Fall 2010 Roster

Here is the roster for fall 2010. To open this spreadsheet as a full page, click here. Please make sure your children are registered for the correct classes at the correct times. Thanks!

Fall 2010 Schedule

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Registration Form for Fall 2010

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Fall 2010 Classes

4 and 5 year olds

Play and Learn (Patricia Richman)
Join us! as we playfully learn about the world around us. We will explore numbers, letters, history, geography, physical science, life science and the animal kingdom. We use stories, crafts, music, songs and guided activities as we play and learn. This is the weekly, Montessori based preschool experience you've been looking for! Please note: This is a two hour long block-class. One hour of class is only available with special permission from the instructor. ($220 for the semester, or three payments of $80)

Junior Irish Dance (Mary Fien)
A fun introduction to this popular and exciting dance form for the littlest dancers. Only 30 minutes long, this is the perfect way for your little dancer to learn the foundation steps and get up to speed to join our higher level classes in future semesters, without getting overtired in an hour long class or having to keep up with much bigger children. Appropriate for 5-6 year olds. Meets during lunch (12:00) for 30 minutes. ($75.00 for the full 15 week semester or three payments of $30.00.)

Sign With Me! (Whittney Speed)

Come sign with us! This class is an introduction to American Sign Language. Lean how to sign animal names, community words, actions, foods, numbers, letters, colors and much more! We will learn several signs each week and reinforce our work with an activity - songs, coloring pages, interactive play, and stories. Deaf culture and community will also be covered, along with sensitive interaction with different people. Sign with Me! will be geared primarily toward the preschool age, but is open to all who want to learn. Students age 4 and younger will need a buddy (mom, dad, or older sibling age 12+). Buddies come to class free. (Fee for the semester is $50, single payment only.)

Yoga for the Younger Child (3-5) (Rosemary Ayres)

Yoga is a fun, safe way for children to not only release some of their endless energy, but also to learn how to relax and concentrate. There are so many studies coming out indicating the benefits of yoga for not only adults, but also for children: increased flexibility, enhanced coordination, and a greater sense of calmness. Much like the yoga for the 6-8 year olds, we will open with a circle and sharing time, moving on to movement and music. Working with the children's natural inclinations to play and pretend, they will learn yoga poses, morphing into animals such as lions, monkeys, cats, dogs, butterflies, and turtles! We will connect with nature and the world around us as we bark like dogs (if they want!), meow like cats, and make all kinds of noises being monkeys or ponder what kind of tree they might be while they attempt to hold themselves in tree pose. This will be a fun, low-key, no-pressure class where parents or other grown-ups are welcome to attend with their corresponding little person. Encouraging your child to wear some comfy, loose-fitting clothing will help him or her to get the most out of class. (Parents/grandparents also highly encouraged to wear comfy clothes so you can join in on the fun too!) $60 one-time payment for the semester.

6 to 8 Year Olds

Dinosaurs! (Jennifer Taylor)

Let’s jump into a time machine and travel back in time millions of years ago to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. We’ll study the creatures that walked the land, inhabited the waters and flew in the sky. We’ll study what they ate, who their neighbors were and what the environment was like. We will look at the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods of dinosaur existence on earth. What differences are there between today’s Earth and Earth a million years ago? How has geology changed or influenced living things? What was the plant life like? How has the weather changed or influenced dinosaurs and their existence? How did the environment change from period to period? What led to the extinction of dinosaurs? We will touch on areas of ecology, geology, botany, meteorology, and paleontology. We will use books, art and LOADS of imagination on our journey as paleontologists! ($120 for the semester or three payments of $45)

Art (April Taylor-Martin)

Throughout this 15-week course, students will be encouraged to explore their own subject matter for art making through various media and techniques. I will introduce meaningful themes such as community, identity, family, and real and imagined environments. From these ideas they will develop works of art using lines, shapes, colors and forms. I will also give them some basic principles of how to draw human faces and bodies, and how to create the illusion of depth. Students will experiment with graphite, charcoal, oil pastels, colored pencil, and watercolor techniques. (Need Price)

My Town (Deva Brockett)

Become a citizen in this special town founded by the students, governed by the students, and run by the students. This class will focus on group work with the main goal of running a thriving town. Students will leave this class with an understanding of community, map reading, and economy. Students will work cooperatively to run town functions like a banks, restaurants, community services, and other commercial services. A large focus will be on government as they will vote in their own mayor. Our Town is completely child led, children will choose everything from town setting to town layout. ($120 per semester, or 3 payments of $45.)

French (Caroline Mann Tonra)

Parlez-vous français? This dynamic and innovative curriculum, developed locally, includes language, cultural, and geographical components. “Madame Caroline” incorporates games, music, art, technology, and hands on manipulatives into her classes, which have proven highly successful at enhancing the exposure to and retention of French by all students, regardless of aptitude or learning style. Taught almost entirely in French, this class will immerse elementary aged children in a new language experience and open their minds as future global citizens. This early and strong exposure to the French language provides a strong foundation for later language learning. ($160 per semester, or three installments of $55). Because HSoBX is strongly committed to providing excellent and interesting classes to our students, the co-op will purchase books ($20 per student for two textbooks)

Creative Chemistry (Patricia Richman)

Creative Chemistry will travel across the Periodic Table with a hands-on introduction to the element families. As we explore the elements we will: shake up some ice cream, “paint” with acids and bases found in the kitchen, bake blue-glue slime, make cereal and dollar bills dance, shine pennies, coat eggs with toothpaste, light a bulb with our hands and set off a smoke detector without fire or smoke! From Hydrogen to Americum (95 protons is as high as we’ll go) there is so much to learn and discover. Come be creative chemists with us! We will use Fizz, Bubble & Flash, by Anita Brandolini. This is not a required text but is strongly suggested. Semester $130 or 3 installments of $45.

Three Musketeers Enrichment Track (Lydia Netzer)

As we adventure through The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, we will immerse ourselves in 17th century Paris, and learn all we can about the world in which the King and the Cardinal struggled for control of France. We will study art of the period, including the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the paintings of Rubens and Poussin, and the Chateaux of the Loire valley. By hosting salons and literary discussions, we will pursue the "bel esprit" worthy of a Parisian of any era. Of course, we will also study the art of swordplay and engage in carefully choreographed battles and duels. This enrichment track class will read a children's version of The Three Musketeers, and will get through the whole plot of the book during the semester. No in-class reading or writing is necessary for this class. ($120 for the semester or three payments of $45. Sibling discount: $90 for the semester or three payments of $35.)

Yoga (Rosemary Ayres)
Yoga is a fun, safe way for children to not only release some of their endless energy, but also to learn how to relax and concentrate. There are so many studies coming out indicating the benefits of yoga for not only adults, but also for children: increased flexibility, enhanced coordination, and a greater sense of calmness. We will open class with a circle and sharing time, then move into movement and music, stretching, learning various yoga poses, drawing upon nature for inspiration, until we have created our very own complete yoga routine. We will wrap up by cooling and calming down with a silent meditation, gradually increasing the children's ability to focus and be still. This will be a class in which the children are allowed to be children, having fun making silly animal noises during cat and dog pose, but also a class which incorporates the child's mind, body, and spirit. Encouraging your child to wear some comfy, loose-fitting clothing will help him or her to get the most out of class! Class is open to children aged 4 to 8. ($120 per semester or $45 three time installments.)

9 to 12 Year Olds

Three Musketeers Academic Track (Lydia Netzer)

As we adventure through The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas, we will immerse ourselves in 17th century Paris, and learn all we can about the world in which the King and the Cardinal struggled for control of France. We will study art of the period, including the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully, the paintings of Rubens and Poussin, and the Chateaux of the Loire valley. By hosting salons and literary discussions, we will pursue the "bel esprit" worthy of a Parisian of any era. Plus choreographed swordplay, real duels, costumes, poetry, flashing sabers, witty repartee, and more! This academic track class will be reading the unabridged version of The Three Musketeers, two chapters per week. At this pace we will get halfway through during the semester, but kids can read faster if they choose to do so. Mais oui! This class will feature fun quizzes, engaging homework, and in-class reading and writing. ($120 for the semester or three payments of $45. Sibling discount: $90 for the semester or three payments of $35. Check, cash, Paypal, or class trade.)

The Young Philosophers Club: A French Focus (Deva Brockett)

Put on those berets and turtlenecks and join the club! In this discussion based class we will be exploring French Philosophy. We will explore life’s big questions through a series of games, fine art, poetry, music, and popular children’s books. We will discuss freedom, justice, time, death, prejudice, love, and other topics in this secular class, while learning about French Philosophers like Camus, Bergson, Sarte, and Derrida and their schools of thought. This class will help you discover your own answers to life’s big questions, with the understanding and skills to explore other questions that come your way. If you were part of the club last year, please feel free to join in again. We have a whole new set of questions this year all related to 19th and 20th century French Philosophy. New students are welcome to join in too. ($120 for the semester or three installments of $45)

Chemistry (Virginia Harvey)

In this introductory Chemistry class, we’ll use marshmallows, bread, red cabbage, iodine, glue and spit to explore some basic principles of chemistry. We’ll cover atoms and molecules, the periodic table, covalent and ionic bonding, acids and bases, polymers, and current applications of chemistry in our lives. Better living through chemistry? We'll see where we agree with that and where we don't. Required books: Real Science 4 Kids Chemistry 1 student text and lab sheets. ($150 or 3 payments of $55.)

13 Year Olds and Up

High School Chemistry (Amy Moler)

This is designed to be a two semester class. Students need some background in algebra to be able to re-rearrange equations for calculations. The topics of the course will begin with scientific method, progress to dimensional analysis, and atomic theory, cover nomenclature and stoichiometry and possible get as far as balancing equations and reaction types during the first semester. There will be assigned homework for each chapter. It is proposed that an additional lab meeting will occur once a month, day of the week TBA. Materials: Addison Wesley Chemistry 4th edition. ( Wilbraham/Staley/Matta) (1995) This is an out of print public school book, but can be found fairly easily on Allibris.com and possibly eBay. It has a picture of petri dishes full of paint on the front and a pipet. I would prefer students have the student edition of the text. Calculator capable of doing exponents. (A scientific type- I favor Casio’s.) Safety goggles will be provided by the co-op. ($150 for the semester or three installments of $55)

Photography 101 (Ryall Dobrota)

Do you want more out of your camera? Would you like to experience life through the lens? By looking at the history of photography, students will gain technical and artistic skills in this amazing medium. We will learn more about our cameras, how they work, and how to get the results we want from them. Topics to be covered will be: camera care and maintenance, how to take a dynamic photo, how to upload, store and back up photos, file formats, resolution, photography professions and invasion of privacy and copyright law. We will briefly delve into the world of digital photo manipulation and editing. At the end of the course students will have an artist's statement to accompany their thoughtful portfolio of work. Requirements:Digital camera with handbookLaptop (will not be needed for every class)Internet and color printer access at homeStudents will be asked to take photos in different types locations outside of class i.e. they may ask you to drive them somewhere, beach, park, downtown. Supplies:Hardbound 8 ½ x11 sketchbook (not spiral, no lines please). We will use collage and mixed media so access to magazines and basic art supplies such as glue sticks, colored pencils, and scissors will be necessary. Students will need to print photos for their portfolio, prices vary. $120 for the semester, 3 payments of $45 (check or cash).

World Domination (Jessica Jones and Kendall Allen)

What does it mean to live in a world of power, politics, diplomacy, interdependence, globalization, conflict, and cooperation? What is security in a world of nuclear weapons, war, and terrorism? What’s the deal with oil and why does everyone want it? How do economics, trade, and the environment become political issues? What does it mean to be a fundamentalist, a fascist, a hegemon, or a rational actor? What’s the role of international institutions like the UN? Why does the US have friends and enemies? The answers to these questions are not found in the snippets scrolling across CNN, but in objective investigation into the relations, motivations, grievances, and desires of people and their leaders on an international level. This discussion-based class engages students in analyzing world politics and international relations with role-playing scenarios, independent research, and critical thinking. Join us in exploring what you would do if the power of world domination was at your fingertips…or if that power threatened you. No textbook required. ($130 for the semester or 3 payments of $45)

Where'd You Get That Data? (Ginny Harvey)

Statistics and Probability in Real Life. Are hotdogs unhealthy? What percentage of people always wears their seatbelts? Would most teens keep an extra $10 they received in incorrect change at a store, or return it? Does listening to music hurt students’ concentration and ability to study? How are people’s heights and foot lengths related? These are just a few examples of the type of questions that statistics can help us answer. But understanding the answers requires an understanding of the methods used to arrive at those answers. Using examples from our everyday lives, we’ll learn to formulate an appropriate research question, collect data, analyze the data, and interpret the results. Once we have our research question, are there ethical issues to consider in how to collect and report data? Would a survey work well, or would observational data be better? What is the difference between a sample and a population? Numbers, trends and percentages get reported in the mass media every day. This class will help students learn to interpret those numbers and begin to differentiate the scientific from the media hype. ($130 or three payments of $45.)

Philosophy: French Philosophy (Deva Brockett)

In this discussion based class we will explore 19th and 20th Century French Philosophy in a fun and engaging secular setting. We will play games and study the major thinkers of the time like Camus, Bergson, Sarte, and Derrida. We will explore life’s deep questions while getting a dose of history and art at the same time. This class will help you discover your own answers to life's big questions, and give you the critical thinking skills to ask some questions of your own. New students are welcome, and returning students will find all new material to uncover. ($120 for the semester or three installments of $45.)

Classes for Multiple Ages

Irish Dance (Mary Fien)

Don't miss this great introduction to the world of Irish step dancing, one of the most exciting dance forms. Participants will learn the foundation steps of traditional Irish Step dancing. Foundations steps taught will be incorporated into individual steps and group Ceili dances (k-lee). This is a non-competitive class. Senior class requires permission of instructor. ($134 for the semester or three payments of $54.)

Championship Chess (Kala Dawson)

Chess works your brain in all kinds of ways: spatial aptitude, perceptive speed, reasoning, creativity, and concentration. Coach Kala starts with three pawns on each side of the board, and adds pieces one by one, teaching strategy to advanced players, basic game play to beginners. Students learn to be confident decision makers, honorable players, and critical thinkers. Ages 6+ are welcome, students with similar abilities will be paired. Books, DVDs, and travel chess sets are available for purchase, but not necessary. Coach Kala will bring everything needed for the class. You can find out more about the curriculum he uses here. This semester, Coach offers us two sections of chess, capped at 10 students each. The younger class will be co-operative, emphasis on learning the moves and strategies. The older class will be competitive, emphasis on matches and using strategies. Enrollment in the older class is by instructor permission. ($150 for the semester or 3 payments of $55)

Tai Chi (Lisa De Angelis)

Would you like to enhance your overall health, improve your energy level and help prevent illness? If so, Tai Chi/Qigong (pronounced "chi kung") is the class for you. Both Tai Chi and Qigong are internal Chinese meditative practices using slow, graceful movements and controlled breathing techniques. We will learn the 19 movements of a Qigong form, as well as a basic Tai Chi form, which is a soft martial art whose aim is to increase longevity and overall good health. The simple movements coordinate with breathing exercizes to help relax the muscles, nervous system, and mind. Wear comfortable clothing and get ready to breathe deeply and center your chi. Class is open to adults and 13+ age group. ($120 for the semester or 3 payments of $44)

Spontaneous! (Jennifer Greeley)

Come learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process! In this class we focus on one part of the Odyssey of the Mind program called Spontaneous. Students will learn to think on their feet, work as a team, observe and analyze problems quickly, and think creatively (and outside-the-box!). Students will wrack their brains to build unique solutions, speak fresh and funny phrases, and silently work side-by-side in true teamwork fashion on problems categorically called ‘Verbal-Hands-On,’ ‘Verbal,’ and ‘Hands-On.’ Thinking on your feet and reacting to events in a ‘real time’ situation are skills worth knowing!Students must possess a fair degree of self-control, ability to work with others and emotional maturity to develop teamwork skills and allow each other to develop their creativity. For ages 9-14, by permission of the instructor. ($120 for the semester or 3 payments of $44)

Personalized Topics in Non-fiction Writing (Melina Winterton)

In this completely personalized class, students will be guided through the non-fiction writing skill(s) of their choice. Each student will receive two hours of dedicated, individual instruction per week. The first hour will be used for the creation of lesson plans, homework assignments, and editing of written work. The second hour will be used for video or phone conferencing to answer student (and/or parent!) questions, discuss writing theory, and to explore the student's writing strengths, weaknesses, blocks and successes. Students may choose from any of the following non-fiction projects: resumes, business letters, S.A.T. essay preparation (grading based on S.A.T. guidelines), research papers, research reports, college entrance essays, briefings, abstracts, position papers, compare/contrast essays, annotated bibliographies, website development for a topic of interest, petitions, Wiki authorship, correspondence with elected representatives, or any other non-fiction writing project students can think of. Heavy emphasis will be placed on research skills and methods such as validating sources, Boolean searches, cross-referencing, and accessing peer reviewed journals. Embedded skills include time management, note taking, information management, creative expression in non-fiction writing, and online collaborative work environments. Instruction keeps pace with student work, e.g. students may complete more than one project during the semester, or choose to tackle a single large project. With the exception of S.A.T. essays, no grades are issued. Each student will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the semester as well as a written assessment of his/her writing skills and progress. Useful items for student portfolios! If a student is college bound, writing for scholarships and/or hoping to influence others, strong writing and research skills are a valuable asset. See the website here. Links to student work will be available at this site, for students to share with family and for parents to track progress. Ages 12 and up, by permission of instructor, limit 5 students. $500 for 15 weeks or 3 installments of $200. Barter available. Google account required for participation. PayPal preferred.

HSoBX Flickr Slideshow

Here are some pictures from the Homeschool Out of the Box! If you'd like your pictures to be included in this slideshow, and you have a Flickr account, you can join our HSoBX group pool! Just send Lydia an email with your Flickr member name, and you can start sending photos to the group pool. Past or present pictures are welcome. Show the world your child's HSoBX experience.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.