seasonal stories, and classic favorites while also practicing basic reading and writing skills such as sound blends, digraphs and long vowel sounds.

Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

Other Notes:

  • Children should bring a bagged lunch and water bottle to each session.
  • There is a $50.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class.
  • Parents can choose to drop children off for this program (different than Compass's school-year policies for 55 minute classes.)
  • Registration for this program is by 16-week semester with priority registration for continuing students.
  • Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate kindergarten programs should review the Compass withdrawal policy.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $714.00

Comprehension Connections: Critical Thinking Through Non Fiction

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Middle school students will learn how to improve their critical thinking for a deeper understanding using strategies in reading comprehension, research, and debate. They will discuss and define critical thinking and learn the skills associated with it: researching, sorting information for a variety of purposes, identifying underlying assumptions, defining terms, evaluating evidence, considering opposing points of view, and spotting classic logical fallacies.

In this semester, students will be asked to present opinions or consider dilemmas and claims ranging over a wide variety of historical or contemporary topics that may be drawn from literature, law, religion, or comparative worldviews. Students will learn to ask, "Is this a good argument? Is it well constructed and convincing?" They will discover how to break a whole concept into its component parts to formulate and build clear, compelling, persuasive arguments.

The semester will build up to an exciting debate in the Lincoln-Douglas format. Students will have to choose a contemporary question (e.g. "Is AI bad for society?"), and they will work together to research arguments for or against that question. The Positive and Negative teams will develop arguments, write speeches, and work to develop arguments for their positions!

Middle school students should expect to spend an average of two hours per week on reading and short written responses for this class. Topics in this series include: Topics in this series include: Comprehension Connections (Semester 1) and Critical Thinking (Semester 2).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Comprehension Connections: Critical Thinking Through Short Stories

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Middle school students will learn how to improve their critical thinking for deeper understanding using strategies in reading comprehension. They will learn how to sort, analyze, describe, and compare information according to the rules of logic.

Throughout this semester, students will read Alice & Wonderland, which was (surprisingly!) designed to include many hidden gems of logic. Students will learn to ask, "Is this a good argument? What beliefs is it based on? Is it well constructed and convincing? Are there fallacies in it?" They will discover how to define terms and break a whole concept into its component parts in order to formulate and defend their own arguments.

The semester will build up to an exciting debate in the Lincoln-Douglas format. Students will have to develop a law code for Wonderland, and they will have to put a character on trial according to that code. Prosecution and defense will develop arguments, write speeches, and battle to convict or acquit the accused!

Middle school students should expect to spend an average of two hours per week on reading and short written responses for this class. Topics in this series include: Critical Thinking Through Short Stories (Semester 1) and Critical Thinking Through Non-Fiction (Semester 2).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

Cover-to-Cover: Adventure (Middle School Book Group)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style.

First quarter, students will examine the genre of adventure novel with The Call of the Wild by Jack London and The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy.

Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books.

Topics in this Series: Adventure (Quarter 1); Fantasy (Quarter 2); Dystopian (Quarter 3); and Mystery & Detective (Quarter 4).

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $11.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Cover-to-Cover: Dystopian Worlds (Middle School Book Group)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style.

Third quarter, students will examine the genre of the dystopian novel with Lord of the Flies by William Golding and Animal Farmby George Orwell.

Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books.

Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Quarter 1); Adventure (Quarter 2); Dystopian (Quarter 3); and Mystery & Detective (Quarter 4).

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $14.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Cover-to-Cover: Fantasy (Middle School Book Group)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style.

Second quarter, students will examine the genre of fantasy novel with A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle and When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books.

Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Quarter 1); Adventure (Quarter 2); Dystopian (Quarter 3); and Mystery & Detective (Quarter 4).

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $17.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Cover-to-Cover: Mystery & Detective Fiction (Middle School Book Group)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style.

Fourth quarter, students will examine the genre of the mystery and detective novel with And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie.

Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books.

Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Quarter 1); Adventure (Quarter 2); Dystopian (Quarter 3); and Mystery & Detective (Quarter 4).

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $9.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a.. Lost Land (TUE)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will make up the myth of a mystical mountain. Will they find lost legends and lonely labyrinths among lush landscapes and more?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a.. Magic Meadow (TUE)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will tell the tale of a magic meadow. Will they find merry mice, mesmerizing mist, mystical mushroom, and more?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a.. Whispering Woods (TUE)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will tell the tale of the whispering woods. Will they find whimsical wildlife, whistling winds, woven webs, and more?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a.. Zany Zoo (TUE)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will tell the tale of their own, zany zoo. Will their story include a lazy llama, a sassy sea lion, a joking jaguar...or something else??

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Fantasical Forest

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will fabricate a fantasy forest. Will they feature faraway places, fascinating finds, or fictional fun?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Great Race

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will tell the tale of a great race. They will describe who was in the chase, what was their pace, and why the great haste.

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Mythical Mountain

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will make up the myth of a mystical mountain. Will they find magicians, monsters, mermaids, and more?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Time Machine

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will imagine time machine travel. Will they spring forward to a far-flung, fantasy future or backward to behold bewildering bygones?

Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?"

Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

Dynamic Dioramas: Literature in Miniature- The Lord of the Rings' Battle of Minas Tirith*

Quarter Summer: Starts on August 5, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 120 Min

Instructor: Taliesin Knol

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

It began with the forging of great rings... and it will end with the creation of great dioramas. In this class, students will study the connection of Tolkien's Middle Earth to our own history: how history inspired the author and how the series, in turn, influenced the real world. As we study the book and discuss its influences, students will use this knowledge to recreate a scene from the penultimate battle of the War of the 3rd Age at Minas Tirith.

Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and descriptions from the source material students in this class will recreate a section of the Gondorian Fortress Capital, Minas Tirith and the battlefield around it. Once everyone finishes their diorama, the class will combine them to simulate the battle from the book and attempt to save mankind from Sauron! (or bring about the age of the Orc.) Each student will receive 1:72 scale figures to populate their scene, from Soldiers of Gondor and Riders of Rhohan, to Orcs, trolls, and evil men of Rhun and Harrad.

This is a 4-day workshop.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $191.00

English: American Literature with Writing Lab- Rhetorical Analysis (Sem1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 11th-12th

Prerequisites: British Literature or equivalent

This full-credit English course is designed to prepare students for college level academic writing. It will deepen student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by asking students to think critically about the "American Dream" and what it means to be an American by reading texts that engage with these topics from the 18th century to today. In this course, students will read and respond in writing to both fiction and non-fiction texts, and our analytical method will focus on rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience).

Fall Semester will feature Daisy Miller (James), Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (Jacobs), The Crucible (Miller), and The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)

Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, close reading, opinion essay, and personal essay. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.

Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have mastered the foundations of Introduction to Genre and British Literature (or similar English courses), are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.

Topics in this Series: American Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and American Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. This is a 13.5 week course that will not meet on 11/7/23.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $33.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $673.00

English: American Literature with Writing Lab- Rhetorical Analysis (Sem2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 11th-12th

Prerequisites: British Literature or equivalent

This full-credit English course is designed to prepare students for college level academic writing. It will deepen student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by asking students to think critically about the "American Dream" and what it means to be an American by reading texts that engage with these topics from the 18th century to today. In this course, students will read and respond in writing to both fiction and non-fiction texts, and our analytical method will focus on rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience).

Spring Semester will feature Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston), The Things They Carried (Tim O'Brien), and a selection of other short fiction and poetry.

Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, close reading, opinion essay, and personal essay. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.

Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have mastered the foundations of Introduction to Genre and British Literature (or similar English courses), are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.

Topics in this Series: American Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and American Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $44.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $751.00

English: British Literature with Writing Lab: Literary Analysis (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 10th-11th

Prerequisites: Introduction to Genres or equivalent

This full-credit high school English class will focus on developing critical reading and writing skills through the study of a range of canonical and post-colonial genres and texts written in English. Through exposure to a variety of voices across time periods and geographical regions, students will investigate major themes, such as the importance of language as a locus of power, the continuity of human nature, and the role of the imagination.

Fall semester will focus on canonical British texts such as the epic poem Beowulf, selections from Canterbury Tales (Chaucer), Shakespeare's Macbeth, and a selection of Romantic poetry.

Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students will write two or three critical response papers and a full-scale literary analysis essay each term. Students will continue to hone the components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.

Topics in this Series: British Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and British Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. This is a 13.5 week course that will not meet on 11/7/23.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level and have completed Introduction to Genre or equivalent high school level writing class. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $34.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $673.00

English: British Literature with Writing Lab: Literary Analysis (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 10th-11th

Prerequisites: Introduction to Genres or equivalent

This full-credit high school English class will focus on developing critical reading and writing skills through the study of a range of canonical and post-colonial genres and texts written in English. Through exposure to a variety of voices across time periods and geographical regions, students will investigate major themes, such as the importance of language as a locus of power, the continuity of human nature, and the role of the imagination.

Spring semester will introduce students to post-colonial texts and genres featuring Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Mary Wollstonecraft), Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen), Frankenstein (Mary Shelley), and Paradise Lost (John Milton).

Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students will write two or three critical response papers and a full-scale literary analysis essay each term. Students will continue to hone the components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.

Topics in this Series: British Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and British Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level and have completed Introduction to Genre or equivalent high school level writing class. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $22.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $751.00

English: Intro to Literary Genres with Writing- Poetry

Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-10th

Prerequisites: None

In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created. Second quarter will feature Poetry from an anthology.

Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions.

Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $54.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select novel.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $220.00

English: Intro to Literary Genres with Writing- The Epic

Quarter 4: Starts on March 21, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-10th

Prerequisites: None

In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created.

Fourth quarter will feature a the Epic tale featuring Robert Fagle's translation of Homer's Odyssey.

Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions.

Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $13.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select novel.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $242.00

English: Intro to Literary Genres with Writing- The Novel

Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-10th

Prerequisites: None

In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created. First quarter will feature The Novel: Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Sallinger.

Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions.

Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select novel.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $220.00

English: Intro to Literary Genres with Writing- The Play

Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-10th

Prerequisites: None

In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created. Third quarter will feature The Play Romeo and Juliet Folger Edition by Shakespeare.

Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions.

Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.

Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select novel.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking passages/pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $242.00

Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Cristin Harber

Grade Range: 6th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade.

Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter.

While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing.

The newspaper staff will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. Interested students will serve as layout apprentices and learn to use Microsoft Publisher.

All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $145.00

Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Cristin Harber

Grade Range: 6th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade.

Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter.

While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing.

The newspaper staff will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. Interested students will serve as layout apprentices and learn to use Microsoft Publisher.

All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $145.00

Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Cristin Harber

Grade Range: 6th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade.

Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter.

While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing.

The newspaper staff will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. Interested students will serve as layout apprentices and learn to use Microsoft Publisher.

All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $165.00

Extra, Extra! Non Fiction News-Writing (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Cristin Harber

Grade Range: 6th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The staff is a mixed-age team with students from 6th to 12th grade.

Students will learn about journalism and develop writing skills. They will craft effective articles, conduct interviews, and write reviews. Each quarter, writing assignments and responsibilities will be divided based on individual interests. Students will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter.

While research and data collection will occur outside of class, a portion of staff meetings will be dedicated to writing and editing. The newspaper advisor will use these sessions to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctuation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing. Students will be informally paired for peer review and feedback on their writing.

The newspaper staff will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. Interested students will serve as layout apprentices and learn to use Microsoft Publisher.

All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first meetings. Students should expect to work on assignments outside of class and will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $165.00

Graphic Greats: Best of British Books

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Get your child to read the classics without a clash! Children will become familiar with the world's best-known authors and timeless tales through the approachable illustrated format of graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are reading literature and being introduced to literary analysis as they read these entertaining, illustrated, short-form stories.

Second quarter, students will discover some of the most beloved British books from the pages of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain, and Jonathan Swift. Discover the super sleuth duo of Holmes and Watson through intriguing classic cases and crimes in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Meet Hank Morgan, an American time-traveler who brings modern knowledge and know-how to medieval times in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court., and follow an adventurer to fantastical lands in Gulliver's Travels.

Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that literature can be enthralling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, Illustrated Classics Series. In class, literary elements and character analysis will be discussed. Extension activities such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other tellings of the same tale will take place in class. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will introduce kids to classic works of literature and perhaps interest them to later read the complete novel.

Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at the ages 8-12 reading level.

Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Build an illustrated classic library. Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for 3 novels.

Topics in this series include: The Most Extreme Adventures (Quarter 1); Best of British Books (Quarter 2); Shakespeare Shorts (Quarter 3), and Classic Adventure Quests (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Graphic Greats: Classic Adventure Quests

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Get your child to read the classics without a clash! Children will become familiar with the world's best-known authors and timeless tales through the approachable illustrated format of graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are reading literature and being introduced to literary analysis as they read these entertaining, illustrated, short-form stories.

Fourth quarter, students will embark on classic adventure quests from a family stranded and surviving on a deserted island in The Swiss Family Robinson by Wyss to a sea captain obsessed with capturing an elusive whale in Moby Dick by Melville. The class will search for buried treasure and fight off marauding pirates in Treasure Island by Stevenson.

Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that literature can be enthralling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, Illustrated Classics Series. In class, literary elements and character analysis will be discussed. Extension activities such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other tellings of the same tale will take place in class. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will introduce kids to classic works of literature and perhaps interest them to later read the complete novel.

Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at the ages 8-12 reading level.

Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Build an illustrated classic library. Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for 3 novels.

Topics in this series include: The Most Extreme Adventures (Quarter 1); Best of British Books (Quarter 2); Shakespeare Shorts (Quarter 3), and Classic Adventure Quests (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Graphic Greats: Shakespeare Shorts

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Get your child to read the classics without a clash! Children will become familiar with the world's best-known authors and timeless tales through the approachable illustrated format of graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are reading literature and being introduced to literary analysis as they read these entertaining, illustrated, short-form stories.

Third quarter, students will read some of the best of the Bard in abridged Shakespeare Shorts. Meet merchant Antonio, a moneylender, and their romantic interests in old Italy in The Merchant of Venice. Journey to a magical forest to learn what happens when whimsical fairies influence the fates of four young lovers in A Midsummer Night's Dream , and unravel mistaken identities, misunderstandings, and mis adventures of a cast of characters in The Twelfth Night.

Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that literature can be enthralling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, Illustrated Classics Series. In class, literary elements and character analysis will be discussed. Extension activities such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other tellings of the same tale will take place in class. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will introduce kids to classic works of literature and perhaps interest them to later read the complete novel.

Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at the ages 8-12 reading level.

Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Build an illustrated classic library. Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for 3 novels.

Topics in this series include: The Most Extreme Adventures (Quarter 1); Best of British Books (Quarter 2); Shakespeare Shorts (Quarter 3), and Classic Adventure Quests (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Graphic Greats: The Most Extreme Adventures

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Get your child to read the classics without a clash! Children will become familiar with the world's best-known authors and timeless tales through the approachable illustrated format of graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are reading literature and being introduced to literary analysis as they read these entertaining, illustrated, short-form stories.

First quarter, students will discover some of the most extreme adventures through the early science fiction minds of HG Wells and Jules Verne. Meet ruthless Martian invaders in The War of the Worlds (HG Wells); surreal sea creatures from Captain Nemo's submersible in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Verne); and vicious vertebrates from a volcanic crater in Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of Earth.

Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that literature can be enthralling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, Illustrated Classics Series. In class, literary elements and character analysis will be discussed. Extension activities such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other tellings of the same tale will take place in class. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will introduce kids to classic works of literature and perhaps interest them to later read the complete novel.

Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at the ages 8-12 reading level.

Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Build an illustrated classic library. Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for 3 novels.

Topics in this series include: The Most Extreme Adventures (Quarter 1); Best of British Books (Quarter 2); Shakespeare Shorts (Quarter 3), and Classic Adventure Quests (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Information Masters: Inquiry & Investigation (On-Level and Honors)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Tayler Shreve

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Information Masters transforms students into savvy consumers and producers of information capable of navigating today's intimidating infosphere. This class introduces high school students to the latest in academic and electronic resources and methodologies for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. Each week, students will develop new media literacy skills necessary for high school and college research writing.

First semester, students will learn strategies to navigate the traditional and digital resources of a library, tips on working with a librarian, and techniques to access library resources. Each student will be asked to obtain a library card during a field trip to the local library. They will learn how to conduct a search of the library, Google Scholar, and academic search engines and practice ways to locate and skim primary sources, secondary sources, and scholarly publications.

Students will become educated consumers of information and learn how to select the best resources for their informational needs and not merely the first ones that "pop up" in a browser search. They will practice fact-checking a source and distinguishing a verified and credible source (such as a .gov or .edu website) versus less reliable sources like Wikipedia, blogs, and tabloid articles.

The class will learn to review reliable sources as the inspiration for a narrower, more focused research topic. They will create mini-maps, circle or identify key words, and draw Venn diagrams comparing similarities and differences on a topic in order to formulate a specific research question. Students will apply ChatGPT to their research topic to gain experience with AI tools and evaluate the accuracy and credibility of the results.

Once students have used research to identify an area of interest, they will be guided through identifying and refining a research question. Topics can come from scientific or social science research, quantitative and/or qualitative research, or any favorite topic from favorite books and authors, video games, or music artists. Students will learn to skim read and scan sources and extract information from article abstracts. Students taking this course on-level will be expected to locate published literature on their topic, while those taking the course at the honors level will be expected to locate, interpret, and evaluate published literature. All students will be asked to write a brief summary explaining their research question, and honors students will be asked to write a one-paragraph critique of at least five resources.

Topics in this Series: Inquiry & Investigation (Semester 1) and Research & Reflection (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading and writing at grade-level.

Workload: On-level students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Honors students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes, track grades, and message instructor and classmates.

Assessments: The instructor will assign points for the completion of various assignments, and parents can use the total point earned versus possible for determining a grade in the class.

Textbook/Materials: All articles and reference materials will be available online or posted as pdfs on the class Canvas site.

What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop or tablet to class, paper or notebook, and pen or pencil.

Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on Monday, September 23.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English or Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $267.00

Information Masters: Research & Reflection (On-Level and Honors)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Tayler Shreve

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Information Masters transforms students into savvy consumers and producers of information capable of navigating today's intimidating infosphere. This class introduces high school students to the latest in electronic resources and methodologies for conducting meaningful inquiry and research. Each week, students will develop new media literacy skills necessary for high school and college research writing.

Second semester, students will organize their resources with an online bibliography generator. The class will discuss the ethical use of information and how to summarize, paraphrase, and cite sources correctly. To avoid plagiarism while summarizing resources, students will learn note-taking skills using written and online tools. The class will also learn the Cornell Method of Notetaking as one technique.

https://www.uc.edu/campus-life/learning-commons/learning-resources/notetaking-resources/cornell-method-notes.html

This semester, the class will establish frameworks associated with designing a research project. They will walk through the steps of the research process and plan an individual research project. The class will learn how to synthesize material from multiple sources into a cohesive, properly documented final project. Students will learn how to summarize key elements for presentation and how to apply finishing touches to an oral and media-aided presentation such as Power Point, Canva, or Google Slides.

Students taking this course on-level will be expected to share their final product in the form of a class presentation, Ted Talk-style video, or blog. Students taking this course at the Honors level should expect to 1-2 additional hours of homework each week with the goal of having a publishable paper by the end of the semester, an effort which is a note-worthy accomplishment on a college application or resume.

Topics in this Series: Inquiry & Investigation (Semester 1) and Research & Reflection (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading and writing at grade-level.

Workload: On-level students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class. Honors students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes, track grades, and message instructor and classmates.

Assessments: The instructor will assign points for the completion of various assignments, and parents can use the total point earned versus possible for determining a grade in the class.

Textbook/Materials: All articles and reference materials will be available online or posted as pdfs on the class Canvas site.

What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop or tablet to class, paper or notebook, and pen or pencil.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English or Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Niños (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $143.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Niños (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 21, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Niños (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $191.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Niños (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 17, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $191.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Pequeños (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 1st-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $143.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Pequeños (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 21, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 1st-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Pequeños (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 1st-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $191.00

Juntos Aprendemos: Escritura y Lectura Para Pequeños (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 17, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Sirdley Taborga

Grade Range: 1st-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Escribir es una habilidad fundamental para la escuela y para la vida en general. Escribir les da voz a los niños!. En esta clase los estudiantes explorarán la escritura de diferentes maneras. Aprenderán los conceptos básicos de una buena redacción y el arte de la revisión. Las clases consistirán en lecciones sencillas sobre escritura y lectura, así como también la práctica de las mismas en clase. Siempre se alentará a los estudiantes a escribir sobre lo que mas les interesa. También se les darán pautas de escritura creativas y divertidas. Trabajaremos de manera que nadie sienta el pánico o la presión de "qué escribir".

En la primera sesión, los estudiantes escribirán sobre experiencias y recuerdos personales. Este es uno de los temas más fáciles para que los niños empiecen a escribir, ya que normalmente tienen muchas historias que contar. Aprenderán a organizar sus recuerdos de una manera lógica de lo que pasó primero, segundo, último, etc.

El objetivo de este curso es ayudar a los jóvenes estudiantes a tener mas confianza en la escritura del idioma, aumentar la fluidez de la escritura e incorporar la misma en el trabajo y los juegos cotidianos. Cada semana, el instructor enseñara lecciones breves sobre gramática, ejemplos: tiempos verbales, partes de la oración, uso de adjetivos/ y adverbios, etc. Los estudiantes también aprenderán el proceso de escribir, como ser: preescritura, redacción y revisión.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $191.00

Literature Roundtable: Dystopian Discourse

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: Reading at a high school level

Roundtable is a seminar-style literature analysis and discussion class for high school students. Instead of a broad, general survey of literature, Roundtable students will examine a focused, "special topic" in literature through critical evaluation and rich discussion. Written works will be selected for their contribution to a specific genre and their influence on society.

First semester, the class will examine the genre of dystopian literature with a critical eye on what elements are found in all dystopian fiction works. The class will examine the role of government and society in the imagined, oppressive or apocalyptic realms through a study of works such as: Maze Runner (Book 1, 2010) by James Dashner .; Brave New World (1932) by Aldous Huxley; Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) by George Orwell; The Lottery (1948), a short story by Shirley Jackson; Farenheit 451 (Ray Bradbury); Genre-aligned short fiction will be incorporated throughout the semester.

For this course, students should be engaged readers who come to class prepared to participate in intellectual discussion. Students are also expected to take part in weekly class discussions by sharing their reflections and reactions to the readings and drawing conclusions and comparisons with other works. For each novel, the instructor will provide a guide with thoughtful questions and prompts on the reading that students must come to class prepared to discuss with textual evidence. The course instructor will serve as a facilitator-moderator to lead Socratic, "roundtable" discussions in addition to other in-class activities, such as partner and small group work, to further the class's understanding of the literature. This course will focus on comprehension and analysis through discussion rather than composition. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as rewriting a scene, imagining a conversation between characters from different books, developing a prequel or sequel scene, writing a review, etc.

When discussing written works, students will be expected to give textual references such as specific quotes and examples- a higher-order high school and college-level skill that will be needed in later courses which require written analysis of literature. A key skill that will be taught in this class is how to annotate texts. Students will begin by examining samples of the instructor's own annotated novels then move to annotating the first short story in class as a group. For each novel, students will be given specific details to search for and annotate such as major plot points, character traits, interesting word choice, setting details, quotations, or questions. Later, students will be prepared to annotate automatically as they read with their own questions and reactions, a skill that can also be applied to the readings in other courses.

Topics in this Series: Dystopian Discourse (Semester 1) and the Time Machine Travel (Semester 2). Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend at a minimum 9th grade level for this course. Per Compass guidelines, accelerated 8th grade students may register for this course, however, in addition to the 9th+ grade reading level, they must possess the maturity to handle high school level topics and more mature discussion.

Workload: Students should expect to read approximately 100 pages per week. For students who have challenges with reading, audio books may be used, but students should still be prepared to follow along and annotate in the physical novel.

Assignments: Weekly assignments will be posted in the Canvas classroom management system. Students will need their own e-mail addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's Canvas account.

Assessments: Points will be assigned for preparation, participation, and short assignments, and parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, a "class bundle" of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $54.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class book bundle.

What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. For a full credit in English, families would need to "bundle" this course with additional coursework in composition.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

Literature Roundtable: Literature Roundtable: Time Machine Travel

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Roundtable is a seminar-style literature analysis and discussion class for high school students. Instead of a broad, general survey of literature, Roundtable students will examine a focused, "special topic" in literature through critical evaluation and rich discussion. Written works will be selected for their contribution to a specific genre and their influence on society.

Second semester, the class will examine the genre of time travel fiction with a critical eye on what elements are found in time travel fiction. The class will examine the exploration of alternate timelines and the consequences of altering history through a study of works such as: Time Machine by H.G. Wells; (1895) Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain (1899); Thurst by Lidia Yuknavitch (2022); Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979); and Timeline by Michael Crichton (1999).

For this course, students should be engaged readers who come to class prepared to participate in intellectual discussion. Students are also expected to take part in weekly class discussions by sharing their reflections and reactions to the readings and drawing conclusions and comparisons with other works. For each novel, the instructor will provide a guide with thoughtful questions and prompts on the reading that students must come to class prepared to discuss with textual evidence. The course instructor will serve as a facilitator-moderator to lead Socratic, "roundtable" discussions in addition to other in-class activities, such as partner and small group work, to further the class's understanding of the literature. This course will focus on comprehension and analysis through discussion rather than composition. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as rewriting a scene, imagining a conversation between characters from different books, developing a prequel or sequel scene, writing a review, etc.

When discussing written works, students will be expected to give textual references such as specific quotes and examples- a higher-order high school and college-level skill that will be needed in later courses which require written analysis of literature. A key skill that will be taught in this class is how to annotate texts. Students will begin by examining samples of the instructor's own annotated novels then move to annotating the first short story in class as a group. For each novel, students will be given specific details to search for and annotate such as major plot points, character traits, interesting word choice, setting details, quotations, or questions. Later, students will be prepared to annotate automatically as they read with their own questions and reactions, a skill that can also be applied to the readings in other courses.

Topics in this Series: Dystopian Discourse (Semester 1) and the Time Machine Travel (Semester 2). Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend at a minimum 9th grade level for this course. Per Compass guidelines, accelerated 8th grade students may register for this course, however, in addition to the 9th+ grade reading level, they must possess the maturity to handle high school level topics and more mature discussion.

Workload: Students should expect to read approximately 100 pages per week. For students who have challenges with reading, audio books may be used, but students should still be prepared to follow along and annotate in the physical novel.

Assignments: Weekly assignments will be posted in the Canvas classroom management system. Students will need their own e-mail addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's Canvas account.

Assessments: Points will be assigned for preparation, participation, and short assignments, and parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, a "class bundle" of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below).

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $54.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class book bundle.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Heroes

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures!

First quarter, the class will explore Hero Myths, the exciting classic tales of trial and triumph that inspired many modern adventure stories. As examples, students will read about the journeys of Theseus, who defeated the Minotaur in the Labyrinth and navigated various challenges to become king and Hercules, who accomplished heroic feats, battled mythical creatures, and struggled against curses to eventually ascend Olympus as a god. They will also consider the tale of King Arthur, the legendary British king aided by his Knights of the Round Table and their quests for the Holy Grail.

For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4)

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Monsters

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures!

Third quarter, the class will explore Monster Myths featuring the legendary creatures who wreaked havoc on society and the heroes who defeated them. As examples, the class will read about the great Anglo-Saxon warrior Beowulf who battled and defeated a trio of monsters: the vicious Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. They will read about the decade-long voyage of Odysseus who fought off monsters such as the Cyclops, the witch Circe, and the sea monster Scylla. Finally, students will unravel the tale of Orestes who faced the monstrous Furies, vengeful spirits of the underworld.

For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4)

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Origins

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures!

Second quarter, the class will examine Origin Myths, the pivotal cultural tales that explain why things are the way they are. As examples, students will learn how the tale of Persephone and Hades explained the change of seasons and how spiders came to spin webs after the hubris of Arachne the weaver. They will read the story of star-crossed lovers Pyramus and Thisbe, and how a miscommunication inspired the play, "Romeo and Juliet" and caused mulberry trees thereafter to produce red fruit.

For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4)

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Transformations

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures!

Fourth quarter, the class will explore Transformation Myths which tell how a person or thing was physically or spiritually transformed or redeemed. The class will read about the vengeful enchantress who turned Odysseus' men into swine and Medusa whose stare could turn people to stone. They will discover the forces that allowed a sculpture by Pygmalion to come to life, and how Narcissus's self-obsession turned him into a flower.

For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4)

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

New Twist on Old Tales: Amazing Adventures

Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Young readers and writers will explore classic tales in a variety of creative, multi-media interpretations. Pulling from classic children's literature including fairy tales, fables, and favorites, such as Newberry Award medalists, the group will explore 3-4 well-known stories each quarter (generally spending 2 weeks per tale).

First quarter will feature Amazing Adventures with the stories of Jack and the Beanstalk, The Three Billy Goats Gruff, and The Gingerbread Man.

For each story, the instructor will share a lively read-aloud of the featured story. Next, the class will watch a short clip of an animated, televised, or stage version of the same story. Finally, the group will hear a re-telling of the same story from a different angle, such as one adapted to a theme, a different era, or a different culture. Students will discuss what was the same and what was different among the different adaptations. Was a character added or omitted? Was the performed version true to the original? Finally, students will write and illustrate their own, original re-telling of the story by changing characters, setting, or even crafting a surprise, new ending. New Twists on Old Tales introduces some basic literary elements and rudimentary literary analysis skills to encourage children to think more deeply about what they read.

Topics in this Series: Amazing Adventures (Quarter 1), Favorite Fairy Tales (Quarter 2), Friend Stories (Quarter 3), and Morals from Fables (Quarter 4).

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

New Twist on Old Tales: Favorite Fairy Tales

Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Young readers and writers will explore classic tales in a variety of creative, multi-media interpretations. Pulling from classic children's literature including fairy tales, fables, and favorites, such as Newberry Award medalists, the group will explore 3-4 well-known stories each quarter (generally spending 2 weeks per tale).

Second quarter will feature Favorite Fairy Tales with the stories of the Lion and the Mouse, Humpty Dumpty, and The City Mouse & Country Mouse.

For each story, the instructor will share a lively read-aloud of the featured story. Next, the class will watch a short clip of an animated, televised, or stage version of the same story. Finally, the group will hear a re-telling of the same story from a different angle, such as one adapted to a theme, a different era, or a different culture. Students will discuss what was the same and what was different among the different adaptations. Was a character added or omitted? Was the performed version true to the original? Finally, students will write and illustrate their own, original re-telling of the story by changing characters, setting, or even crafting a surprise, new ending. New Twists on Old Tales introduces some basic literary elements and rudimentary literary analysis skills to encourage children to think more deeply about what they read.

Topics in this Series: Amazing Adventures (Quarter 1), Favorite Fairy Tales (Quarter 2), Friend Stories (Quarter 3), and Morals from Fables (Quarter 4).

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

New Twist on Old Tales: Friend Stories

Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Young readers and writers will explore classic tales in a variety of creative, multi-media interpretations. Pulling from classic children's literature including fairy tales, fables, and favorites, such as Newberry Award medalists, the group will explore 3-4 well-known stories each quarter (generally spending 2 weeks per tale).

Third quarter will feature Friend Stories with the tales Conderella, Alladdin and his Magic Lamp, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

For each story, the instructor will share a lively read-aloud of the featured story. Next, the class will watch a short clip of an animated, televised, or stage version of the same story. Finally, the group will hear a re-telling of the same story from a different angle, such as one adapted to a theme, a different era, or a different culture. Students will discuss what was the same and what was different among the different adaptations. Was a character added or omitted? Was the performed version true to the original? Finally, students will write and illustrate their own, original re-telling of the story by changing characters, setting, or even crafting a surprise, new ending. New Twists on Old Tales introduces some basic literary elements and rudimentary literary analysis skills to encourage children to think more deeply about what they read.

Topics in this Series: Amazing Adventures (Quarter 1), Favorite Fairy Tales (Quarter 2), Friend Stories (Quarter 3), and Morals from Fables (Quarter 4).

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

New Twist on Old Tales: Morals through Fables

Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Young readers and writers will explore classic tales in a variety of creative, multi-media interpretations. Pulling from classic children's literature including fairy tales, fables, and favorites, such as Newberry Award medalists, the group will explore 3-4 well-known stories each quarter (generally spending 2 weeks per tale).

Third quarter will feature Friend Stories with the tales Conderella, Alladdin and his Magic Lamp, and Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

For each story, the instructor will share a lively read-aloud of the featured story. Next, the class will watch a short clip of an animated, televised, or stage version of the same story. Finally, the group will hear a re-telling of the same story from a different angle, such as one adapted to a theme, a different era, or a different culture. Students will discuss what was the same and what was different among the different adaptations. Was a character added or omitted? Was the performed version true to the original? Finally, students will write and illustrate their own, original re-telling of the story by changing characters, setting, or even crafting a surprise, new ending. New Twists on Old Tales introduces some basic literary elements and rudimentary literary analysis skills to encourage children to think more deeply about what they read.

Topics in this Series: Amazing Adventures (Quarter 1), Favorite Fairy Tales (Quarter 2), Friend Stories (Quarter 3), and Morals from Fables (Quarter 4).

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $177.00

Penmanship Pals (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 3:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Penmanship Pals is an afternoon club for children who wish to become better writers and add fun and flair to their handwriting. Children will receive guidance on correctly forming letters in print and in cursive, uppercase and lowercase. They will trace letters to improve handwriting using worksheets embellished with flourishes and pictures so their copywork becomes design not drudgery. Students will be encouraged to write letters and illustrate in color to liven up the task of penmanship. They will learn and practice strategies on how to write more quickly, efficiently, and fluidly as they go along. Students will write, draw, and relax on the backdrop of either classical music or classic literature read by the instructor. All supplies are included.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $109.00

Penmanship Pals (Q1)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 3:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Penmanship Pals is an afternoon club for children who wish to become better writers and add fun and flair to their handwriting. Children will receive guidance on correctly forming letters in print and in cursive, uppercase and lowercase. They will trace letters to improve handwriting using worksheets embellished with flourishes and pictures so their copywork becomes design not drudgery. Students will be encouraged to write letters and illustrate in color to liven up the task of penmanship. They will learn and practice strategies on how to write more quickly, efficiently, and fluidly as they go along. Students will write, draw, and relax on the backdrop of either classical music or classic literature read by the instructor. All supplies are included.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $109.00

Penmanship Pals (Q1)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 3:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Penmanship Pals is an afternoon club for children who wish to become better writers and add fun and flair to their handwriting. Children will receive guidance on correctly forming letters in print and in cursive, uppercase and lowercase. They will trace letters to improve handwriting using worksheets embellished with flourishes and pictures so their copywork becomes design not drudgery. Students will be encouraged to write letters and illustrate in color to liven up the task of penmanship. They will learn and practice strategies on how to write more quickly, efficiently, and fluidly as they go along. Students will write, draw, and relax on the backdrop of either classical music or classic literature read by the instructor. All supplies are included.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $129.00

Penmanship Pals (Q1)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 3:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Penmanship Pals is an afternoon club for children who wish to become better writers and add fun and flair to their handwriting. Children will receive guidance on correctly forming letters in print and in cursive, uppercase and lowercase. They will trace letters to improve handwriting using worksheets embellished with flourishes and pictures so their copywork becomes design not drudgery. Students will be encouraged to write letters and illustrate in color to liven up the task of penmanship. They will learn and practice strategies on how to write more quickly, efficiently, and fluidly as they go along. Students will write, draw, and relax on the backdrop of either classical music or classic literature read by the instructor. All supplies are included.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $129.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 1 (New Students)

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 3:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's language arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $101.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 1 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 12:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $101.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $583.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 1 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 2 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 12:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $629.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Blue Level 2 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 12:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $97.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 1 (New Students)

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 2:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehension, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's language arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $98.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 1 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $98.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $583.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 1 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 2 (Returning Students)

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 12:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehension, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's language arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $95.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 2 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $629.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Green Level 2 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $95.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green B (New Students)

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 1st-2nd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehension, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's language arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $72.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green Group B

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 1:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson that they already have.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green, Part 1 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 2:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $140.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $583.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green, Part 1 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 1:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green, Part 2 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 2:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $629.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Lt Green, Part 2 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 2:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Navy, Part 1 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 2:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 6th-7th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Red Level 1 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 1st-2nd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $72.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $583.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Red Level 2 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 1st-2nd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $629.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Red Level 2 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 1st-2nd

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $77.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Scarlet Level (New Students)

Quarter Summer: Starts on June 3, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: K-1st

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehension, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $539.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Silver, Part 1 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024

Class Time: 1:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 4th-5th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $142.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $583.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Silver, Part 1 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 12:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 4th-5th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Silver, Part 2 (Sem 1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 1:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 4th-5th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $629.00

Reading Rally: Complete Language Arts- Silver, Part 2 (Sem 2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025

Class Time: 1:30 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Catherine Vanlandingham

Grade Range: 4th-5th

Prerequisites: None

Reading and writing affect a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong language arts skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small group of 3-6 students who read and write at a similar level. Students follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of an experienced reading specialist. Each Monday class meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum where families will not need additional resources in reading, comprehension, composition, spelling, and grammar.

Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading aloud in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.

READINESS: As a comprehensive language arts curriculum, a student must be at a similar grade level ability in reading, comprehension, and writing. Early readers who have not learned to write, for example, or emerging readers who struggle with comprehenion, may not be a good fit for this class. In addition, students must have the hand-eye coordination and basic handwriting skills to be able to copy the instructor's many notes, examples, and definitions from the classroom white board into their own notebook.

Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE in language arts or who have a difference in skill level between their reading and writing may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or 1-on-1 private instruction to make up ground in reading or writing skills. Additional class meetings or private instruction will be an additional cost.

ATTENTION! Parents should not register for a Reading Rally class until they have had a Language Arts Skills Inventory (i.e. brief assessment) and placement determination by the reading specialist. This must be scheduled separately through Compass at a cost of $125.00. The fee is due prior to the assessment and is not refundable in the event the child is not recommended for a reading group. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. However, she might recommend a more complete evaluation by another professional if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's langauge arts learning.

Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $XX.00 is due payable to Compass for the required books.

Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group.

3 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $718.00

Reading Rangers (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sign words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Reading Rangers (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sign words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Reading Rangers (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sign words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Reading Rangers (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sign words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Reading Ready (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Reading Ready is a supplemental reading class for 5- and 6- year-old kindergartners. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers through in-class read-alouds and extension activities inspired by the best examples of well-loved children's literature from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books may also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) write and recognize his/her first name; (2) recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet; (3) familiar with simple blends; (4) know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no); and (5) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Reading Ready (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Reading Ready is a supplemental reading class for 5- and 6- year-old kindergartners. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers through in-class read-alouds and extension activities inspired by the best examples of well-loved children's literature from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books may also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) write and recognize his/her first name; (2) recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet; (3) familiar with simple blends; (4) know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no); and (5) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Reading Ready (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Reading Ready is a supplemental reading class for 5- and 6- year-old kindergartners. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers through in-class read-alouds and extension activities inspired by the best examples of well-loved children's literature from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books may also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) write and recognize his/her first name; (2) recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet; (3) familiar with simple blends; (4) know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no); and (5) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Reading Ready (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Reading Ready is a supplemental reading class for 5- and 6- year-old kindergartners. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers through in-class read-alouds and extension activities inspired by the best examples of well-loved children's literature from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books may also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice.

Reading/Skills Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) write and recognize his/her first name; (2) recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet; (3) familiar with simple blends; (4) know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no); and (5) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Rhetoric and Reasoning through Written Works: A Course in Critical Thinking

Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

According to Aristotle, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." In this year-long course, high school students will practice strategies to improve their reading comprehension for deeper understanding through critical thinking. They will also improve their ability to argue and persuade in writing.

Using texts on argumentation and rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth, students will learn how to read carefully, define terms, spot logical fallacies, and construct clear, logically compelling, persuasive arguments. The class will be introduced to terminology and techniques in the formal disciplines of logic and rhetoric.

In the first semester, the class will focus on internal skills: how to understand and evaluate arguments according to logical reasoning and critical thinking. In the second semester, the group will focus on external skills: how to build and communicate arguments that are both compelling and persuasive.

Class reading selections will include selections from Farnsworth's books Classical English Argument and Classical English Rhetoric, as well as selections from famous speeches. The class may draw from history, literature, law, political theory, religion, contemporary topics, and comparative worldviews.

Prerequisites: Students must read at grade level for this course.

Textbooks: Students should purchase or rent Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric by Ward Farnsworth (ISBN: 978-1567923858) and Farnsworth's Classical English Argument by Ward Farnsworth (ISBN: 978-1567927986)

Workload: Students should expect to spend 3 hours per week outside of class. Reading assignments will not be especially long, but students will be expected to read thoroughly and carefully.

Assignments: Will be posted on a Google Classroom site for students and parents to access.

Assessments: Papers and assignments will be evaluated and scored which are treated as grade recommendations to parents.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as full credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $668.00

Secret Pages Society: Discoveries

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club!

Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.

Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $7000 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.

Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $208.00

Secret Pages Society: Adventures

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club!

Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.

Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.

Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $208.00

Secret Pages Society: Journeys

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club!

Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.

Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.

Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $182.00

Secret Pages Society: Quests

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club!

Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.

Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.

Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $7.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.

Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4).

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $182.00

The Art of Storytelling: A Creative Non-Fiction Workshop

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: Reading/writing at grade level

Teen writers will take inspiration from other writers in this semester-long creative non-fiction workshop:

  • "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou
  • "Good stories are not written. They are rewritten." - Phyllis Whitney
  • "You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page." - Jodi Picoult
  • This semester will cover the basics of writing creative nonfiction for teens and will be divided into 3 units: Flash Nonfiction, Literary Journalism (topical nonfiction), and The Personal Essay. Each week students will read an essay that demonstrates a particular narrative technique, perspective, or topical approach and then complete a writing exercise designed to emulate that technique. The class will culminate in sharing any essays that may develop out of these exercises in a workshop setting.

    Topics in this Series: Creative Writing (Semester 1) and Creative Non-Fiction (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Prerequisites: Reading/writing at a high school level (9th grade or higher)

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Weekly reading assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students will need their own email addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's account.

    Assessments: A point scale of 1-3 will be used to evaluate students based on their level of preparation, their participation in discussion, and their completion of extension activities. Parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.

    Textbook/Materials: The instructor will furnish a curated class anthology packet.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $10.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select readings.

    What to Bring: Short story collection, notebook or laptop (depending on student's preferred method of writing), and printed copies of student's writing on days he/she is ready to share writing.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English/Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

The Art of Storytelling: A Creative Writing Workshop

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 6, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Anne Taranto

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: Reading/writing at grade level

Teen writers will take inspiration from other writers in this semester-long creative writing workshop:

  • "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou
  • "Good stories are not written. They are rewritten." - Phyllis Whitney
  • "You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page." - Jodi Picoult

This class is designed to inspire teens who are interested in writing short fiction to learn the "tools of the trade", from developing a plot that fits within the scope of a short story arc and developing narrative structure and characterization, to writing convincing dialogue. Each week students will read a short story that demonstrates a particular narrative perspective or technique and then complete a writing exercise designed to emulate that technique. Portions of each class will be dedicated to writing and to peer feedback. The class will culminate in sharing any stories that may develop out of these exercises in a collaborative workshop setting.

Topics in this Series: Creative Writing (Semester 1) and Creative Non-Fiction (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading/writing at a high school level (9th grade or higher)

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Weekly reading assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students will need their own email addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's account.

Assessments: A point scale of 1-3 will be used to evaluate students based on their level of preparation, their participation in discussion, and their completion of extension activities. Parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.

Textbook/Materials: The instructor will furnish a curated class anthology packet.

Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $10.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the select readings.

What to Bring: Short story collection, notebook or laptop (depending on student's preferred method of writing), and printed copies of student's writing on days he/she is ready to share writing.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English/Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

We Wannabe Writers (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

We Wannabe Writers (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

We Wannabe Writers (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

We Wannabe Writers (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: 1st

Prerequisites: None

Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly.

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Wee Writers (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Wee Writers is a simple journaling class for emergent kindergarten writers ages 5 and 6. Beginning writers will use basic sight words and phonetics while writing about feelings and experiences. Students will learn basic sentence structure with noun-verb construction, initial capital letter, and ending punctuation. Beginning sentences such as, "I lik cak." or "I drnk wtr." would be typical of emergent writers. Students will illustrate their journal entries and have opportunities to share and discuss their writing with peers. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new writing activities will be introduced each session.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize and write his/her first name; (2) recognize and write each letter of the alphabet and know the corresponding sounds; and (3) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Wee Writers (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Wee Writers is a simple journaling class for emergent kindergarten writers ages 5 and 6. Beginning writers will use basic sight words and phonetics while writing about feelings and experiences. Students will learn basic sentence structure with noun-verb construction, initial capital letter, and ending punctuation. Beginning sentences such as, "I lik cak." or "I drnk wtr." would be typical of emergent writers. Students will illustrate their journal entries and have opportunities to share and discuss their writing with peers. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new writing activities will be introduced each session.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize and write his/her first name; (2) recognize and write each letter of the alphabet and know the corresponding sounds; and (3) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $167.00

Wee Writers (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Wee Writers is a simple journaling class for emergent kindergarten writers ages 5 and 6. Beginning writers will use basic sight words and phonetics while writing about feelings and experiences. Students will learn basic sentence structure with noun-verb construction, initial capital letter, and ending punctuation. Beginning sentences such as, "I lik cak." or "I drnk wtr." would be typical of emergent writers. Students will illustrate their journal entries and have opportunities to share and discuss their writing with peers. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new writing activities will be introduced each session.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize and write his/her first name; (2) recognize and write each letter of the alphabet and know the corresponding sounds; and (3) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Wee Writers (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Danielle Mercadal

Grade Range: K

Prerequisites: None

Wee Writers is a simple journaling class for emergent kindergarten writers ages 5 and 6. Beginning writers will use basic sight words and phonetics while writing about feelings and experiences. Students will learn basic sentence structure with noun-verb construction, initial capital letter, and ending punctuation. Beginning sentences such as, "I lik cak." or "I drnk wtr." would be typical of emergent writers. Students will illustrate their journal entries and have opportunities to share and discuss their writing with peers. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new writing activities will be introduced each session.

Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice.

Writing Readiness; Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize and write his/her first name; (2) recognize and write each letter of the alphabet and know the corresponding sounds; and (3) hold and use crayons and scissors correctly.

Social Readiness; Students must be age five (5) by the start of the class. To be successful in this program, kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and stay on a task for 10 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be completely self-sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)

4 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $190.00

Word Games: A Language Arts Olympics (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

'Simon Says' sentence structure. 'Go Fish' grammar games. Preposition 'Pictionary'. Word Games is a weekly Language Arts Olympics which uses games and active play to teach the boring stuff: the rules and definitions of language arts such as grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and word roots. Kinesthetic learners will have fun with the hands-on and activity-filled adventures which introduce grade-level aspects of language arts. The class will use stories and games such as charades, puzzles like connect-the-dot and crosswords, card games, and fun, in-class challenges like 'Twister', hula hoops, hangman, and relays to reinforce the language arts rules that help young students become better readers, writers, and spellers. Every class is different, so students can take this class each quarter to continue to build their language arts toolbox.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Word Games: A Language Arts Olympics (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

'Simon Says' sentence structure. 'Go Fish' grammar games. Preposition 'Pictionary'. Word Games is a weekly Language Arts Olympics which uses games and active play to teach the boring stuff: the rules and definitions of language arts such as grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and word roots. Kinesthetic learners will have fun with the hands-on and activity-filled adventures which introduce grade-level aspects of language arts. The class will use stories and games such as charades, puzzles like connect-the-dot and crosswords, card games, and fun, in-class challenges like 'Twister', hula hoops, hangman, and relays to reinforce the language arts rules that help young students become better readers, writers, and spellers. Every class is different, so students can take this class each quarter to continue to build their language arts toolbox.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Word Games: A Language Arts Olympics (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

'Simon Says' sentence structure. 'Go Fish' grammar games. Preposition 'Pictionary'. Word Games is a weekly Language Arts Olympics which uses games and active play to teach the boring stuff: the rules and definitions of language arts such as grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and word roots. Kinesthetic learners will have fun with the hands-on and activity-filled adventures which introduce grade-level aspects of language arts. The class will use stories and games such as charades, puzzles like connect-the-dot and crosswords, card games, and fun, in-class challenges like 'Twister', hula hoops, hangman, and relays to reinforce the language arts rules that help young students become better readers, writers, and spellers. Every class is different, so students can take this class each quarter to continue to build their language arts toolbox.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Word Games: A Language Arts Olympics (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 2nd-3rd

Prerequisites: None

'Simon Says' sentence structure. 'Go Fish' grammar games. Preposition 'Pictionary'. Word Games is a weekly Language Arts Olympics which uses games and active play to teach the boring stuff: the rules and definitions of language arts such as grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and word roots. Kinesthetic learners will have fun with the hands-on and activity-filled adventures which introduce grade-level aspects of language arts. The class will use stories and games such as charades, puzzles like connect-the-dot and crosswords, card games, and fun, in-class challenges like 'Twister', hula hoops, hangman, and relays to reinforce the language arts rules that help young students become better readers, writers, and spellers. Every class is different, so students can take this class each quarter to continue to build their language arts toolbox.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Word Masters: Verbal Analogies and Vocab Challenges (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Word Masters is a language challenge for students who enjoy word games, building their vocabulary, and verbal adventures. Why study lists of words if you can make a game of it? The best way to learn new words is to use them! This class is inspired by the annual Word Masters Challenge (www.wordmasterschallenge.com). Each week students will tackle new vocabulary words and practice them through analogies and critical thinking challenges. Students will examine word meanings, relationships, synonyms and antonyms with in-class activities and games such as Pictionary, Scategories, Charades, and Apples-to-Apples. Word Masters will improve a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logic skills, and the ability to think analytically and metaphorically. Students can repeat Word Masters as new word lists will be introduced each quarter.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Word Masters: Verbal Analogies and Vocab Challenges (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Word Masters is a language challenge for students who enjoy word games, building their vocabulary, and verbal adventures. Why study lists of words if you can make a game of it? The best way to learn new words is to use them! This class is inspired by the annual Word Masters Challenge (www.wordmasterschallenge.com). Each week students will tackle new vocabulary words and practice them through analogies and critical thinking challenges. Students will examine word meanings, relationships, synonyms and antonyms with in-class activities and games such as Pictionary, Scategories, Charades, and Apples-to-Apples. Word Masters will improve a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logic skills, and the ability to think analytically and metaphorically. Students can repeat Word Masters as new word lists will be introduced each quarter.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $188.00

Word Masters: Verbal Analogies and Vocab Challenges (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Word Masters is a language challenge for students who enjoy word games, building their vocabulary, and verbal adventures. Why study lists of words if you can make a game of it? The best way to learn new words is to use them! This class is inspired by the annual Word Masters Challenge (www.wordmasterschallenge.com). Each week students will tackle new vocabulary words and practice them through analogies and critical thinking challenges. Students will examine word meanings, relationships, synonyms and antonyms with in-class activities and games such as Pictionary, Scategories, Charades, and Apples-to-Apples. Word Masters will improve a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logic skills, and the ability to think analytically and metaphorically. Students can repeat Word Masters as new word lists will be introduced each quarter.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Word Masters: Verbal Analogies and Vocab Challenges (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 4th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Word Masters is a language challenge for students who enjoy word games, building their vocabulary, and verbal adventures. Why study lists of words if you can make a game of it? The best way to learn new words is to use them! This class is inspired by the annual Word Masters Challenge (www.wordmasterschallenge.com). Each week students will tackle new vocabulary words and practice them through analogies and critical thinking challenges. Students will examine word meanings, relationships, synonyms and antonyms with in-class activities and games such as Pictionary, Scategories, Charades, and Apples-to-Apples. Word Masters will improve a student's reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, logic skills, and the ability to think analytically and metaphorically. Students can repeat Word Masters as new word lists will be introduced each quarter.

6 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $214.00

Worldbuilding: Fantasy Worlds

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 6, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Students will become immersed in the imaginary worlds they construct in this unique course that encompasses elements of fiction writing, sociology, and anthropology. Worldbuilding is the foundation of speculative fiction, such as sci-fi and fantasy, role-playing games, videos, comics, and other visual media. Countless examples of Worldbuilding exist in the movies and books we consume every day such as Tolkien's Middle Earth, the many elaborate settlements of the Star Wars franchise, and the popular RPG, Dungeons and Dragons.

In this course, students will develop a fictional locale. Will it be a small village in a known place, a new planet, or an original universe? Students will be guided through an interactive, iterative process of "top-down" design of their unique world, determining broad characteristics first then then elaborating with increasing detail. Builders will make coherent and integrated decisions on geography, climate, ecology, flora, fauna, inhabitants, races, history, social customs, language, religion, origin story, powers/magic, legal system, currency, and technology. The class will read excerpts and watch clips of well-known fictional works which will provide strong examples of each of the elements.

First semester, the class will create fantasy-inspired worlds. Students, along with their instructor, will develop an in-class world as an example. Students will use the lessons and exercises reviewed in class to further develop their individual world project.

Students will be expected to keep a notebook of decisions and details as they progress through designing the elements of their world. Students will have the option to purchase a discounted student subscription to World Anvil, a web-based subscription service which allows students to create maps, timelines, and other tools to organize their made-up world. Each student will be expected to make a PowerPoint presentation at the end of the semester which addresses each of the built-world elements.

Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Semester 1), Science Fiction (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading/writing at grade level.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Will be posted in a Google Classroom.

Assessments: The instructor will assign points for a final semester presentation and completed "Creative Sparks" which are written responses to weekly prompts. Parents may use the student's earned points versus total possible points to calculate a grade for the class.

Textbook/Materials: Students have the option of purchasing a discounted subscription to World Anvil (worldanvil.com) for approximately $35.00.

Lab/Supply Fee: Included

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in language arts (creative writing) for purposes of a high school transcript.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $299.00

Worldbuilding: Science Fiction Worlds

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Judith Harmon

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Students will become immersed in the imaginary worlds they construct in this unique course that encompasses elements of fiction writing, sociology, and anthropology. Worldbuilding is the foundation of speculative fiction, such as sci-fi and fantasy, role-playing games, videos, comics, and other visual media. Countless examples of Worldbuilding exist in the movies and books we consume every day such as Tolkien's Middle Earth, the many elaborate settlements of the Star Wars franchise, and the popular RPG, Dungeons and Dragons.

In this course, students will develop a fictional locale. Will it be a small village in a known place, a new planet, or an original universe? Students will be guided through an interactive, iterative process of "top-down" design of their unique world, determining broad characteristics first then then elaborating with increasing detail. Builders will make coherent and integrated decisions on geography, climate, ecology, flora, fauna, inhabitants, races, history, social customs, language, religion, origin story, powers/magic, legal system, currency, and technology. The class will read excerpts and watch clips of well-known fictional works which will provide strong examples of each of the elements.

Second semester, the class will create science fiction-inspired worlds. Students, along with their instructor, will develop an in-class world as an example. Students will use the lessons and exercises reviewed in class to further develop their individual world project.

Students will be expected to keep a notebook of decisions and details as they progress through designing the elements of their world. Students will have the option to purchase a discounted student subscription to World Anvil, a web-based subscription service which allows students to create maps, timelines, and other tools to organize their made-up world. Each student will be expected to make a PowerPoint presentation at the end of the semester which addresses each of the built-world elements.

Topics in this Series: Fantasy (Semester 1), Science Fiction (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading/writing at grade level.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Will be posted in a Google Classroom.

Assessments: The instructor will assign points for a final semester presentation and completed "Creative Sparks" which are written responses to weekly prompts. Parents may use the student's earned points versus total possible points to calculate a grade for the class.

Textbook/Materials: Students have the option of purchasing a discounted subscription to World Anvil (worldanvil.com) for approximately $35.00.

Lab/Supply Fee: Included

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in language arts (creative writing) for purposes of a high school transcript.

5 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $342.00

Write to the Point: Essays & Short Stories

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-9th

Prerequisites: None

Write to the Point is a comprehensive, middle school-level writing class that will prepare 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students for high school level composition. The class will practice the fundamentals of composition through weekly writing assignments that encompass a variety of writing formats.

Second Semester, students will learn to "stick to the point" in their writing. They will be challenged to identify their audience, define their purpose, and back-up their topic, thesis, or moral across multiple paragraph compositions. Creative writing exercises and tools for quick and effective essay composition will be provided while the class will continue to review writing basics such as grammar, agreement, and tense. Students will also learn tips for effective revision, editing, and feedback. In this class, students will have the flexibility to choose topics relevant to their own interests as they work on essays and short stories.

Part of each in-class session will be dedicated to sharing and review of writing completed at home. Sometimes, students will be paired with classmates for peer review of grammar; other times, the class will collaborate through shared GoogleDocs for review and feedback of others' writing. Students should bring a laptop and charging cord to class each week for accessing in-progress assignments.

Topics in this series include: Paragraphs & Articles (Semester 1) and Essays & Short Stories (Semester 2).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Write to the Point: Paragraphs and Articles

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 10:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Christina Somerville

Grade Range: 7th-9th

Prerequisites: None

Write to the Point is a comprehensive writing class that will prepare 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students for high school level composition. The class will practice the fundamentals of composition through weekly writing assignments that encompass a variety of writing formats.

First Semester, students will learn to "get to the point." Just as newspaper journalists have limited column spaceand some essayists have word limits, students will learn to make their point and provide supporting details within the criteria of their writing assignment. Students will learn techniques to define their topic, identify their audience, determine their purpose, and back it up with appropriate detail. The class will practice effective paragraph structure with openings statements, main point (or thesis), supporting details, closing sentences, and linking multiple paragraphs. The class will review writing basics such as grammar, agreement, and tense, and will learn tips for effective revision, editing, and feedback. Students will have the flexibility to select prompts and topics relevant to their own interests and will practice a variety of shorter writing styles such as paragraphs and articles.

Part of each in-class session will be dedicated to sharing and review of writing completed at home. Sometimes, students will be paired with classmates for peer review of grammar; other times, the class will collaborate through shared GoogleDocs for review and feedback of others' writing. Students should bring a laptop and charging cord to class each week for accessing in-progress assignments.

Topics in this series include: Paragraphs & Articles (Semester 1) and Essays & Short Stories (Semester 2).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

Writers @ Work: Papers with Pizzazz

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Writers @ Work is a fundamental writing class that will prepare seventh and eighth grade students for high school level composition. The class will progress from getting started on learning how to effectively structure purposeful paragraphs) (first semester) to multiple paragraphs linked into articulate and organized essays (second semester).

Second semester will focus on essay writing by combining several paragraphs to form a paper. Essays will cover persuasive, personal, and formal themes. Students will learn about topic sentences, transitions between paragraphs, clarity, and guiding the reader through their discussion. Writers will learn about organizing their thoughts or evidence and selecting the most important points to craft a multi-paragraph composition. Students have freedom to choose topics for each form. They will be encouraged to first write about something they already know about and then write about a new topic where they will be challenged to define the question they want to investigate, find sources for their research, organize details, and document information used.

Grammar concepts will be introduced throughout the year, and students will be encouraged to incorporate the technique in their next writing or revision. Grammar concepts will include a "toolbox" of writing techniques and rules such as sentence structure, complex and compound sentences, independent and dependent clauses, parts of speech, agreement, tense, use of dialogue and quotation marks, and correct use of punctuation. Students will also be taught techniques for brainstorming and outlining before beginning to write and will be given tips on choosing creative, interesting, and powerful words over mundane, vague, and over-used words.

In both semesters, there will be an emphasis on revision. Writing is seldom just the way the author hopes in the first draft. At times, students will be encouraged to use the same paragraph for several weeks to build-upon their first draft, incorporate feedback, apply writing and grammar techniques, in order for them to see the benefits of revision. They will learn to read their own writing from a reader's perspective and develop strategies for improving it. Students will give and receive feedback from class peers and receive regular feedback from the instructor. Time will be set aside in most classes for dedicated, in-class writing.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Writers @ Work: Paragraphs with Purpose

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 7th-8th

Prerequisites: None

Writers @ Work is a fundamental writing class that will prepare seventh and eighth grade students for high school level composition. The class will progress from getting started on learning how to effectively structure purposeful paragraphs) (first semester) to multiple paragraphs linked into articulate and organized essays (second semester).

First semester will be all about paragraphs! Early in the term, the goal will be writing fluency- encouraging students to get ideas onto paper. The class will introduce not only sentence structure, paragraph structure, and effective language, but will also help students define the objective of their paragraph. Students will be given broad prompts and a variety of writing options to encourage them to write about things they care about. Over the course of the semester, writers will compose descriptive and informative paragraphs encompassing fiction and non-fiction themes.

Grammar concepts will be introduced throughout the year, and students will be encouraged to incorporate the technique in their next writing or revision. Grammar concepts will include a "toolbox" of writing techniques and rules such as sentence structure, complex and compound sentences, independent and dependent clauses, parts of speech, agreement, tense, use of dialogue and quotation marks, and correct use of punctuation. Students will also be taught techniques for brainstorming and outlining before beginning to write and will be given tips on choosing creative, interesting, and powerful words over mundane, vague, and over-used words.

In both semesters, there will be an emphasis on revision. Writing is seldom just the way the author hopes in the first draft. At times, students will be encouraged to use the same paragraph for several weeks to build-upon their first draft, incorporate feedback, apply writing and grammar techniques, in order for them to see the benefits of revision. They will learn to read their own writing from a reader's perspective and develop strategies for improving it. Students will give and receive feedback from class peers and receive regular feedback from the instructor. Time will be set aside in most classes for dedicated, in-class writing. This is a 13-week class that does not meet on 12/5/2024.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

Writers' Workshop: Creating Colorful Characters

Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Karen Hickman

Grade Range: 6th-7th

Prerequisites: None

In Writers' Workshop, middle school students will expand essential communication skills- reading, retaining, discussing, composing, revising, and even listening and speaking- by reviewing short selections of renowned literature and putting pen to paper! Each quarter, students will write about a popular theme using the elements they observe in the example classics.

A bold, boisterous buccaneer. A lonely little llama. A precocious princess: these are colorful characters! The class will read selections of classic literature to define what makes a strong, interesting character in a good story. Creating characters is a complex, cognitive process, so the class will use character sketching, guided imagery, and other in-class activities to envision new and compelling characters and bring them to life in their writing. Students will complete exercises and stepping stones to determine how their colorful characters fit into the story elements in the construction of an original short story. An anthology of student stories will be published at the end of the quarter.

Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills. The skills are a part of the Writer's Tool Kit that includes: understanding parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, and punctuation. Across the four quarters of this class, students will also learn how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as higher-level, middle school level skills such as summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills.

Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions.

Topics in this Series: Creating Colorful Characters (Quarter 1), Fantasy Fun (Quarter 2), Learn to Research- Life in a Castle (Quarter 3) and Prose, Poetry, & Paintings- A Passport Adventure (Quarter 4).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Writers' Workshop: Fantasy Fun

Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Karen Hickman

Grade Range: 6th-7th

Prerequisites: None

In Writers' Workshop, middle school students will expand essential communication skills- reading, retaining, discussing, composing, revising, and even listening and speaking- by reviewing short selections of renowned literature and putting pen to paper! Each quarter, students will write about a popular theme using the elements they observe in the example classics.

Dragons, elves, wizards, or new, never-before-seen creatures with special powers. Imagine yourself in another world where magic and fantasy abound. What do you see? The class will overview select science fiction to understand the differences from the fantasy genre and will read excerpts from Jules Verne, Kenneth Grahame, Lewis Carroll, and J.M Barrie. They will discuss fantasy fiction and use listing and mapping activities to identify the unique characteristics of the genre. Students will brainstorm the elements of a story such as location, timeframe, characters, and conflict for their own, unique fantasy piece. They will also discuss conventions- both social and magical- for their unique characters. An anthology of student stories will be published at the end of the quarter.

Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills. The skills are a part of the Writer's Tool Kit that includes: understanding parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, and punctuation. Across the four quarters of this class, students will also learn how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as higher-level, middle school level skills such as summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills.

Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions.

Topics in this Series: Creating Colorful Characters (Quarter 1), Fantasy Fun (Quarter 2), Learn to Research- Life in a Castle (Quarter 3) and Prose, Poetry, & Paintings- A Passport Adventure (Quarter 4).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Writers' Workshop: Learn to Research- Life in a Castle

Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Karen Hickman

Grade Range: 6th-7th

Prerequisites: None

In Writers' Workshop, middle school students will expand essential communication skills- reading, retaining, discussing, composing, revising, and even listening and speaking- by reviewing short selections of renowned literature and putting pen to paper! Each quarter, students will write about a popular theme using the elements they observe in the example classics.

A massive stone castle. A dark swampy moat. A victorious knight in his gleaming armor! Students are curious about life in a castle. The class will time time-travel to the Middle Ages through classical texts and poetry. Research is an essential skill for writers (and students). Students will uncover information about life in the Middle Ages as they learn the skills of notetaking and documenting resources. They will learn how to organize and present information from another era with discovery drafts, gathering grids, and finally, refining their report based on primary sources. Students will learn how to compile a bibliography and will wrap-up their research report with a short presentation at the last class. Join the fun as we learn about life in a castle!

Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills. The skills are a part of the Writer's Tool Kit that includes: understanding parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, and punctuation. Across the four quarters of this class, students will also learn how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as higher-level, middle school level skills such as summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills.

Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions.

Topics in this Series: Creating Colorful Characters (Quarter 1), Fantasy Fun (Quarter 2), Learn to Research- Life in a Castle (Quarter 3) and Prose, Poetry, & Paintings- A Passport Adventure (Quarter 4).

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writers' Workshop: Prose, Poetry, & Paintings- A Passport Adventure

Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2025

Class Time: 12:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Karen Hickman

Grade Range: 6th-7th

Prerequisites: None

In Writers' Workshop, middle school students will expand essential communication skills- reading, retaining, discussing, composing, revising, and even listening and speaking- by reviewing short selections of renowned literature and putting pen to paper! Each quarter, students will write about a popular theme using the elements they observe in the example classics.

Amsterdam, London, Paris, North America, Japan, Korea, and beyond. Students will take an in-class journey around the world as they read and write about classic stories, poetry, and art. The class will meet famous artists, writers, and poets such as Van Gogh, Vermeer, Klimpt, Homer, Hopper, and O'Keefe (painters); Dickens, Twai, and Grahame (authors); and Basho, Issa, and Muth (poets). Students will be exposed to haiku, tanka, sijo, free verse, and sonnets. Writing assignments will encourage students to place themselves in a work of art or poem or to write a review or critique of a piece. Using an Ekphrastic poetry style to extend their thinking, students will identify traditional poetry and free verse in classic literature. A journal and passport will be handed out to track each student's literary and arts journey. It will seem like a class game to get their passports stamped! An anthology of student writing will be published at the end of the quarter.

Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills. The skills are a part of the Writer's Tool Kit that includes: understanding parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, and punctuation. Across the four quarters of this class, students will also learn how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus, as well as higher-level, middle school level skills such as summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills.

Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Lab (Sem1)

Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives teens a voice! In this class, high school students will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing a variety of school subjects, for pleasure, and one day, for a job. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each teen, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one's thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure. Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them, or they may work on writing assignments for other classes or projects. They will write in class each week and will be expected to write at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students must be near grade level for reading.

Topics in this Series: Writing Lab (Semester 1 and Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading near grade level.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Will be discussed in class and emailed in a weekly update.

Assessments: The instructor will provide individualized, qualitative feedback and suggestions on assignments. Formal grades will not be given. The parent should review this work or keep a portfolio in order to assign a comprehensive grade the their student's effort and progression.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. In order to earn a full credit in English, this course should be paired with a literature course.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $312.00

Writing Lab (Sem2)

Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 11:00 am      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 9th-12th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives teens a voice! In this class, high school students will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing a variety of school subjects, for pleasure, and one day, for a job. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each teen, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one's thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure. Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them, or they may work on writing assignments for other classes or projects. They will write in class each week and will be expected to write at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students must be near grade level for reading.

Topics in this Series: Writing Lab (Semester 1 and Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

Prerequisites: Reading near grade level.

Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.

Assignments: Will be discussed in class and emailed in a weekly update.

Assessments: The instructor will provide individualized, qualitative feedback and suggestions on assignments. Formal grades will not be given. The parent should review this work or keep a portfolio in order to assign a comprehensive grade the their student's effort and progression.

Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. In order to earn a full credit in English, this course should be paired with a literature course.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $356.00

Writing Well (Q1)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Writing Well (Q2)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills. This is a 6-week class that does not meet on 12/3/2024.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $134.00

Writing Well (Q3)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Well (Q4)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 1:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 5th-6th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Wonders (Q1, THU)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 5, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Writing Wonders (Q1, TUE)

Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $156.00

Writing Wonders (Q2, THU)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 24, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills. This is a 6-week class that does not meet on 12/5/2024.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $134.00

Writing Wonders (Q2, TUE)

Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills. This is a 6-week class that does not meet on 12/3/2024.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $134.00

Writing Wonders (Q3, THU)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 16, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Wonders (Q3, TUE)

Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Wonders (Q4, THU)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

Writing Wonders (Q4, TUE)

Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2025

Class Time: 2:00 pm      Duration: 55 min

Instructor: Shannon McClain

Grade Range: 3rd-4th

Prerequisites: None

Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started.

Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction.

Students must be a minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.

7 students must enroll in order for this class to be held. Price: $178.00

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