Classical Education Co-Op What to Buy- Cycle 1

We are utilizing the following curriculum:
Foundations — Classical Conversations, Cycle 1, 2012-13

Here's a link to their website bookstore.

MUST HAVE:
1.  You'll need the latest edition of the Foundations Curriculum Guide.  (1 per family)
(I have the 3rd edition, and we try and see what changes they made... I hate buying things I already have.)

2.  Veritas Press History Cards- all sets.  (They now are selling the Classical Conversations version of the History Cards.  As I have already purchased the Veritas Press cards, and they still work great for us, we will continue to use them, and NOT be utilizing the CC History Cards.)
     •  Old Testament/ Ancient Egypt
     •  New Testament/ Ancient Greece
     •  The Middle Ages
     •  Explorers to 1815
     •  The Explorers 1815 to Modern

3.  A Tin Whistle  (1 per child)

4.  Trivium Tables- Geography Cycle 1  (1 per child)

Trivium Tables:  Geography Cycle 1

Trivium Tables: Geography Cycle 1

Item# FS051

$10.00

This convenient resource provides everything students need to preview and review geography! Each laminated table lists the geography terms for the current Foundations cycle, map keys, and a large blackline master for students to trace, color, or copy as they learn. Tables fold to fit conveniently in a notebook or tote, so they go where you go!

Geography Cycle One includes World and Africa maps.

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NICE TO HAVE:  (I think it's a MUST HAVE too.)
1.  Audio CDs
2.  iPad App   OR  Cycle1 Memory Resource CD
3.  Cycle 1 Memory Cards  *** This is a must if you are hosting a Co-Op.



Foundations Audio CDs

Cycle 1 Audio CDs

Item# FS101

$35.00

(These work great in your car, and you can download them to your computer and make your own playlists.)
This portable resource has gotten even better! In addition to math, history, Latin, English, timeline, science, and presidents songs we now bring you a history timeline tune, books of the Bible, and scripture memory tune! Weekly and subject summary formats.

Weekly CD includes tracks organized by week.
Subject CD includes tracks organized by subject.
Timeline CD includes tracks for new CC Classical Acts and Facts History Timeline cards.
Extra tracks on Timeline CD include overviews of Foundations, Essentials, and Challenge programs.

AND

Foundations, Cycle 1, ipad App  (about $7)
They just released the ipad App for Cycle 3 in February 2012.
I'm sure it won't take long for Cycle 1 to come out!
See link for Cycle 3.

OR

Cycle 1 Memory Work Resource CD   (about $30)
This is going to be re-released soon.   Get the most current version.


Cycle 1 Memory Work Resource CD contains Foundations Cycle 1 Memory Work to animated PowerPoint© slide shows. A “must have” resource for Foundations parents and tutors. Includes animated slideshows with creative audio for history, geography, science, math, Latin and English grammar.

This resource is designed to aid in weekly preparation for parents and tutors, and weekly review for students.

AND 

Memory Cards Cycle 1

Cycle 1 Memory Cards pdf

Item# FS005

$15.00

Do-It-Yourself Memory Work Flashcards (PDF file format)

This download is an economical alternative to purchasing the pre-made memory work flash cards. Create your own cards using this downloadable file and save a few dollars! Use for individual review, instant jeopardy-style review for home or class, and more.

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Co-Op Afternoon Classes Must Have:

Exploring Creation- Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day (Fall Semester)

Lab Kit is $71 + shipping.  (FYI: We'll divide this among all the families)

Exploring Creation- Land Animals of the Sixth Day (Spring Semester)

Lab Kit is $69 + shipping. (FYI:  We'll divide this among all the families)

One Notebook per person- for the entire school year.

Sketch Notebook 8 1/2 x 11.  w/ horizontal lines

(You could get this Sketch Notebook instead, as it's the same thing.)

Sketch Notebook 8 1/2 x 11 w/ horizontal lines

Story of the World Vol. 1, Ancient Times

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Challenge A  Must Have:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Workbook

It Couldn't Just Happen

Bible Based Writing Lessons, IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

Student Resource Notebook

You can also download the Student Resource Notebook here at the IEW website and print yourself for $15.

Words Aptly Spoken: Children's Literature

Item# AS035

$18.99

Spring Semester we will be reading literature and then writing a paper on what we read. 

Books we will be reading (Nice to have)  Some you can get at the library:

http://www.classicalconversationsbooks.com/chli.html

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Challenge A:

Nice to Have:

I will be spending a few minutes diagramming sentences in class each week.  If you'd like to practice more at home, this is where we're getting the information from.  These are excellent reference tools, and can be used with any curriculum as a quick reference.  I consider them "A Must Have" also.

Our Mother Tongue

Our Mother Tongue Answer Guide

Trivium Tables: English Grammar

Item# ES023

$10.00

Trivium Tables: Quid et Quo

Item# ES024

$10.00

Essentials of the English Language - Part 3: Gear {Student Mastery Charts}

Item# ES002

$20.00

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Classical Education Co-Op Calendar and Details 2012-13

We are utilizing the following curriculum:

Foundations — Classical Conversations, Cycle 1, 2012-13

Calendar 2012–13


24 Weeks of classes divided into 4 quarters.  Each Quarter has 6 weeks.  The last day of each Quarter we will have all the Co-ops meet together to do class together in a park or another location.

We will meet on Thursday mornings from 9 to 12.

Sign up:

This is a Co-Op, so technically, you could sign up the week we get started.
However, I think you will be committed much better if you let me know at the beginning of the summer.  I am located in Palm Beach County if you would like to be part of our Quarter End Reviews and Parent Nights.  Please email me early to find out who else is joining us.  candidesign1@gmail.com   

It is best to find 2 friends who want to join you at your home or at a park.  You can meet with the rest of us quarterly.  If you only find 1 friend, the chances are greater that it will not continue for the year- as unforeseeable events always arise.  If this does happen, it is possible to link up with another group if they have room in their home.  

You will need to pick one person as the lead person of your group, and pick your location to meet.  I will be the Co-Op Director- which decides on dates and locations of our Quarterly Reviews, and Parent Night Activities, as well as the calendaring of these dates.  Field-trips invitations are welcome from everyone.

**This is not a drop off program.  It works best if a parent is present for all of the classes. 


Parents Meeting:
Aug 8, 2013.(Wed.)  1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.   Make sure you have all the materials you need to get started.  Review of our plan for the upcoming year.  Ready, Set, Go!

Challenge A Starts:
Aug:  16  10:30 - 12:00  IEW Class


Qtr 1:
Aug:  23, 30
Sept: 6, 13, 20, 27
Quarter End Get Together Sept. 27, 2012.  Curriculum review games. 
Break: Oct 4 (Possible Field trip)


Qtr 2:
Oct: 11, 18, 25
Nov: 1, 8, 15

Quarter End Get Together Nov 15, 2012.  Curriculum review games. 
Semester End Parent Night.  (Thurs., Dec. 6), 7 p.m.

Break:  Class resumes in January
(Challenge A still meets on:  Thurs. Nov. 29, Thurs. Dec. 6.  1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)

Fieldtrip:  Young At Art- Thurs. Nov. 30, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Break:
Park Days

Park Days: Fridays, 10:30 – 12:00
1. Field trip:  Young At Art
2. Dec 7 Sugar Sand Park, (Military Trail, South of Palmetto & North of Camino Real)
3. Dec 14 Village of Hillsboro Park, (4111 NW 6^th St., Deerfield Beach)
4. Dec 21 No Park Day
5. Dec 28 South County Regional Park, (West of Boca Raton, 12551 Glades Rd.)
6. Jan 4 Patch Reef Park, (Yamato, West of Military Trail)

Qtr 3:
Jan: 10, 16 (Wednesday Class), 24, 31
Feb: 7, (CHAA Saints Track Meet)
Feb. 14, 21

Feb. 14 Valentine's Party also
Feb 21 (TBD) Quarter End Get Together.  Curriculum review games. 
Break:  Feb. 28 (Possible Field trip)



Qtr 4:
Mar: 7, 14, 21, 28
Apr: 4, 11, 18  (one week will be a field trip)

Apr 18 Quarter End Get Together.  Curriculum review games.  Break one week after.

Year End Parent Night.   (Apr 19 or 20)

Class Day Schedule

We are overlapping our Foundations (K–6) and Challenge A (7–9) groups.  This is the simplified schedule listed below.  To see in more detail, visit the Challenge A page.

8:50 Arrive

9:00 – 9:30 Science

9:30 – 10:15 Student Presentations and Impromptu Oral Reports

10:15 – 10:45 Grammar Review

10:45 – 11:10 Fine Art

11:10 – 11:15 Snack and Restroom break

11:15 – 11:30  Devotional and Scripture Mastery

11:30 – 12:00 New Grammar

12:00 – 12:20 Lunch and Light Clean up

12:20– 12:55 Free Play

1:00 – 2:00 Optional Enrichment Class:  Apologia Zoology- 
                       Fall: Swimming Creatures and Spring: Land Animals

2:00 – 2:15 Optional Enrichment Class:  Grammar- Sentence Diagramming

2:15 – 3:15 Optional Enrichment Class:  Story of the World– Ancients

3:15 – 3:20       Clean up


The Student Presentations, Grammar Review and New Grammar will be led by the homeowner, as well as the flow through the Class Day Schedule.  They will announce what is next to the group.



Program Tuition and Fees
Art and Science and Misc. Supply Fee:  $50 per student  (Non-refundable)
No other fees.  (We are doing this program Co-op Style).

FYI:  The regular Classical Conversations program charges a fee per year per student, as well as a Registration fee and a Yearly Facility Fee.




Morning Devotional
We will start every class day by honoring the Lord through prayer.  We will also cover important announcements.
• Welcome by Home owner.
• Announcements by Director.
• Family Led:
• Prayer
(Stand a Little Taller, or similar daily thought book)
• Pledge to the American Flag
• Dismiss to Class by Director.

We will be having Devotional time during our morning, which will focus on the following also:

• Scripture Mastery  (Exodus Ch. 20) and Qtr. focus

• Scripture Devotional

We will rotate the assignment of Prayer, Scripture Mastery, Devotional and Pledge to a different family each week. 

**Scripture Mastery:  These can be downloaded as mp3 files at http://seminary.lds.org/mastery/  — Download— Study material — New Testament or Old Testament.

All Year:  Exodus Ch. 20
Qtr 1:  Exodus Ch 20: 3–17   Ten Commandments abbreviated.
Qtr 2:  Joshua 1:8                 This book of the law
Qtr 3:  Luke 24:36–39           Jesus himself stood in the midst of them
Qtr 4:  2 Timothy 3:16–17      All scripture is given by inspiration

For the Qtr Scripture Mastery scriptures, the goal is to become familiar with them.  One family member will read the scripture aloud, and then invite everyone to read it with them.  By repeating it every week during the quarter, recognition will be achieved.  Our main goal is to memorize Exodus Chapter 20.  Depending on your family, you can decide if memorization is required for Quarter scriptures.  We are learning the King James Version of the Bible in class.  

Why King James Version?  Learning the language of the scriptures is giving our children the gift of language.  This version is similar to learning a foreign language.  Once you become familiar with it, it unlocks so many doors throughout life.

Student Presentations

Every week (or every other week if your individual Co-Op decides), each student will have the opportunity to develop the important skills of speaking and listening by giving a 2–3 minute presentation during class time.  The younger students can use this as show-and-tell time and may even need their mother's assistance in a question/answer format.  Eventually, every child will be eager to speak so teachers will begin working with them to improve their presentation skills including eye contact, posture, pace, and volume.

The teachers have a rotating list of suggested topics for the older students to help them narrow their focus for each of the six weeks in every quarter.  Another idea is to use this time to present  papers the students have written for their grammar / writing classes or other homeschooling classes.

•  Week 1:  My favorite...
•  Week 2:  History (biography, event in time) or Geography
•  Week 3:  Art or music (biography, instrument, style, epoch)
•  Week 4:  Science or Collections
•  Week 5:  Book Report or Poetry Selection
•  Week 6:  Impromptu topics (three given by the tutor six minutes before the student is to speak; students choose one)

Impromptu Oral Reports are given each week.  We call these "Table Topics".  We get the group warmed up by having each person stand and speak clearly for 3 to 5 sentences on an easy topic.  IE:  My favorite food, or What I had for dinner last night.  We watch for um or filler words, and we give friendly advice.  Adults also participate and model good speaking skills for students.  Depending on the size of the group, this may or may not include everyone.


Semester End Family NightFriday, Date near middle of November, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location:  TBD

•  Prepare a memorized oral report on (To be discussed) that is 3 to 5 minutes.  Come dressed as the person you are talking about, or have something fun to share.  Start thinking now on what you'd like to share.
•  Artwork will be displayed
•  Any artwork you have done at home on the same subjects covered in class may be displayed.
•  Tin Whistle Song
•  Appetizers and Desserts
•  Great photo opportunity, and a night for Dad's and grandparents to see what's going on.


Year End Family Night
Friday, Date near end of April, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location:  TBD

•  Prepare a memorized oral report on Ancient History that is 3 to 5 minutes.  Come dressed as the person you are talking about, or have something fun to share.  Start thinking now on what you'd like to share.
•  Artwork will be displayed
•  Any artwork you have done at home on the same subjects covered in class may be displayed.
•  Orchestra Song
•  If you play an instrument, we'd love to hear it.  Piano, flute, guitar... pick your favorite song to share with us.
•  Great photo opportunity, and a night for Dad's and grandparents to see what's going on.


Field Trips
It would be nice to go on two field trips as a group during the year.  Possibly during the week that we have a break, or over the Christmas holiday.  Some ideas are attending a Symphony, or art museum that have to do with topics we are covering in class.


Last year we went to the Joe Dimaggio's Children's Hospital, and the Flaggler Museum in West Palm Beach together.






This curriculum is great for grades K – 8.  If you have older children who would like to participate with your group and family (Grades 7 and 8), assign them teaching roles as well as being a student.  This curriculum is wonderful for all ages.  For Parents Night, all ages are welcome to participate in Oral Reports, as well as in your own individual Co-Ops.  The curriculum states K-6, but that is for your discretion.

Classical Education Co-Op 2012-13 Welcome

We are utilizing the following curriculum:
Foundations — Classical Conversations, Cycle 1, 2012-13

(CC Curriculum and Co-Op teaching.  Tuition = helping hands.)

Cycle 1  (Ancients)

The Classical Education Co-Op in South Florida has been created last year, and we're ready for our second year!  We are excited to get this group organized in a fun, friendly and free format.  This is our own group, not officially part of the Classical Conversations Community, which requires membership fees and tuition.  As homeschoolers, we know that this format works well for many subjects.  It even works with CC!  We hope that as we all work together this year, we will recognize all of the hours put in by each of us to make our group really valuable.  We are donating our time and talents for the benefit of each other, and especially our children.

We are using a homeschool approach, where families take turns teaching each other.  We meet in our home with two to three other families, (or as a single family), and meet together as a larger group once a quarter, once a semester for Parent's night, and for occasional field trips.  It's a great way to keep up on your CC memory work, while having the motivation to finish it!

As this is a Non-denominational Christian Co-op, individual views in faith sometimes arise.  It is our desire to have an atmosphere where all are welcome, and invited to live their faith.  We study math, history, latin, grammar, science, and timeline information.  We have science experiments and art/music projects.  We give oral reports.  We also work on memorizing scriptures from the Bible.  (** See below.)

It is my goal that we will all love coming to class, enjoy learning, and look forward to companionship with friends and fellow homeschooling families.  The Lord has guided us in so many ways, and I know He is pleased when we come together through our academic pursuits.

May this school year will be the best one yet!

Candi

CLASSICAL CONVERSATIONS, Cycle 1(Foundations Program)	Timeline* & Presidents*	Veritas Press Cards for 160 Major events & people of World History (Creation through Modern America) All US Presidents
	History Facts*	World:  Historical Empires, Peoples & Countries (Ancient to Modern)
	Geography*	Africa and the World
	Science Facts*	(12 weeks Biology), (12 weeks Earth Science)
	Math*	Skip Counting, Multiplication Tables, Geometric Formulas, Alegebraic Laws, Conversations
	Eng. Grammar*	Verbs, Prepositions
	Latin*	Noun Endings (Declensions)
	Bible*	Exodus 20
	Science (experiments & projects)	Kingdom of Living Things, Dissections, Nature Walks, Parts of a Flower, Rocks & Minerals
	Fine Arts	Basic Drawing:  Shapes, Mirror Images, Abstract, Perspective Artists:  Giotto, Ghiberti, Fra Angelico, Durer, Michelangelo, El Greco Baroque & Classical Orchestra.  Handel, Bach, Mozart
	Presentations	Each week practice oral presentation skills by presenting on a topic.

**Optional Memory Master track, where a student strives to memorize all information.

The material taught in Foundations 
is divided into three cycles: one cycle 
per year for three years. Each cycle 
consists of 24 weeks of memory work.

Faith Statement

“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.” (Eleventh Article of Faith.)

This group is comprised of Christians.  People who love the Savior Jesus Christ, and want to raise their children in an environment where their testimony of Him can grow as they learn and study the world around them.   As our family belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints, we have a desire to follow the Classical Conversations curriculum while maintaining our religious identity.  Our Classical Education Co-Op group includes members other denominations as well. 

With the spirit of love and charity, this group can be a great source of community and friendship.  We can teach our children in an environment that seeks for “anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” (Thirteenth Article of Faith).

It is our desire to have an excellent Classical Education, focusing on the 4 R's... Reading, Writing, Arithmetic and Righteousness!  We invite any and all to participate with us!

— Candi

Essentials of our Faith —FYI

See Link: From the Classical Conversations Website, Faith Statement

The Articles of Faith —FYI

See Link:  From The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Lunch and Snacks

• Please bring a small snack that can be easily eaten during the morning CC time. Place it inside a ziploc bog that is labeled with your child's name on it, so they can easily retrieve it from the snack basket. We only have 5 minutes for snack.

• Nice to bring a water bottle with your child's name on it.

• Please bring lunch for your own family to eat directly after CC. This time is important to build relationships with each other, and catch up on non-CC topics. It helps us keep talking on subject during the day if we know we have this time to catch up later.

• Please keep in mind that parents are always responsible for their children's supervision.

Lunch is from 12 to 12:20 p.m. Fun time is from 12:20 p.m. To 12:50 p.m., so as to be ready for enrichment classes at 1 p.m. Below are some ideas to keep lunch time activities refreshing:

• Qtr 1: - 

• Qtr 2: Bring scooters & basketballs

• Qtr 3: Bring jump ropes & soccer balls 

• Qtr 4: Bring running shoes & hula hoops 

• Rainy days: board games & chess

Any street activities require an adult close by at all times.

Facility Care

It's always a good policy to leave somewhere better than when you came. This is a great opportunity to teach our children service through example as we care for the homes that are hosting our co-ops. It is not required, but really appreciated.

• Vacuuming main rugs 

• Sweeping hallway & kitchen 

• Misc. trash cleanup 

• Empty kitchen garbage 

• Quick main bathroom cleanup with Clorox wipe

Sick Child Policy

Does your sick child have any of these symptoms? If so, most providers indicate your son or daughter should stay at home until the illness is no longer contagious and the child feels well enough to return to school or be around other youngsters.

• Fever above 100oF and looks and acts ill 

• Signs of possible severe illness such as uncontrolled coughing, 

• difficulty breathing, wheezing, persistent crying, or lethargy 

• Diarrhea 

• Vomiting; once a youngster has vomited, most health providers

require that your sick child does not return to school for a

minimum of 24 hours 

• Any sort of rash, especially when accompanied by a fever or

behavior change

While having a sick child is a hardship for most families, it is important that parents enact the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”

Thank you for considering these recommendations and implementing them for your children this school year. Remember that washing hands OFTEN is the best way to reduce the chance of sickness spreading.

If sickness should occur at our host's house, we will meet at the other families house for that quarter. The schedule will go back to usual for the next week. Ex. Qtr. 2 rotates between two families. If the host is sick, the director will notify everyone via phone of the changes at least 2 hours before class.

Expectations for a Learning Environment

Your children are going to learn an amazing amount of information this year. They will grow spiritually, socially, and academically as they interact with God's Word and other children.

Our method of tutoring is modeling. Tutors demonstrate to both the students and their mothers various methods of memorizing grammar from all major subjects. These techniques are then practiced with the students so that they know what to do when they go home. You as the parent, however, are still primarily responsible for the education of your child.

Kindly remember that this is not only your first experience with Classical Conversations, but your host's as a tutor/ director as well. Please extend grace to her as she is stepping out on faith in response to this call. We are all making sacrifices in order to provide a positive and fun learning environment. We need to be patient as the program develops over the year.

We need to remember that there are many ways to accomplish a task. The person who is designated the teacher for a certain subject is the teacher. Please be respectful to her and her preparation by letting her be in charge, and by not talking to other parents during class. It is very distracting to the teacher and the students. Should the teacher be disrupted by parents socializing, she may comment on “How nicely the children are behaving today!” This is your cue to that she is asking the parents to be quiet without the children knowing.

Please be alert to giving hands-on assistance (i.e. passing out or collecting supplies, assisting with children's science or fine arts projects, etc. to the Teacher during class.) If an offense is made one to another, among the students or the adults, then the biblical model applies; Matthew 18 is our basis for this. If you disagree with something the Teacher says or does, please approach the Teacher privately.