Veritas In Academia

Serving homeschoolers through Catholic tutors.

VIA Class Descriptions for Fall 2018 - Spring 2019

Younger Students

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 (ages 3-6)

 Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a multi-year Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy. CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow. This place or atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy.

Children's House

 Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: The Montessori Children’s House is a mixed age environment specifically designed to help children between the ages of 3 to 6 years to develop at their own pace, choosing their own activities from the Montessori materials which are displayed in an ordered and accessible way. Children work individually, or in groups, with hands-on activities which are designed to help them develop physically, socially and intellectually. Each activity is complete in itself and also prepares for later activities so that the children move from one activity to the next. Children develop the ability to concentrate, work on eye-hand coordination, discover order, and develop independence.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 2 (ages 6-9)

 Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level Two is a multi-year Montessori-based Catholic Faith Formation program for children ages 6-9 years old. The True Vine is at the heart of this level, whereas, the Good Shepherd was at the heart of the Level I atrium. At this level children continue to grow in their relationship with God by looking at Sacred History, moral formation, sacramental preparation, Eucharist, the Incarnation, and the Paschal Mystery. The atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the True Vine. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy.

Irish Dance

 Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: Learn the basics of Irish dance the the basics of moving around in a dance choreography. No dance experience required.

Grades 4th-6th

Shakespeare, Poetry, Music, and Art Appreciation (full year)

 Tutor: Susan Steinke
Course Description: This class 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!).

Supplies Needed: A one-inch binder with four dividers for handouts. Colored pencils/markers for occasional class work when we illustrate poems or draw an artist’s work.

Art

 Tutor: Julie Leighton
Course Description: Students will be introduced to a variety of media including pencils, paints, clay, and collage. They will be shown how to use various art tools and taught basic skills and techniques. Supplies will be provided by the tutor for use throughout the semester. (option to purchase and keep as their own)

Writing Through Literature

 Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: This language arts class is created for grades four through six (generally speaking). 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.

Conversational Spanish

 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.

Performance Choir

 Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: Show Choir is a mixed ensemble of 12-20 youth that combines the movement of the whole human person and singing to perform literature from various selected eras of musical history. This course emphasizes a strong awareness that the class will compliment the student’s participation in critical parish sacred liturgical music groups. Students will develop greater musicianship, proper use of breath support, phrasing, interpretation, postures, stage presence, and the other important musical disciplines. In this class, students will study and perform vocal music in the various styles from the founding days of the American colonies through to and including modern Barbershop, Blues, Jazz, Swing, Theatre, and Pop styles. Students will learn the art of basic body movement as well as the enhancement of the vocal rendition of various works. Show Choir is appropriate for all abilities and is a fantastic way to step into the art of Performance Music!

Fall Semester 2018 and Spring Semester 2019 will focus heavily on Traditional American Folk music especially as it relates to Patriotic, Early Founding (i.e. My Country Tiz of Thee), and Western Expansion (i.e. Home on the Range), with the exception of traditional Christmas songs for the Nativity.

Requirements: Students will be required to attend class and participate in individual, duet, trio, or small group sessions where they will use their voices in song. Students will also perform at two of four scheduled venues including Nursing homes, small group show, or a parish performances.
Supplies needed: TBD

Irish Dance

 Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: All ages welcome. Need a high school phy-ed credit? Full description coming soon.

Grades 7th-12th

Algebra II

 Tutor: Robin LaFond
Course Description: In this first semester, we will cover Lessons 1 - 65 of the Saxon Algebra 2 textbook. Each week 4-5 lessons will be presented from the textbook. Homework will be assigned, and students will be expected to come to class having checked and corrected their own homework problems. Students will spend 4-5 days per week at home on homework. Tests will be completed at home and handed in to be scored by the teacher. Successful completion of this course will also give the student the equivalent of one semester of high school Geometry. Another equivalent semester of Geometry will be included with the first 60 lessons of the Advanced Mathematics, 2nd ed. textbook.
Supplies Needed: Saxon Algebra 2, THIRD EDITION--Student Textbook, Solutions Manual, and Tests & Worksheets Booklet; One-inch binder with at least 8 tab dividers; Inexpensive graphing calculator
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Saxon Algebra 1 or similar

Language Arts

 Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: This language arts class is planned for grades seven through nine (generally speaking). Similar to the younger version of VIA’s Writing through Literature: Grades 4 through 6, we will read interesting, age appropriate literature. Exploring quality novels encourages students to think at higher levels and begin writing more analytically. Being able to write a quality five sentence paragraph is helpful to the student, registered in this course, but Mrs. Johnson will happily work with various abilities. We will also explore Andrew Pudewa’s IEW as a motivation for making writing enjoyable.

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.

Astronomy

 Tutor: John Leighton
Course Description: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth." In this verse God reveals that He is the author of the material universe -- He is the creator of space, time, and matter. "In the beginning" refers to that instant that God wound the clock and let her begin her metronomic drumbeat. "God created the heavens" refers to the vast expanse of space extending from the East to the West. "God ... created the Earth" refers not only to our small home orbiting the Sun, but all of the quadrillions of orbs populating the heavens.

No scientific discipline probes the Creator as does Astronomy. In the first semester, we will study our own solar system, including the Sun, the planets and their moons, meteorites, asteroids, and comets. We will use Michael A. Seeds' textbook, titled "The Solar System," and we will complement our classroom study with night sky parties, in which we will telescopically view the Moon and Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and their moons.

In the second semester, we sill study the deep sky -- stars and galaxies beyond our own solar system and beyond our Milky Way. We will use Michael A. Seeds' textbook, titled "Stars and Galaxies," and again we will complement our classroom study with night sky parties, in which we will see with our own eyes the majesty of the heavens, like the Crab Nebula, the Orion Nebula, and the magnificent Andromeda Galaxy.
Preriquisite: Algebra
Supplies Needed: The Solar System by Michael A. Seeds & Stars and Galaxies by Michael A. Seeds

Conversational Spanish

 Tutor: Karyn Schneider
Course Description: Learn to speak and understand 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.

The History of the Reformation

 Tutor: Christy Bauman
Course Description: While primarily looking at the Catholic Reformation, also known as the Counter Reformation, we will also study the dynamics of the English and the Protestant Reformation in Europe during the 1500's through the 1600's. An in-depth look of 10 Catholic Saints who were extremely influential in this time of history will be part of the class as well. Overall the expectations will be to do the assigned reading for each class and to write a short summary of what the student read. A year long project will be required, expectations for which will be based on grade level.
Supplies Needed: Heroes of the Catholic Reformation by Joseph Pearce

Saxon Math 87 with Pre-Algebra

 Tutor: Robin LaFond
Course Description: In this first semester, we will cover Lessons 1-60 of the Saxon Math 87 with Pre-Algebra textbook. Each week 3-5 lessons will be presented from the textbook. Homework will be assigned, and students will be expected to come to class having checked and corrected their own homework problems. Students will spend 4-5 days per week at home on homework. Tests will be completed at home and handed in to be scored by the teacher. Upon successful completion with a grade of 80% or better in this course, students can move directly to Algebra 1. (The additional course of Algebra 1/2 is taken only if more review is needed for a solid foundation for Algebra I. Saxon 87 includes Pre-Algebra and gives more of an initial review of earlier concepts to be mastered.)
Supplies Needed: Saxon Math 87 with Pre-Algebra, THIRD EDITION--Student Textbook, Solutions Manual, and Tests & Worksheets Booklet; One-inch binder with at least 8 tab dividers
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Saxon Math 76 or similar

Trades

 Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: This class will be a mixture of classroom teaching then Hands On field trip or trade visitor with roughly two weeks per trade.
This is a year-long class, but student may do fall, spring or both:

Fall: General Trades
Spring: Training/Apprenticeship

A. General Construction
B. Electrical Systems
C. Plumbing Systems
D. Mechanical Systems
E. Engineering
F. Electronics
G. Software
H. Architectural: building, elec, network, web, etc
I. Therapy: occup, physi, psych, resp
J. Agriculture
K. Forestry
L. Water
M. Law Enforcement
Supplies needed: TBD

Beginning Latin I

 Tutor: Susan Steinke
Course Description: A major skill needed for fluency in reading Latin is the ability to identify phrases and clauses as one meets them in reading Latin sentences. 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. Coursework will cover 1st , 2nd , and 3rd declension nouns and adjectives (masculine, feminine, and neuter) in all six cases and present, imperfect, and perfect tense active voice verbs and infinitives. Class time will focus on translation and introduction of new grammatical concepts, with weekly homework assignments given for practice and mastery of skills.
Supplies needed: Ecce Romani I, either 3rd edition (published 2005) or 4th edition (published 2009). Ecce Romani Language Activity Book I (4th edition). Please note that the textbook is printed both in a hardcover version and a paperback version. The paperback version is split into IA and IB. Either version is fine. 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.

Performance Choir

 Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: Show Choir is a mixed ensemble of 12-20 youth that combines the movement of the whole human person and singing to perform literature from various selected eras of musical history. This course emphasizes a strong awareness that the class will compliment the student’s participation in critical parish sacred liturgical music groups. Students will develop greater musicianship, proper use of breath support, phrasing, interpretation, postures, stage presence, and the other important musical disciplines. In this class, students will study and perform vocal music in the various styles from the founding days of the American colonies through to and including modern Barbershop, Blues, Jazz, Swing, Theatre, and Pop styles. Students will learn the art of basic body movement as well as the enhancement of the vocal rendition of various works. Show Choir is appropriate for all abilities and is a fantastic way to step into the art of Performance Music!

Fall Semester 2018 and Spring Semester 2019 will focus heavily on Traditional American Folk music especially as it relates to Patriotic, Early Founding (i.e. My Country Tiz of Thee), and Western Expansion (i.e. Home on the Range), with the exception of traditional Christmas songs for the Nativity.

Requirements: Students will be required to attend class and participate in individual, duet, trio, or small group sessions where they will use their voices in song. Students will also perform at two of four scheduled venues including Nursing homes, small group show, or a parish performances.
Supplies needed: TBD

Middle School Science

 Tutor: Susan Robinson
Course Description: This course, taught in the classical tradition, is designed to systematically cover the knowledge and skills needed to effectively prepare a middle school student for high school science courses. The three elements emphasized from a solid Catholic perspective are knowledge of the natural world, understanding of the history of science and the Church’s true role in the development of modern Science, and the skills of scientific inquiry and investigation. Class will emphasize the mastery of the scientific method, basic laboratory skills (safety, dissections, microscopy, experimental procedure), lab reports, and discussion of the unity of science, faith and reason through the hands-on study of the natural and physical world. Studies will focus on basic chemistry and life science. Class time will consist of review of reading assignments, going over workbook and other assignments, group activities/games, and labs. This is an enjoyable class where students learn how to “think like a scientist!”

This class is suitable for those taking a science class for the first time as well as for those who have already had some basic middle school science experience. Students will be challenged in their critical thinking skills, helping them grow in their love for learning as well as guiding them in how to study and learn.

Prerequisites: Understanding of 6 th -7th grade math concepts will be helpful, but not required.
Homework (2-3 hours/week): Students will have outside reading, assignments, lab and other reports, and experiments/projects to complete. Students will be expected to give several oral presentations during class to help aid in their developing communication skills.
Note: Home teachers (parents/others) will provide correction of homework. Tutor will provide feedback on labs, papers and projects. Grades are determined by the home teacher/parent.
Required: Access to a computer and the internet for communication and assignments, etc. Weekly vocabulary exercises will be included and short video clips will be sent via email links.
Required Texts: (May be purchased through Catholic Heritage Curricula or used book vendors)
1. Behold and See Life Science Student Text by Michael Spear (Catholic Heritage Curricula) AND
2. CHC Life Science Workbook and Lab Manual (each student needs this).
Supplies needed: 2-inch three-ring binder and loose leaf paper (with dividers) OR a notebook, a folder or two, and lab goggles. Reading and other resources will be provided by the instructor in class, through online links and the library.
Supply Fee: $15 per semester

High School Biology LABORATORY Course

 Tutor: Susan Robinson
Course Description: This includes LAB WORK only and helps fulfill the credit requirement for high school Biology regardless of the curriculum being used. Labs will include procedures and studies in microscopy, dissection, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, heredity, and other. This course is designed to develop the critical thinking skills of those in scientific fields and will aid students in ACT/SAT testing.

All lab worksheets and most materials will be provided (some household materials may need to be provided by students). Students will be expected to read through each lab thoroughly prior to coming to class. Students will be working somewhat independently in pairs or a small group to carry out the lab procedures (the tutor will provide ongoing guidance and assistance). The lab report should be able to be completed within the class time; however, there may be some written conclusions that may need to be done at home.

Tutor will provide feedback to the student each class but the parent will assign a grade for the course. Learning solid laboratory procedures, scientific thinking, ethics, and writing skills will be emphasized.

Prerequisites: successful completion of a middle school science class (life science and/or physical science with some chemistry); basic understanding of the scientific method and importance of safety in the lab
Note: This course is designed to be taken in conjunction with a high school level Biology class (or with tutor approval)
Homework (1-2 hours/week): Students will need to read labs prior to coming to class, possibly watch a video link, record observations, and complete any written lab reports not finished in class.
Required: Access to a computer and the internet for communication and assignments, etc.
Required Texts: Access to a high school biology student manual such as Apologia or Pearson Biology (click on to see links to these texts). Used texts are available for reasonable prices on Amazon or at used book outlets.
Supplies needed: Three-ring binder and loose leaf paper OR a notebook, a folder, and lab goggles. Reading and other resources will be provided by the instructor in class, through online links and the library.

United States History

 Tutor: Dr. Chuck Chalberg
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: Bill Bennett's Last Best Hope VOL. 1 (VOL. 2 will be used in the spring.)

Irish Dance

 Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: Learn the basics of Irish dance the the basics of moving around in a dance choreography. No dance experience required.

Introduction to Theology: Faith & Reason

 Tutor: Jenna Leighton
Course Description: St. John Paul II said “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth--in a word, to know himself--so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” (Fides et Ratio). In this class, we will use both Divine Revelation and human intellect to contemplate these truths. In easy-to-understand language and visuals, we will cover some of the most profound theological mysteries including the Trinity, creation, the nature of man, Heaven, the Fall, the incarnation, the Church, Grace, and the Sacraments.
This class is targeted at 6th - 8th graders but highschoolers are welcome.
Supplies Needed: Theology for Beginners by Frank Sheed; Catechism of the Catholic Church

Catholic Inspired Studio Art

 Tutor: Julie Leighton
Course Description: Students will learn and develop skills and technique in the areas of drawing and painting. We will work with a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, pen & ink and water color. We will look at the act of creating art as a form of prayer working from the inspiration of many beautiful works of Catholic art. Advanced to beginner students in grades 7-12 welcome. Fall and spring semesters can be taken independently of each other.
Supplies needed: Pad of drawing paper - 14 x 17 inch: recommended brand - Strathmore
Set of drawing pencils
Kneaded rubber eraser: recommended brand - General’s
Soft vinyl eraser: recommended brand - General’s Factis extra soft
Blending stumps - a variety of sizes
18 inch T-Ruler

Please let us know if you want chemistry, Children's House II, or math tutoring!