Debating implies a discussion between two parties to form a conclusion. This skill involves two parties (usually) holding different views about the same topic. The ‘winner’ of the debate will be the person who has the most compelling argument.
We will teach our students the skills necessary to engage in productive debates. As always, the instruction and engagement will be age appropriate for each class group. Younger students will have "fun" discussions and build skills through games and activities.
Older students will have more direct instruction and requirements.
All students will have FUN!!!
Some benefits of Debate Class:
Improved critical thinking
Develop poise and public speaking
Improved listening and note-taking skills
Team building and confidence boost
Thought structuring
Develop balanced theories/arguments
Graciousness towards opposers
Good, clean, positive FUN!

Everybody loves animals!
Through hands-on lessons and activities, our students will learn about various types of animals including their habitats, adaptations, behavior, diet, and other zoology and mammalian biology topics.
Some of the types of animals to be studied are farm animals, domestic pets, animals from each continent, reptiles, and ocean animals.
When possible, a live specimen will be introduces to the class for observation.
There will also be an ongoing class project; possibly hatching chicks from eggs, watching a cocoon transform a butterfly or growing some tadpoles into frogs. The specific project is yet to be finalized.
Whatever the case, it promises to be wildly fun and super educational.
We can hardly wait to see what this class can do and learn together.

Whether your child is the next Mozart or just destined to sing solos in the shower, he/she is bound to benefit from music education!
Research has shown that learning music facilitates a deeper learning in other subjects and enhances understanding necessary to thrive in more developed concepts.
Our music class will be, not only educational, but tons of fun! We will focus on styles, rhythms, genres, instruments and vocals.
But this is not going to be your average "boring" music theory or music history class!
We are going to bring a hands-on approach, giving students the opportunity to try different instruments and possibly find a new passion or talent. We will incorporate games that lead to understanding musical concepts, study historical musicians, and listen to a variety of different styles.
Ultimately, we are going to put instruments into your students hands and let them enjoy the music!

It has been said that learning about poetry will help your child further understand other literary works, including the Bible, gain a deeper understanding of human nature, provide an emotional outlet, an opportunity for artistic expression, and perhaps even inspire a love of words. In our quest into poetry, we will focus on four goals;  cultivate a love for internal and external beauty, build an appreciation of individual poets, develop the imagination, and inspire students to use creative words to express themselves.
We will learn about various classes of poetry such as epic, lyric and dramatic poems as well as learn the difference between sonnets, allegories and ballads. We will also sample poems from some of the great poets like Browning, Stevenson and Dickenson.
As always, subject matter will be age appropriate and engaging for each student's learning style.
This class promises to bring your student to a deeper appreciation of poetry and language in general. 

Chess is more than just a board game. It is a powerful educational tool that can enhance critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and concentration levels of children. By playing chess, kids not only have an opportunity to engage in a challenging and strategic game, but they also develop valuable skills that can benefit them in various aspects of life.
Our students will begin the semester with a basic introduction of the game. Each week, they will connect the game to an aspect of their life and learn to apply those skills in daily living.
Each student will also have the opportunity to construct their own chess board to keep.
As the students develop chess skills, you may notice that they begin to incorporate these skills in their other homeschool subjects.
For instance, chess is an excellent way to improve math skills.
Who knows? Your student just may be the next young chess prodigy!

Manners and etiquette may evoke images of stuffy attitudes and pinkies held high over a tea cup, but it really boils down to respect for others and yourself. In this class, we will endeavor to instill a sense of self-respect and respect for others into our students, giving them a stand-out advantage in society with their impeccable manners. Family members will thank you, caretakers and teachers will thank you, future employers will thank you, and even your students will thank you!
We will play out different scenarios as our teaching tools, such as "how to behave in a restaurant" or "how to properly answer the phone" or "how to treat a date". Role play will be the highlight of the class as the students act out the incorrect and the correct methods of conduct. We will also have games that reinforce the etiquette concepts.
The fastest way for children to learn a somewhat "boring" concept is through the avenue of FUN! This class promises to bring the most fun instruction of their year!