Transitions Classes (11-13-Year-Olds)
“Transitions” is a series of classes offered to students 11-13 years old. These classes are specifically for students who are ready for something more advanced than Grammar level material but not quite ready for Logic level material. These classes will require significantly more homework than Grammar level classes.
We recommend that students take these classes either their 6th or 7th grade school year. Students must be at least 11 years old in October 2016 to enroll in these courses.
World History & Literature
8:50 – 9:40 AM
Class Description: “In the beginning, God.” From the first class period your student will study the whole history of the western world. Starting with creation and the book of Genesis and ending with contemporary United States events: the whole of which will be presented through a Christian worldview of HIStory.
The spine of the program uses Veritas Press’ Transition History Guide, volumes 1 and 2. Each lesson begins with a reading from the Pages of History books (volume one and volume two) which puts two time travelers, James and Lance, having the grand adventure of meeting historical characters from biblical times, Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Early Church, the Middle Ages, Reformation, Early American, American Expansion and Modern times. Along with the history, your student will also read several historical fiction books. Believe me, they are exciting books to read, even for this old grandma!
The Veritas History flash cards are also added into the curriculum. These are a wonderful tool to enhance the history time line approach of the program. Every week your student will read one or two chapters in the ‘Pages of History’ books, a few chapters in one of the literature books, and several of the history flash cards. We have a great time together discussing big events, God’s hand of providence, and the problem of evil. Your son or daughter will gain critical thinking skills and make great strides toward the Logic level of understanding. This class will prepare them well for entering into the Omnibus Program of Coram Deo.
Here is a well written review by Cathy Duffy on the Pages of History and Transition History Guide curriculum by Veritas Press.
Teacher: Jeanne DeHaas
Science & Math
9:45 – 10:35 AM
Class Description: This course is an excellent introduction to math and science as studied at higher levels. A historical approach to math and science is used to show the development of the scientific method, all branches of science, and how the historical development of mathematics paralleled the advancement of science. A number of basic math principles will also be taught along the way.
Expectations: Parents are expected to maintain accountability with their students, overseeing their work and ensuring that the students are diligent at completing their work on a daily basis. Parents will be provided with weekly assignments, by email, and will be required to sign homework as it is finished.
Teacher: Ron DeHaas
Transitions Latin
10:40 – 11:30 AM
Class Description: Students in this class need not have studied Latin previously. The focus of this class is learning the Latin language as well as grammar which will give the students a jump start in tackling English grammar and vocabulary. Students will be expected to spend 15-20 minutes daily on Latin outside of class (some in writing lesson, the rest on memorization). Each class period will be spent on review (10 minutes), followed by the introduction of new vocabulary/grammar, and, hopefully, a reinforcement activity. The teacher is available by e-mail during the week for any questions parents or students might have.
Teacher: Elizabeth Ayoub
Study Skills & Note-Taking
11:35 – 12:25 PM
Class Description: One of the most critical of skills for upper level students is understanding how to take good notes in an organized way that helps save and retain important information. Unfortunately, this also is one of the biggest struggles for students and disorganization, lack of understanding, and feeling overwhelmed make this a difficult skill for many to learn. This course will teach how to pick out, record, and use important information. The course will include practice with various forms of note taking including outlines, bullets, color-coding, T-charts, summarizing, mind maps, and other graphics. Students will explore taking notes on material from textbooks, literature, and lectures and gain the necessary skills to create organized, clear, usable notes that will aid them in study and learning through upper level grades, college, and beyond.
Teacher: Jenny Cutler
Transitions Level Writing
12:55 – 1:45 PM
Class Description: The Institute for Excellent in Writing has a unique approach provides the structure that students need to develop confidence in the writing process, while gradually guiding them toward greater independence and creativity. Students will learn nine structural models (note taking, writing paragraphs, stories, simple reports, writing from pictures, research reports, creative writing, essays, and critiques) to help them organize any type of composition. Additionally, stylistic techniques (strong verbs, quality adjectives, sentence openers, and more) are taught incrementally to gently move students from the basics into more sophisticated writing.
Teacher: Dawn Howard
From 1:50 to 3:35, students may join either the Grammar Block D classes or the Logic classes.