Veritas In Academia

FLL Explore

Tutor: Shelly Westrich and middle/high school age VIA robotics students

Course Description: First Lego League (FLL) Explore is a robotics program designed for kids ages 6-10. Teams of 2-6 students work together to discover how science and technology impact the world around them. Teams work with legos to build a motorized model, program using Lego Education WeDo Software, and create a Show Me poster related to their research of the yearly theme. Teams will compete in a Lego Explore Expo which is typically held in the spring. For more information contact Shelly Westrich at swestrich3@comcast.net

Ballet

Tutor: Jennifer Meyer

Materials Fee Note: We have some initial costs for supporting ballet including bars (barres) and mirros. It is anticipated the additional Materials Fee will be significantly less next semester.

Ballet (ages 3-6)

Class Description: Come and learn this beautiful style of performance dance for beginners. Younger children will learn the basics of the ballet style of dance, including terms, poses, dance positions, common ballet moves, ballet barre and center exercises, and stretching. The children will also learn a routine putting different ballet positions and moves together. There will be Catholic-Christian music and a performance for family at the end of the year.

Ballet (ages 6-9+, no upper age limit)

Class Description: Come and learn this beautiful style of performance dance for beginners and/or intermediate dancers. Older children will learn both the basics and/or intermediate instruction of the ballet style of dance, poses, dance positions, common ballet moves, ballet barre, center, and across the floor exercises, and stretching. The children will also learn a routine putting different ballet positions and moves together. There will be Catholic-Christian music and a performance for family at the end of the year.

How to Pray (ages 6-9)

Tutor: Jennifer Meyer

Course Description: Come and learn different types of prayer, different ways of praying, and essentially how to do it. All children will be learning how to use their imagination in the art of contemplative prayer to Jesus. There will be a Marian element to this class as well (leading the children to Mary). We will learn and practice how to make hidden, little sacrifices to Our Lady, which is so pleasing to both her and the Lord. We will learn and practice different virtues, including faith, hope, and humility. The children will discover or deepen their knowledge of their patron saint(s) and their guardian angel, growing in relationship with them.

Materials Fee Note: The additional materials fee for this class should be largely a one-time cost for some non-consumable materials. It is anticipated the additional Materials Fee will be significantly less next semester.

Little Artists 2

Tutor: Julie Leighton

Course Description: Come and explore the JOYS of art! We will have fun creating 2-3 step art projects with crayons, markers, colored pencils, glue, 3D paper art, modeling clay, craft paint and more. Moms are always welcome to stay. :)
Children ages 6-9.

Beginner Art Skills

Tutor: Julie Leighton

Course Description: Coming soon!
Children ages 7-9.

Family Study Hall

Tutor: you! Talk to us about how you can help!

Course Description: Mom school time.

The lunch room is reserved for quiet, family study time, or Mom School following morning announcements until lunches, and then again after lunches through the end of the VIA day. This is roughly 9 - 11:30 and 12:30 - 4.

If you need Mom visiting time please respect those working with their children by conversing in the lobby or out in God's nature.

How to Pray   (grades 4-6)

Tutor: Jennifer Meyer

Course Description: Come and learn different types of prayer, different ways of praying, and essentially how to do it. All children will be learning how to use their imagination in the art of contemplative prayer to Jesus. There will be a Marian element to this class as well (leading the children to Mary). We will learn and practice how to make hidden, little sacrifices to Our Lady, which is so pleasing to both her and the Lord. We will learn and practice different virtues, including faith, hope, and humility. The children will discover or deepen their knowledge of their patron saint(s) and their guardian angel, growing in relationship with them.

Materials Fee Note: The additional materials fee for this class should be largely a one-time cost for some non-consumable materials. It is anticipated the additional Materials Fee will be significantly less next semester.

4th-6th Science

Tutor: Susan Steinke

Course Description: Unique class offered each semester.
This course will use the “Real Science 4 Kids Focus On” curriculum to present “real science” concepts at an age-appropriate level. In this course students will be experimental scientists. We’ll learn about the world around us, and then explore how it works through experiments. Special emphasis will be placed on keeping a laboratory notebook and what it should include (objective, hypothesis, method, results, conclusion, etc.).

We'll explore physics the first semester and biology during the second semester.

Short homework assignments will occasionally be given. Students will also be asked to supply basic household items for some of the experiments (i.e., plastic cups, pennies, bananas, batteries, duct tape, etc.). If experiment supplies are needed, parents will be given a week notice.

Supplies
- A 1-inch binder with loose leaf paper,
- A pencil case with pencil, eraser, colored pencils, scissors, and a glue stick will also be handy for in-class work.
- All curriculum materials will be supplied by instructor.

Materials Fee Note: We're taking our best guess at the additional materials fee for this class. Any surplus collected will be applied to the second semester's materials fee. The greater the number of students registered for the class, the greater the decrease likely.

IEW Language Arts

Tutor: Julia Johnson

Course Description: This language arts class is created for grades four through six. We will read energetic, age appropriate literature to spark writing quality sentences and paragraphs. We will focus on the writing process and introduce aspects of Andrew Pudewa’s Institute for Excellence in Writing. Students will also enjoy journaling, Caught’ya Grammar, Daily Oral Language, Grammar Ball and Mad Libs.

Course materials:
IEW Following Narnia Volume 1
Colorful pens!
Pencils
Spiral Notebook
Folder
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
$5 for word walls, posters and extra enhancing materials to decorate our IEW classroom

Exploring the World of Art   (grades 4-6)

Tutor: Julie Leighton

Course Description: We will learn about the different forms of art; their history and origin. We will learn the techniques to create our own works of art using each of these forms. Impression, Pointillism, Mosaic, and Fresco are just a few examples of what we will study and create.
Fall and Spring semesters can be taken independently of each other.

Shakespeare, Poetry, Music, and Art Appreciation

Tutor: Susan Steinke

Class Description: We will focus on four elements that can often fall to the wayside during busy homeschool weeks: Poetry, Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, and Shakespeare study.

    Poetry: We’ll spend the whole year reading the poems of Robert Frost. We’ll learn about this Pulitzer-Prize winner’s life and become familiar with his poetic style and expression.
    Art Appreciation: We’ll cover the works of three artists throughout the year: James Whistler, Jean Millet, and Mary Cassatt. We’ll read biographies of the artists, and each week linger over one of their pieces, discussing what we see, what stands out, details about the subject, etc.
    Music Appreciation: We’ll cover the Baroque and Classical Eras of music using the SQUILT curriculum (SQUILT stands for Super Quiet Un-Interrupted Listening Time). We’ll listen to pieces from each era of music, learn about composers, and discuss concepts such as instrumentation, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics.
    Shakespeare Study: I’ll be using Ken Ludwig’s How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare for this part of the course. His approach involves memorizing passages of Shakespeare’s works while also understanding what the words in those passages mean and where they fit into the context of Shakespeare’s story. We’ll learn about Shakespeare, his life, and why, as Ludwig says, “he is the cause of creation in other writers.” I will follow the suggested order in Ludwig’s book, starting with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night, and Romeo and Juliet, and see how far we get! We won’t be memorizing the entire plays, just key passages. We also won’t be reading the plays in their entirety, but I will be sharing some wonderful retellings of the plays as we study them.

We’ll spend approximately a quarter of our class time on each element, give or take depending on what we are doing that week. Little to no homework will be assigned (except to practice reciting Shakespeare at home!).

Latin I (grades 4-8)

Tutor: Susan Steinke

Course Description:
As Catholics, the Latin language is part of our faith heritage. Since over half of English words have Latin as their root, learning Latin enables students to interact with and participate in the world around them on a deeper level, particularly in the Liturgy.

This introductory Latin course will develop a firm foundation of grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills with the goal of recognizing core elements and the basic patterns of Latin sentences. Students will learn a number of Latin prayers; not only how to say them, but also what they mean in the original Latin. Students will also be introduced to elements of Roman history as well as Latin in the modern world. Class time will focus on learning new vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and translation practice. Weekly homework will include vocab practice and workbook assignments.

Course materials:
    Latin Alive! Book 1 (student edition). Classical Academic Press (classicalacademicpress.com) has it for $24.95.
    A folder or binder to store handouts,
    Loose leaf paper or notebook with perforated pages for classroom work,
    Index cards and storage box for vocabulary flashcards.

Conversational Spanish I

Tutor: Ana Grace Plotts

Course Description: Learn to speak Spanish the way all people learn their native language - by using it. We will discuss, listen, celebrate, play and eat our way through the Spanish language. We will immerse ourselves in the faith, culture, and daily life of the Hispanic people. In addition to in-class participation, there will be outside time required for specific online tools, and outside speaking/hearing opportunities.
Supplies Needed: Students will need access to a computer at home to use Duolingo 10-15 minutes per day. Post-it Notes (5-90 sheet pads of 5 different colors) and lined paper in a three ring binder or a folder.

Conversational Spanish II

Tutor: Ana Grace Plotts

Course Description: Learn to speak Spanish the way all people learn their native language - by using it. We will discuss, listen, celebrate, play and eat our way through the Spanish language. We will immerse ourselves in the faith, culture, and daily life of the Hispanic people. In addition to in-class participation, there will be outside time required for specific online tools, and outside speaking/hearing opportunities.
Supplies Needed: Students will need access to a computer at home to use Duolingo 10-15 minutes per day. Post-it Notes (5-90 sheet pads of 5 different colors) and lined paper in a three ring binder or a folder.

Sewing

Tutor: Kate Bestgen

Course Description: Hand sewing. Detailed description coming soon.

Supplies Needed: Coming soons

Prerequisite: Interest in sewing

Guitar Lessons

VIA is currently working with two potential guitar tutors. (God is so good!)
If you have interest please send us note at veritas.in.academia@gmail.com to let us know.

Piano Lessons

VIA is blessed to have two wonderful, piano tutors this year:


Piano Lessons with Diana Anderson (4th - 12th grade) (4th through 12th)

Tutor: Dianna Anderson

Course Description: All skill levels welcome and adapted to. Lessons include learning a classical-style technique, basic principles of music theory appropriate to the student, and learning to read notes through studying the different songs.

Piano Lessons with Mary Margaret Bolin (6 years of age through 12th grade)

Tutor: Mary Margaret Bolin

Course Description:These fun and engaging piano lessons for beginners will include learning proper technique, music theory basics, and reading music.

Supplies Needed:
The 6 to 9 year olds would need the Primer Level-Lesson Book-Piano Adventures Faber and a blank Composition Notebook.

Older beginners would either start at the same level and move to the next quickly, or start with the Level One-Performance Book-Piano Adventures Faber. They should also bring a blank Composition Notebook.

Cost note:: As you will see on the registration form there are two different costs listed for these lessons. Younger students (shorter attention spans) will have 20 minutes lessons while the older ones will have 35 minutes (give or take 5 minutes, which will be determined when VIA works out the specific lessons schedules in August.)the exact scheduling time in August.)

How to Pray (grades 7-12)

Tutor: Jennifer Meyer

Course Description: Come and learn different types of prayer, different ways of praying, and essentially how to do it. All children will be learning how to use their imagination in the art of contemplative prayer to Jesus. There will be a Marian element to this class as well (leading the children to Mary). We will learn and practice how to make hidden, little sacrifices to Our Lady, which is so pleasing to both her and the Lord. We will learn and practice different virtues, including faith, hope, and humility. The children will discover or deepen their knowledge of their patron saint(s) and their guardian angel, growing in relationship with them.

Materials Fee Note: The additional materials fee for this class should be largely a one-time cost for some non-consumable materials. It is anticipated the additional Materials Fee will be significantly less next semester.

Biology

Tutor: Sherry Zeisel

Course Description: This comprehensive survey of biology applies a solidly Catholic perspective to everything from evolution to life issues in a way that no homeschool biology course has yet attempted to do! In the first semester, students will learn the background of biology, with units on ecology, cell biology, and biochemistry, and then move on to a survey of the five kingdoms of organisms. The second semester is devoted entirely to human anatomy and physiology. The two together form the complete high-school level course. The course includes video lectures, extensive notes, homework and answer keys; no textbook required! In-class time will be devoted to labs and “office hours” with the tutor.

Course materials: Students will need access to a computer for daily video lectures. Lab supplies are covered in the supplies fee.

Prerequisites: At least one high-school level science course, such as general or physical science. Biology is commonly done in 10 th grade, but can be done earlier if the student has completed the prerequisite.

Physical Science

Tutor: Sherry Zeisel

Course Description: Coming soon.

Logic, Assigning Value, Econ, and Investing for Life (grades 10-12)

Tutor: Pat Weber

Course Description: Full description to come. But class will start with gaining an understanding of logic - both fun, practical logic and formal logic, followed by understanding how things in the world are valued. With a solid foundation of logical reasoning and what it means to value something we'll move on to tackle topics including labor, currencies including crypto, commodities, insurance, investing, and much more.

Topics in this class could easily fit in a homeschool highschool credits for logic, social studies, and macro & micro econ.

Supplies Needed: Coming soon.

Prerequisite: A maturing mathematical mind. Contact tutor for a discussion of whether your student is ready for logic. Some evidence your student is ready would include successful completion of geometry or Algebra II, or enjoyment of logic puzzles.

Acting

Tutor: Amy Bittner

Course Description: This class is intended to provide young actors with an overview of the concepts of acting, the basic techniques of acting, and a brief look into dramatic literature. We will look at physical form, vocal techniques, and creating a character, as well as some beginner information about the world of Theatre. During this course students will investigate voice, movement, text, improvisation, and performance with the goal of improved performance skills and theatrical understanding.

Moral Theology

Tutor: Christy Bauman

Course Description: Coming soon.

Grades: 7th-12th
Course Materials: Coming soon

Art

Tutor: Julie Leighton

Drawing 2

Class Description: This class is for the student who complete Drawing 1 or have already have basic drawing profecency.

Supplies needed: 14” x 17” pad of sketch paper (Quality drawing paper for final drawings will be provided by tutor)
Set of drawing pencils
Blending Stumps (a variety of sizes)
Gum Eraser (also called “Art Gum”)
Plastic Eraser (Factis extra soft)
Kneaded Rubber Eraser (recommended brand: Generals)

Art: Acrylics (Fall), The Beauty of Watercolor (Spring)

Class Description: Fall Semester - Acrylics
Spring semester - Come experience the joy of the delightful medium of Watercolor! We will work with three different types of watercolor: liquid, pan, and pencil. We will learn basic techniques for each to create works of art.

(Note from 2021: Supplies can be purchased from the tutor for $20.)

Amazing Colored Pencil

Class Description: Come experience the beauty of color! Colored pencil is an amazing versatile medium. Students will learn the techniques needed to create painting-like works of art.

Supplies needed: 9” x 12” table of colored pencil paper (Recommend brand: Strathmore)
Prismacolor Premier colord pencils (24 count set)
Colorless blender. Most are sold in packages of two. (option to purchase a single from tutor)
Bottle of baby oil (generic)
Box of cotton swabs (generic)

Prerequisites:Basic Drawing or equivalant, basic drawing skills.

Study Skills

Tutor: Jen Kellar

Course Description: In this semester course, students will... description coming soon.

Physical Science

Tutor: John Leighton
Course Description: full description coming soon.

Geometry

Tutor: Shelly Westrich

Course Description:

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Spanish I & II

Tutor: Karyn Schnieder

Course Description: Learn to speak and understand Spanish the way all people learn their native language - by using it!

We will discuss, listen, play and eat our way through the Spanish language immersing ourselves in the faith, culture, and daily life of the Hispanic people. We will be using two books. The first will walk us through the Spanish language, starting with "Hola!". This will allow advanced students to polish their skills and students that are new to Spanish will have all of the tools they need to succeed. Beginner students should also be aware that we will move fairly quickly through some of the first chapters of this book. However, beginners will also receive extra support during class time. The second text, Read & Think Spanish, is a fun filled collection of short articles in Spanish about traditions, geography, music, etc! This text makes these articles easy to read with vocabulary aids on each page! The texts have additional resourses that can be accessed through their app for families that find this supplemental material helpful.

In addition to in-class participation, there will be outside time required for specific homework assignments, online tools, and outside speaking/hearing opportunities.

Spanish I course materials:
    Read & Think Spanish, Premium Third Edition
    Practice Makes Perfect Basic Spanish, Third Edition: Beginner (about $15 on Amazon)

Spanish II course materials:
    Read & Think Spanish, Premium Third Edition
    Practice Makes Perfect Basic Spanish, Third Edition: Intermediate (https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Makes-Perfect-Intermediate-Spanish/dp/1260121690/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=mcgraw+hill+intermediate&qid=1589206877&sr=8-6)

American Sign Language 1

Tutor: Kathy Michael

Course Description: This class will introduce students to American Sign Language and the culture of Deaf people. The class will focus on building ASL vocabulary and dialogue needed for everyday conversations. This will be a fun and interactive class where students will be challenged to communicate using ASL. Along with learning ASL vocabulary, students will learn the importance of non-manual markers such as facial expressions. Students will also be introduced to the rich history and culture of the Deaf community. During the semester we will invite a Deaf person to one of our classes to give students the opportunity to learn first hand what it is like to live in a Deaf world. If you are looking for a fun and interesting way to learn another language this may be the class for you!

American Sign Language 2

Tutor: Kathy Michael

VIA Choir (ages 9 and up)

Tutor:

Course Description: : We will be exploring the joy of music by singing a wide range of pieces including learning Latin pronunciation for some of the songs. Techniques for breathing, vocal exercises, and enunciation will also be worked on.

United States History

Tutor: Dr. Chuck Chalberg

Editorial comment from the VIA administration: Dr. "Chuck" Chalberg is a priceless. If you want more than checking a box for your MN High School graduation U.S. History requirement, this is the place for you. Dr. Chalberg is a national treasure. Your students will not just learn what happened in U.S. History, but why! What were people thinking? Why things worked, and others failed. Don't miss a chance to expose your student to this great opportunity to expand their ability to learn how to think. Dr. Chalberg's 30 years of teaching and acting out history at Normandale and around the country as Teddy Roosevelt, G.K. Chesterton, Rickey Branch, make the discussions in class truly come alive.

Course Description: American History from the Age of Exploration to the Civil War and Reconstruction. The heart of the course will focus on 1) the road to the American Revolution, the revolutionary era itself and its aftermath and consequences; 2) the road to the Civil War, the war itself, and the aftermath and consequences.
Supplies needed: A Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

Algebra I, II, Trig, Pre-calc

Tutor: . Let us know if you have a need here.

Course Description:

Physics

Tutor: John Leighton

Public Speaking

Tutor:
Course Description: (no prerequisite) It doesn’t matter what occupation or endeavor God calls us to in this life, speaking in front of others isinevitable. The sooner students can learn public speaking skills, the more comfortable they will become. This class will train students to prepare and deliver a variety of speeches including but not limited to: Self-Introduction, Narrative, Descriptive, Demonstrative, and Persuasive. The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Speech Boot Camp program will be used as a backbone and includes a bit of videolearning during class, along with provided handouts. Each student will prepare a notebook in whichhandouts and notes will be placed (this will serve as a good reference for the future). This class is sure toengage students not only in the physical aspects of speaking in front of others, but also in the mental and spiritual preparation needed for effective speaking. To the students: in the words of St. Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” Rest assured, this class will be most enjoyable!

"Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus, you will better know when to speak and when to besilent." -Saint Ignatius

Required Materials: Three ring binder.
All instructional materials will be provided by the tutor.

Language Arts with IEW

Tutor: Julia Johnson

Course Description: Creating amazing essays and stories that astound this teacher, students write using the IEW process. Free writing and journaling create variety in our language expression, as well. Literature choices are exceptional as we read aloud and enjoy the quiet of book reading. Daily Oral Language, “grammar solving,” thoughtful discussion, and games, add amusement to our Tuesdays as we find our voices in the lost art of writing.

Course materials: Coming soon

Love of Writing

Tutor: John Leighton

Course Description: People and God communicate in many ways, some mystical and some banal. But the most ordinary of these ways is language. Language, however, is a double-edged sword that need be wielded carefully. How often have we uttered something uncharitable, only to immediately regret and long to corral the echoes of our words. Wielded well, language communicates goodness, beauty and truth, or parries another sword that denies these attributes of holiness. This writing class will attempt to impart to the student the following abilities: i) to know the metrics of good writing, and to discriminate between the good and bad; and ii) to learn how easy it is to write, so easy that writer's block is banished to its proper abode in the hinterland of fantasy.

This course will prepare you for life and college by focusing on writing prose, for fiction follows non-fiction. Great fiction communicates truth, and thus is only as good as the underlying reality. To identify the metrics of good prose, one must be exposed to great writers. And so we will be reading many of the great writers of our language, as well as employing the following resources: i) "Excellence in Writing;" and ii) "Elements of Style." We will also expose ourselves to bad writing so as to obtain the skill of avoiding such drivel. Finally, we will meditate on the wonder of our God, so that our souls excite in the Good, the Beautiful, and the True. A soul in ecstasy cannot help but attempt to communicate itself.

Prerequisites: Student should have a command of basic grammar and be able to write a complete paragraph.