Courses for 2009-10 (list is not complete- this is just a sneak peak, final classes based on sign up and teacher availability!) Classes listed in order that they appear on the Schedules beginning with:
7th and up Regular Day
General Science—JHS 7th up – (This class will no longer be a satellite class taught at a different location on a different day. It will now be incorporated as a core academic on Regular and Alternate LEAP days.) Note: This class requires students to arrive by 8 am rather than 8:45 in order to incorporate the 2 hour class. The class requires a minimum of 30 meetings, therefore students are required to attend weekly classes between semesters and continue as needed into early May until completed. Students will be taught from the 1st Edition, so used older books will be fine, even preferred for this reason. However, if you buy a newer edition it only has minor differences and will work as well. Apologia curriculum, approx. $60 for text and students need only purchase text. An older text may be cheaper on Ebay. Group class would cover discussion of topic, module experiments, video, and test on previous module. Students cover reading and study at home. A lab fee of at least $10 is required for each student to cover the additional expense of lab materials.
Biology – HS 9th & up – (This class will no longer be a satellite class taught at a different location on a different day. It will now be incorporated as a core academic on Regular and Alternate LEAP days.) Note: This class requires students to arrive by 8 am rather than 8:45 in order to incorporate the 2 hour class. The class requires a minimum of 30 meetings, therefore students are required to attend weekly classes between semesters and continue as needed into early May until completed. Text purchase required. Apologia curriculum, approx. $50 for text and students need only purchase text. Class time will focus on lab work, experiments, dissections, tests, etc. Students cover reading and study at home. A lab fee of at least $10 is required for each student to cover the additional expense of lab materials.
Home Economics – Food (2nd – 6th and 7th & up) - not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned yet. However, our hope is that the students will create some type of dessert or snack that can be sold at a profit each week. A chef salad or salad bar would be nice too.
Outdoor Skills – (7th & Up)—May include map and compass skills. Other classes will be at the instructors discretion but will incorporate hands-on involvement and heading outdoors!
Writing Workshop: Composition Skills - This class will focus on Writing not grammar (except in the context of editing) so you will need to supplement grammar as needed for your child at home.
Writing Workshop: Modeling Non-Fiction - Covering all four writing types; students will examine the form and creativity of writing non-fiction well by modeling master writers. A writing piece will be required every two weeks. The course will also help improve skills in examining non-fiction from a comprehension point of view. The course will include quizzes and tests to cement their knowledge in writing for the upper level. Students who have mastered basic skills only should chose this course. It is expected that they understand the writing process already. Some writing skills will be taught beyond the basics. This is an academic course for 1/2 credit in writing and will earn a letter grade commensurate with their grade level. (Instructor course reference: Reading and Writing Non-Fiction)
Writing Workshop: SAT Books & Essays – A traditional 12 book discussion class; but instead of just assigning an essay of the students choosing based on the book, the essay will be based on practice essay questions from SAT prep books. This class hopes to emphasize the importance of reading good literature and being able to sight it in your essay on the SAT. A book list will be put together with the help of students who choose this class so that duplicates can be avoided.
Writing Workshop: Poetry - Exposure to famous poetry and poets, techniques and types of poetry, and practice in writing different types
Writing Workshop: Research Papers-
God & The History of Art -A godly perspective to art history. Blends art history with hands-on instruction in drawing and painting. Teaches basic fundamentals of color theory and pen & ink drawings.
Guitar Intermediate – Required Items: (1)*a working guitar (inexpensive is fine, but must be able to be tuned (2) a digital guitar tuner note: the Korg brand is very good. I have a chromatic CA-20) (3) guitar pick (4)guitar strap. Suggested Items (1) chord charts/ reference posters (2) extra guitar strings (3) extra picks (4) guitar case. Students are requested to arrive a little early on LEAP days, maybe 5-10 minutes earlier and go directly to the assigned class room. They should set up their guitars and tune them. Then go to opening announcements. This way more time can be spent learning to play and learning songs.
Drama – currently there is a choice other than Drama, but all students will be encouraged to have even a small part in the performance. Drama will also practice on the Alternate day for the larger parts, so the part you receive will be based on whether you come on both days. The production may be performed at the closing program or on a separate night along with the 7th and 8th grade drama.
Physical Education - for all ages- topics will vary with age groups and teachers.
7th & Up will also have a choice of: Basketball , Tennis, Racket or Hand ball and such at the Church Street Park. Transportation will be in the form of a few large vans and some mom’s willing to help. Students will need to be on time for class as to not be left behind.
Spanish 1 and 2: (Jr. & Sr.) These courses are high school level and are for one high school credit (1/2 earned during each of two years) in a foreign language. Only ½ of the course is offered each year so it will take two years to complete, we are currently on year two of both programs, so only returning students should take the class. Bob Jones University Press Costs: Spanish 1- (Student Text: ISBN: 978-1-59166-167-2 $35.00), (Activity Manual (consumable) ISBN: 978-1-59166-169-6 $18.00) and Tests: ISBN: 978-1-59166-171-9 $13.00) Spanish 2- (Student Text: ISBN: 978-1-57924-747-8 $35.00), (Activity Manual (consumable) ISBN: 978-1-57924-749-2 $18.00) and Tests: ISBN: 978-1-57924-751-5 $13.00)
Logic – 7th & Up - An introduction to the science of Logic. Logic is integral at the junior high level, the second step in the trivium of classical education. The purpose is to teach students to think correctly and be able to understand fallacies, identifying faulty reasoning at level I, and focus on critical thinking and/or more formal Logic in II. Students will follow a logic curriculum which may require purchase.
2nd-6th Regular Day
PE – not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned, but will include but is not limited to teaching students to care for their bodies and give them plenty of exercise. Group games which involve lots of movement and learning to participate as a team are usually a part of the PE class at this age.
Vocabulary (Roots) – A complete vocabulary program. This year students will complete English From the Roots Up, Vol. II. (No text purchase.) Students will be presented with different techniques to build vocabulary as well as words on which they will be quizzed the following week. The format will be competitive by team and individual challenge
Home Ec Fiber – not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned, but will include but is not limited to sewing, crocheting and/or knitting.
Guitar – This class is designed to teach and inspire young beginners the basics of playing guitar and reading music. Students will learn basic chords, scales, melodies, basic rhythm and music notation. The goal of this class is to play a three chord worship song independently. This class requires a commitment to practice and to come to class prepared. Each student will be provided with a learning notebook the instructors will purchase and prepare in advance.
Home Ec Food - not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned yet. However, our hope is that the students will create some type of dessert or snack that can be sold at a profit each week. A chef salad or salad bar would be nice too.
Science Lab (Chemical Science) 2nd -3rd – Students will experiment with elementary chemistry experiments, such as mixtures, solutions, polymers, etc. They will learn skills of scientific method including making hypotheses, collecting and recording data, forming conclusions. They will use tools of measurement and understand units of measurement.
Geo Bee-4th-6th (Geography) Around the world in two years. (we are in year 1) Students will research physical and political features of continents and countries, while also learning skills of map reading and geographic terminology. Weekly “Geo Bees” will provide a competitive challenge. All students are expected to participate in LEAP’s annual Competition Day in November as a course requirement. This is a complete course. There is no need to include a specific geography curriculum in your home study during these years.
Art – 2nd -3rd – This class is usually arts and crafts oriented. It may or may not be tied to a theme. Lots of color and a chance to use different mediums.
God & The History of Art – 4th -6th
Drama – 2nd -3rd – to be determined when a teacher is chosen. Will culminate in the students being a part of some type of play or performance at the closing program in the spring.
Drama – 4th – 6th – to be determined when a teacher is chosen. Will culminate in the students being a part of some type of play or performance at the closing program in the spring.
Thinking Games – Challenge your brain with problems and games which help build skill in brainstorming, sorting, analogies, simulations, logic and more. Should be fun and learning. Activities will be age appropriate.
PreK 3’s & 4’s and K-1st Regular Day
CONCEPTS COURSE DESCRIPTION - These 12 classes of academic study (6 fall, 6 spring) will provide our LEAP students with a challenging and fun way to continue their introduction to science and math concepts. Age appropriate science experiments and nature crafts will be included. Science topics include seasons, senses, life cycles, world cultures, water cycle, animal classification, animal habitats and more. Math topics will include counting, problem solving, math snacks, advanced shapes, thinking skills, math games and introduction to graphing. A small portion of each class will be set aside for a phonics or beginning writing lesson.
Club Time- A club like program that will present them with 1) character lessons 2) games 3) Read Aloud ongoing chapter books (often related to a character trait or season), and/or 4) celebrate any holiday in craft or party. (For K-1 club time may also include promoting strong “heads, hearts, hands and health”, which is the motto for 4-H Cloverbuds. Teachers may keep some art projects for display at the closing program.
Fine Arts – topics may include but are not limited to: Drama through scripted play, music and art. The Spring Semester should have a high emphasis on preparing something for everyone to perform at the closing program. Some art projects should also be kept to display at the ceremony as well.
Early Education Themes 2009-10
7th and Up Alternate Day
General Science—JHS 7th up – Cont. from Regular Day. See description above.
Biology – HS 9th & up – Cont. from Regular Day. See description above.
Media: Film making, newsletter, yearbook – The class will consist of helping the News Reporter get the next issue of the newsletter ready, begin working on creative ideas for the upcoming yearbook and make a funny film and/or commercial to be played at the closing program.
PE – 7th & Up – This class may include individual sport skills as determined by instructor. Students may l learn stretching and warm-ups as well as learning rules of game and scrimmaging.
Home Ec Fiber – not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned, but will include but is not limited to sewing, crocheting and/or knitting.
Science Engineering –
Art History – Students will be introduced to a new artist and their works or methods. They will then create their own art modeling the artist. Instructor most likely: Sandra Schools
Drama 7th & Up – Cont. from Regular Day. See description above.
Tri-State History -
Speech -
SAT and Vocab. Prep -
Spanish 1 & 2 – Cont. from Regular Day. See description above.
Current Events – A supplemental discussion oriented class focusing on major events of the 20th century and current events of the 21st. Students may be required to research or report, and peer teach. This is designed as a supplement to history/social studies (not a stand alone class), where skills of research and presentation are put to use, and awareness of current events encouraged.
2nd -6th Alternate Day
Speech Recitation– 2-6
Current Events – 2-4 — The focus of this class is to introduce the students to the newspaper and the news (local, national, international). The class will be hands-on class. Included will be activities such as scavenger hunts, news-mapping, listening for details and more. Each week consist of every student sharing an article that they bring, a game or activity and a homework assignment.
Current Events – 5-6 will probably be similar to the above but more age appropriate.
Health – 2-4 & 2-6 Each week students will cover a health topic of the instructors choosing that is age-appropriate.
Science Fair 2-4 & 5-6
Ecosystems – 5-6 -(Natural Science) Students will investigate the interrelationships of living and non-living entities in natural environments. The skill of interpreting our local ecosystems will be emphasized through outdoor education activities and the maintaining of a nature journal. Concepts of cycles, food chains, and community will be covered, as well as plant and animal identification.
PE – 2-6 – not sure of specific topic yet as teacher has not been assigned, but will include but is not limited to teaching students to care for their bodies and give them plenty of exercise. Group games which involve lots of movement and learning to participate as a team are usually a part of the PE class at this age.
Music Appreciation – 2nd -6th – This class will focus primarily on helping students to become literate in the “best loved songs of the American people”, hoping to instill a joy of their heritage of song. Songs will include classic hymns, patriotic songs every child should know, folk and silly songs, and songs that have shaped changes in music. Memorization of lyrics and tunes will be stressed (not the personal ability to carry a tune!) Students will be shown how to follow notes as they sing, and be introduced to some stories or people behind the songs. (There will be a goal to incorporate some of the songs in the closing program as students lead the audience in a sing-a-long.)
Acting Workshop – This class will concentrate on the fundamentals of acting by using drama exercises, readings, and impromptu skits. Some skits may be worked into the closing program.
Art History – Students will be introduced to a new artist and their works or methods. They will then create their own art modeling the artist. Instructor: Sandra Schools
Chess – Have a game and challenge the brain. Running score will be kept throughout the semester. Participation in this elective does not mean you must attend Orange county competitions, but it is good practice time for doing so.
Cup Stacking – A new “Sport” taking the country by storm. Each student will need to purchase their own cup set at about $20. Students will be taught the correct sequence, challenging themselves to personal improvement, striving to attain higher levels, and compete against classmates.
Spelling Bee –
Bible Bee –
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As the teachers are assigned to these classes they will write up detailed descriptions of them; but for now, please view the past courses as many of these classes are listed there.
This is a list of all the courses that have been taught at one time or another at LEAP.
