Junior High Class Descriptions

6th Grade - IEW Ancient History

Teacher: Amber Pepple
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 6th-grade students who have completed at least 5th-grade level English instruction. 
Class fee: $15
Maximum number of students in the class: 10
Minimum number of students in the class: 3
Class Objectives: Teaching students to outline and summarize specific readings and then outline and write their own papers.  This is a basic level of the Institute for Excellence in Writing Curriculum.  
Class Format:  Lessons will be presented in class and homework assigned from the IEW student workbook.
Description of homework Activities:  There will be writing homework to be completed each week.  Parental involvement at home will be important for success in IEW.  Helping your child to stay organized, brainstorm ideas, and edit papers will play a huge role in your student’s success.  You may look at the curriculum online https://iew.com/shop/products/ancient-history-based-writing-lessons-student-book-only (There is a video introduction on this theme level writing course)
Textbook Information: IEW Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Student Book is required.  Students will be responsible for bringing their IEW book to class each week. 

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7th Grade - IEW Vol. 1 Narnia

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Teacher: Carrie Deever

Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 7th-grade students who have completed at least 6th-grade level English instruction. 

Class fee: $12

Maximum number of students in the class: 10

Minimum number of students in the class: 3 

Class Objectives: To prepare students with writing skills by modeling and practicing structural guidelines and specific stylistic requirements that develop competency, independence, and as a result, creativity in their written work. 
 
Class Format:  Each class period will begin with a sampling of students sharing their compositions or excerpts from their written work. This encourages students to become more comfortable speaking in front of others. The remainder of the class time will be spent modeling writing structures, brainstorming ideas together, and learning new stylistic techniques. 
 
Description of homework Activities:  There will be writing homework to be completed each week. You may look at the curriculum online at https://iew.com/shop/products/following-narnia®-volume-1-lions-song-student-book(There is a video introduction on this theme level writing course)

Parent Role:
Although I will be modeling and leading the students each week during our CG time, it is vital that a parent is involved with this writing class. Parents play a huge role at home by helping their child to stay organized, brainstorming and discussing ideas, editing papers, and serving as an audience when their child reads their compositions. Some students may take to working independently very quickly and others may need you to stay beside them through much of the year. If you are able, I encourage you to take the time over the summer to watch the IEW DVDs these are available from Tender Tenbrink. They provide the core teacher/parent training for all IEW writing and will definitely aid in your ability to support your child throughout this course.
Textbook Information: IEW Following Narnia Vol 1 Student Book is required. Students will be responsible for bringing their IEW book to class each week.  
Additional supplies: 3 ring binder with 5 dividers, writing utensils, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe book as well as The Magicians Nephew by C.S. Lewis 
 

8th Grade IEW Volume 2 Narnia 

Teacher: Naomi Hopson
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 8th-grade students who have completed at least 7th-grade level English instruction.
Class Fee: $12
Maximum number of students 12
Minimum number of students 4
Class Objectives: Teaching students to outline and summarize specific readings and then outline and write their own papers.  This is a basic level of Institute for Excellence in Writing Curriculum.  
Class Format:  Lessons will be presented in class and homework assigned from the IEW student workbook.
Description of homework Activities:  There will be writing homework to be completed each week.  Parental involvement at home will be important for success in IEW.  Helping your child to stay organized, brainstorm ideas and edit papers will play a huge role in your student’s success.  You may look at the curriculum online https://iew.com/shop/products/following-narnia®-volume-2-aslans-country-student-book-only
(There is a video introduction on this theme level writing course) It would be beneficial to have your student read the Narnia books alongside these writing activities, but you do not have to.  It is also recommended that you use the Grammar Fix it curriculum at home, although it is not required.
Textbook Information: IEW Following Narnia® Volume 2: Aslan's Country Student Book is required.  Students will be responsible for bringing their IEW book to class each week. 

JH Literature 

Teacher: Karen Graves
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 6 th , 7 th , and 8 the grade students. This class will entail a lot of reading.
Class fee: $18.00/semester
Maximum number of students in the class: 12
Minimum number of students in the class: 4
Objectives of this class: This is a fun class that works to foster a deeper understanding of literature as well as a love for reading.
Description of the general class format: We will analyze and discuss the author, setting, and any background information for each book written for middle school ages. Students will learn literary terms and how to recognize them in the literature they are reading.
Description of homework: Students will have reading assignments and vocabulary to complete at home. Comprehension questions or worksheets will also be sent home to complete so they will be prepared for an in class discussion. Note taking and journaling will be introduced as well as tests sent home for several of the books. The resources that will be used are Progeny Press, Teacher Resources, and Teachers Pay teachers.
Book List:
Lassie Come Home by Eric Knight
The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
The Shakespeare Stealer by Gary Blackwood
Gladys Aylward: The Adventures of a Lifetime (Christian Heroes Then and Now) Janet and Geoff Benge
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg
A Peep Behind the Scenes by Mrs. O.F. Walton (AB Publishing) **You do not need to buy this book unless you want it for your personal library.

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

The Cay by Theodore Taylor

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Zoology 2 & 3

Apologia Zoology 2&3 will be offered for 2022-2023 school yr.   Zoology 2 and 3 is on a 2 yr rotation with Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics..  These two classes on rotation are recommended for 6th and 7th graders.  
Teacher: Lyndsey Steffey
Class Fee: $15
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level: 6th-7th grade
Objectives for this class: We will be learning about God’s creation by studying through Apologia’s Swimming Creatures and Land Animals  

Description of the general class format: We will do weekly activities to reinforce the information presented in the textbook. 

Description of enrichment or homework activities: Reading lessons and/or questions from the text will be assigned each week. It is important to complete these assignments at home, so students will be able to participate in class discussions and understand the experiments/activities.  Expect approximately 2-3 hrs of homework per week

Textbook Information: Apologia Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures and Exploring Creation with Zoology 3: Land Animals

 

 

 

General Science

General Science is offered every year at CG.  It is recommended to take Pre Algebra concurrently with General Science.
Teacher: Allison King
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 7- 8th grade
Class Fee: $10.00
Maximum number of students in the class: 11
Minimum number of students for the class to make: 3
Objectives of this class: We will learn the history of science, implementation of the scientific method, and a broad sweeping overview of different science disciplines including Earth Science, Life Science, General Chemistry/Physics and Environmental Science looking at how God's glory is shown throughout it all.
Description of the general class format:  Class time will be devoted to presenting concepts and completing experiments for each module.
Description of enrichment or homework activities: This is a full science curriculum. Weekly reading assignments and homework will be required.  Each module will be covered over approximately 2 weeks.  On Your Own questions, lab reports, study guides, and tests are due for each Module.  Expect four hours of homework per week.
Homework will be checked for completion each week.  Lab Reports and Tests will be graded for content.
Textbook/workbook information: Apologia General Science 3rd edition. Both the student textbook and the Solutions and Tests Manual are required.

 

 

 

 

 

Physical Science

Physical Science is a High School class open to junior high students who are looking to have room in their high school schedule to take additional Science classes.  

Teacher:  Shazia Lackey
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class:  8th/9th grade
Fee: $10 per student per semester
Maximum # of Students: 10       

Minimum # of Students:  2
Skills Needed:  This course is designed to be the last science course the student takes before high school biology.  It is recommended for 8th or 9th-grade students who have completed General Science and Pre-Algebra and will be concurrently taking Algebra 1.  Math skills used in this course include converting measurement units, graphing, rearranging and solving equations, and multiplying and dividing fractions.  Students should display a maturity level appropriate for high school level work and be able to keep up with the workload.
Class Description:  The text discusses the atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonds, reactions and energy, motion, forces, energy, waves and sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and Earth’s structure, weathering, and atmosphere.
Class Format:  Class time is devoted to discussing, performing, and recording experiments, as well as reviewing material from each module.
Homework:  Students are provided a daily schedule of reading assignments and homework questions.  Assignments for each module may include Notes and Practice, OYO Questions, Lab Reports, Study Guides, Quizzes, and Tests.  Projects may also be incorporated into the class.  Occasionally, students/parents perform experiments at home that are not completed in class because of time.  The class pace is ½ module per week.  The required time is approximately 1 hour per day at home.

Textbook:  Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science, 3rd edition and accompanying Solutions and Tests Manual, 3rd edition.
Supplies:  scientific calculator,  1” binder,  package of dividers
An optional audio version of the book is available on MP3 CD or as an MP3 digital download from Apologia.  Audiobook versions are also available from Audible and iTunes.  See the Apologia website for more information.

JH / HS Sewing

Teacher: Lacey Lowry
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class:  Middle School & High School, need a willingness to listen and learn.
Class prerequisite:  None
Class fee:  $35
Maximum number of students in this class:  10
Minimum number of students:  1
Objectives of this class:  Students will learn how to operate their sewing machine comfortably, reading instructions, learn about different fabrics, apply Math to projects, FUN, etc.
Description of the general class format:  Class time will be spent planning and assembling sewing projects.  Different projects will be used to learn different aspects of sewing.  Examples of planned projects include a bookmark, headband/scrunchie, pillowcase, hot pads, and a quilt top
Description of homework activities:  Homework will not be given unless they want to work ahead on projects or need more time.  I want to make sure they finish projects they can be proud of.
Required supplies:  Sewing machine, scissors, white thread, pin cushion, straight pins.

 

JH / HS Theater

Teacher: Chanel Hague

Class Fee: $10 (Expect Spring fee to increase to at least $20 in preparation for the Spring production)
Requirements: This class is open to all acting levels & will be geared toward filling the needs & desires of each student to help them grow in their experience and love of theatre. Students must come to each class prepared with a pencil & their issued scripts &/or materials.

Overview: Drama will center around stage performance, acting fundamentals & skills, theatre etiquette both on & off stage, acting & stage terms, acting exercises & techniques, acting preparation & warmups, scene study, character study, cast support, costuming, set & props. Currently, I don't foresee a need for practices outside of regularly scheduled co-op classes, as long as students are doing their homework each week to memorize, practice, etc. If that were to change, then parents would be notified in advance with details. This is a two-semester class in which we will be putting on a production at the end of the year. If your student does not want to perform in front of an audience, please do not have them enroll in this class, as it's a performing arts class. If your student joins mid-year, they'll be accommodated as much as possible.

Grading Method: Each student will be graded based on participation & will receive either a pass or fail. Attendance at the final performance is mandatory. Students will have a lot of influence over how the class progresses & what we focus on in class, as well as what the final production will be. I look forward to working with your students!

Homework: Memorize lines, practice parts, practice acting exercises, costume &/or prop assembly, etc. for the performance production.

 

Math Masters 

Teacher: Rebekah Stanley
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 6th grade and above. Participation in-class quizzes, games, and activities will be a major component of this class. A basic knowledge of multiplication tables up to 10 will be assumed-we will work on increasing speed in class.
Class Fee: $10/semester
Maximum number of students in the class: 12
Minimum number of students for the class to make: 3
Objectives of this class:  Students will improve speed, accuracy, and confidence in math, and improve math skills through games.
Description of the general class format: weekly multiplication speed drills, with each student graphing and tracking their own progress; learning through games like math-based jeopardy, bingo, board slam, (math) battleship, etc.; memorization of ten math facts each week (ex. times tables 1-12, square and cubes, metric equivalents, fraction-decimal-percent equivalents, etc.) and common formulas such as areas of squares, triangles, circles, Pythagorean theorem, etc. – facts that will be helpful as students move on to pre-algebra and algebra.
Description of enrichment or homework activities: There will be assigned memorization each week. This daily review/memory work is vital to success in class.  Expect to spend about 10 minutes per day at home.  No written homework will be required.
Textbook/workbook information: All necessary materials will be distributed in class.
Other important information: This class is not a substitute for a full year of math instruction. It is reinforcement and enrichment of what the student is studying in his/her curriculum at home.

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Pre Algebra – LIFEPAC Curriculum

(no longer Math-U-See)

Teacher: Lacey Lowry

Grade: 8th grade

Cost: $15 class fee;

Min-Max number of students: 2-12

Class Description: In this mastery-based math program, your student will focus on mastery of a single skill, and then move on to learn new concepts, laying a foundation for ever-increasing levels of proficiency. In LIFEPAC Pre Algebra , your student will study concepts such as: The Real Number System, Modeling Problems in Integers, Modeling Problems with Rational Numbers, Proportional reasoning, More with Functions, Measurement, Plane Geometry, Measures of Solid Figures, Data Analysis, Probability

Required Materials: LIFEPAC  Pre Algebra Set by Alpha Omega Publications.  Each student worktext includes daily math instruction and review, as well as plenty of opportunity for assessment of student progress.

Any other required material, will be given or set by the teacher

Homework: This is a full math curriculum expect approx. 4-5 hrs of homework per week.

JH Spanish

Teacher: Selene Montejano
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 7th or 8th grade (best if taken the year before Spanish I)
Class Fee: $10
Maximum number of students in the class: 12
Minimum number of students for the class to make: 3
Objectives of this class: Students will learn basic Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and verb conjugations.  Students will practice both written and oral Spanish.  This class helps prepare students for HS Spanish courses.  
Description of the general class format: JH Spanish introduces students to beginning Spanish. Students will learn how to ask and answer questions in Spanish, give and follow directions, purchase items, and make small talk. The textbook is rich with activities to help students gain confidence with the Spanish language.
Description of enrichment or homework activities: Students will typically have an exercise from the textbook as homework each week and vocabulary words to memorize.  
Textbook/workbook information: Each student must have access to “Spanish I for Christian Schools” 2nd edition Student Text by BJU press. The other materials offered by BJU are NOT needed. 
Note:  A 7th grader who successfully completes this class may be allowed to take HS Spanish 1 as an 8th grader.

 

JH Texas History

Teacher: Jen Meier

Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students.

Class Fee: $10

Maximum number of students in the class: 14

Minimum number of students in the class: 3

General Class Description: Discover Texas History is a unit study curriculum helping students discover Texas history, geography, and government one adventure after another!  In each class, we will study a different aspect or event in the history of Texas.  Each unit provides opportunities to learn more about related topics or real people. A wide variety of study ideas allow students to experience aspects of each era firsthand, and discussion questions invite them to look deeper, think critically about the causes and effects, and fit historical events into their personal worldview.  There is no textbook or workbook for this curriculum, so worksheets, vocabulary, printouts, and quizzes will be handed out each class.  A binder will be provided for students to keep their printouts in.

Junior High Logic

Teacher:  Mandi Mischnick
Suitable ages, abilities, level needed for this class: 6-8th grade 
Class fee: $10.00
Maximum number of students in the class: 12
Minimum number of students in the class: 4
Objectives of the class: Since we use logic every day it's important to study it so that we can reason more reliably. As Christians, logic can help us understand and remain in God's truth and prevent us from falling prey to error. Logic can assist our teens in preparation for almost any calling they have in life. In this engaging & interactive class students will learn: 
1.    To become better listeners & speakers as they interact in weekly discussions & activities about the material presented in the text or brought in by the teacher or their peers.    
2.    To be able to identify bad reasoning, put a higher value on good reasoning, & know how to spot fallacies in their own reasoning.
Description of the general class format: Each class period will consist of a combination of activities including discussion of chapters & questions from the text, interactive critical thinking activities, short peer presentations, logic games, and occasional tests. 
Description of enrichment or homework activities: Homework will involve reading short chapters from the book, answering review questions, drilling definitions, seeking out fallacies in daily life & the media, & occasional writing and practicing of 2-3 minute presentations about identified fallacies or bad reasoning. Estimated homework time outside of class is about 2 hours a week. 
Textbook or workbook information: Students will need to purchase the 4th edition of The Fallacy Detective. Other editions may not be used. Activities from The Art Of Argument, Mind Benders, & The Critical Thinking Company will be included, but these resources do not need to be purchased. We will also spend occasional class days playing various logic & critical thinking games. 

Food Science

Teacher:  Deborah Gilcrease

Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed: Junior high students who are ready to learn how to hone cooking skills and practice safety in the kitchen

Class Fee: $25

Maximum number of students:  9

Minimum number of students: 3

Class Objectives:  Students will gain an understanding of the science behind cooking different types of food.  Using step-by-step instructions students will learn proven techniques and then apply them to a recipe.  Learn to cook tastier, more nutritious food using fundamental principles.  Kitchen safety and responsibility (clean up) will be stressed.  

Class Format:  Class time will be spent learning the science behind cooking techniques and take time to put new knowledge to use by completing recipes.

Description of homework Activities:  Occasional homework tasks in the kitchen may be given for homework in order for students to practice new skills.  (Moms read:  Your JH student will cook dinner for you!!)   ; )

Textbook Information:  The Food Lab - Better Home Cooking Through Science by J. Kenji will be the text used it is NOT required for purchase.

 

 

Girls Life Skills

Teacher:  Adondra Betts

Suitable ages, abilities or skill level needed:  JH Girls 

Class Fee: $20 

Maximum number of students: 15

Minimum number of students: 3

Class Objectives:  JH girls will learn both practical and fun skills.  Increase their confidence as well as build friendships with the other girls. Other values of interest are Godliness, Kindness, Responsibility, and Leadership Skills. 
Class Format:  Class will start with prayer, and time will be spent on learning various hands-on skills. 
Description of homework Activities: Students will have very little or no homework. Students may need to bring certain items from home; for which parents will be notified. 
Textbook Information:  No textbook required. 

Boys Life Skills

Teacher:  Erin Blalock
Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed for this class: 6th, 7th, 8th-grade boys
Class Fee: $20 for supplies 
Maximum number of students in the class: 15
Minimum number of students for the class to make: 3
Objectives of this class: Your junior high boy will learn both practical and fun skills.  Increase their confidence as well as build camaraderie with the other boys. Other values of interest are Godliness, Kindness, Responsibility, and Leadership Skills. 
Description of the general class format: Class will start with prayer, and time will be spent on learning various hands-on skills. 
Description of enrichment or homework activities: Students will have very little or no homework. Students may need to bring certain items from home; for which parents will be notified. 
Textbook/workbook information: There is no textbook for life or this course. 

 

 

Summit – Walking in Truth – The Christian Worldview

Walking in Truth will be offered each year with three years of content on a three-year rotation – The Christian Worldview, Competing Worldviews, and Christianity in Action.  These classes do not have to be taken in order
Teacher: Tammy Cannon

Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders

Class Fee: 10 

Maximum number of students: 12

Minimum number of students: 3

Class Objectives:  The Christian Worldview covers answers to the “big questions” about God, the universe, human beings, truth, and morality.  Summit ministries’ focus is to inspire a lasting faith in your children. 
Class Format:  Taking advantage of peer discussion of weekly topics will be the focus of time in class at co-op.  Socratic questioning and engaging activities will be used to help students make connections with biblical truth.  

Description of homework Activities:  Homework will consist of reading assignments and occasional homework questions over the week’s material.  

Textbook Information:  Walking in Truth – The Christian Worldview Student Textbook only is required.  Available at Rainbow Resource https://www.rainbowresource.com/product/034719/Walking-in-Truth-Student-Text-Grade-6.html?

JH/HS Pickleball

Teacher:  Christine Davis

Suitable ages, abilities, or skill level needed: JH/HS Students

Class Fee: $10

Max class: 12

Minimum: 3

Class Objectives:  Pickleball is a game that combines elements of tennis badminton and ping pong.  Students will learn the rules and strategies of this fun game.  Students will practice both singles and doubles play.

Class Format:  Class time will be spent on the tennis courts learning and practicing the game of Pickleball. 

Homework: No homework will be assigned

Required Supplies:  Each student needs to have a pickelball paddle and at least one whiffle ball for class. 

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JH/HS Beginning Swords: (Swords #1)

Instructor:​ Jaci Luebbert
Suitable for:​ JH or High School students, 12 years old and up.  This is for anyone who has never had any sword lessons from me. We will cover Beginner instructions the first semester, and intermediate the second.
Class Fee:​ $30 per semester; (Additional $25 for students without a sword – 1-time fee.)
Maximum class:​ 8

Minimum class:​ 3
Objective:​ ​Students will learn the basic fundamentals of theatrical sword fighting in a fun and safe environment.
Supplies needed:  Gloves (Can be leather work gloves. These can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Walmart. No fingerless gloves or bicycle gloves, etc.)

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Assorted Weapon and Saber: (Swords #2 - Intermediate)

Instructor:​ Jaci Luebbert
Prerequisite: These students needed to have completed the Beginning Swords class as well as Fight Building and Combat.
Class Fee:​ $30 per semester
Maximum class:​ 8

Minimum class:​ 3
Objective: In this class the students will learn to fight with an assortment of different weapons safely and incorporate them in their theatrical fights.
Supplies needed: Gloves (Can be leather work gloves. These can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Walmart. No fingerless gloves or bicycle gloves, etc.)

 

JH/HS Fight Building and Combat: (Swords #3)

Instructor:​ Jaci Luebbert
Prerequisite: These students needed to have completed the Beginning and Intermediate Swords class.
Class Fee:​ $30 per semester
Maximum class:​ 8

Minimum class:​ 3
Objective:​ ​Students will learn more advanced fundamentals of theatrical sword fighting in a fun and safe environment.
Supplies needed: Gloves (Can be leather work gloves. These can be purchased at Tractor Supply or Walmart. No fingerless gloves or bicycle gloves, etc.)

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Art Foundations

Teacher: Lisa White

Suitable Ages/Skill Level: JH/HS Students

Class Fee: $25 per semester

Minim-Max of Students: 3-15

Objects of this Class: This art class will focus on learning of the basic Element of Art and Principles of Design using fun and engaging lessons and projects.

Description of the General Class Format: Weekly lessons and hands-on projects will deepen the students’ knowledge and understanding of art & design, as well as develop their artistic skills and creative expression, In class, students will use a variety of techniques and media to create unique art pieces to take home.  This class will be on a 3-year rotation with the classes of “Art with history” and “Crafty Creators”.

Homework: Homework will be minimal, provided students use class time to work. At the end of the year program, students are to submit at least one project from the year.

Extra class materials: students need a smock or old t-shirt to protect their normal clothing.

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Studio 2

(3 year rotation-current school year 2022/23 ) Students do not have to take Studio 1 in order to enlist in this class.

Fall 2022/ Spring 2023

Teacher: Becky Helvey

Class Fee $35

Class Description

Description of the general class format: This will be a course that will follow a three-year curriculum; Studio 1, Studio 2, and Studio 3. There is no prerequisite to enter the course, only listed in consecutive order so that a student does not repeat a class in the following years at Cottage Garden. The class will be structured with 10 minutes of information/history about an artist followed by about 30 minutes of student exploration in the artist's technique, with the final few minutes used for cleaning up and sharing. The emphasis of the class is exploration. There will be consecutive weeks that we work on the same technique and project. Students will explore a variety of artists, art processes, and materials such as painting, drawing, chalk, mosaics, collage, & printing. The students will use class time exploring and developing skills in this creative endeavor.

Expectations and Goals

The goal of the class is to encourage students in the area of art & creativity while they explore different mediums and techniques. Willingness to get involved in the creative process is a more important requirement than the student’s talent or previous experience. 

Each student is required to submit at least one work for the End of the Year Program.

Course Materials

All supplies will be provided. Cover-ups will be available.  However, students are welcome to bring their own apron/smock/old t-shirt to class

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