LANGUAGE ARTS 2019-20

CLASS TOWN 

JOURNAL WRITING

Taught by Ani Janbazian

We Spark Learning

Wednesdays 

9:00 – 10:00

TARGET: Grades 1-5.

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 14 week semesters – classes begin Sept 18, 2019)

COST PER SEMESTER  (ALL materials provided):

$250 for private pay homeschool families.

$275 for iLead, Epic, Aveson,  Inspire, Sage Oak, Sky Mountain, Summit, Valiant Prep and Excel Academy Charter students. If you don’t see your school listed, please contact us at WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com so we can apply to become a vendor for you.

 

Students become “neighbors” in a crazy Town they help create, where they will experience many events through the year including festivals, natural disasters, community events, unbelievable mishaps and some silly celebrations!  As each town event effects the residents, it will serve as the journal prompt for a creative writing assignment for the week.

 

“For Adopt-a-pet day I chose a…”

“When I ran the charity marathon, I couldn’t believe it when…”

“A meteor crashed into the town square today, and I was so…”

 

Town residents will start by deciding what to name their town and decorating their own home and property. Each student will choose a job that will produce weekly earnings. They can use their income to save and upgrade their home, or enhance their property with decorative and fun items from the marketplace (trampoline, gazebo, bird bath, backyard mini golf, and much more!).  Town residents will talk about and compare stories about the events of the week.  Some drawing, crafts, prize games, and other creative expressions will also be incorporated throughout the year.

 

While the class will have some mini lessons on writing techniques, literary devices, figurative language, and poetry, our focus is not on the formal fundamentals of writing.  The main goal of this class is to motivate kids to put pen to paper to write with enthusiasm and express their ideas in written form.  Journal writing is done during class time, and journal expectations can be varied to adapt to different learning levels and abilities.

 

REGISTRATION: Beginning May 1, 2019 visit the registration page at WeSparkLearning.com.  Open Enrollment continues until classes are full.

Questions? Call (626)482-8963 or email WeSparkLearning@yahoo.com

 

 ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES Literature Classes 

Exploring the world through great authors!

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES are Literature Classes dedicated to reading and discussing literature. We read 2 books a month spending two weeks on each book. The kids read half of the book for the first class and then they complete the book for the second week. Each class we will have an informal yet informative discussion about the book and play fun literary games like Literature Jeopardy.  The main objectives are to create a desire for your child/teen to enjoy great literature, learn how to deepen their understanding of what they are reading, and get comfortable discussing their ideas and opinions in a group setting. They will be learning how to analyze literature in a supportive and fun environment. We will be discussing characters, protagonist/antagonist, plots, setting, themes, genre, point of view narration, conflicts, literary devices like simile, personification, alliteration, metaphor, etc., and vocabulary.
ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES is predominantly a literature discussion class, but your child/teen will also be doing worksheets on literary devices, character development, vocabulary and literature analysis.
CONTACT: Brenda Van Der Loo at vanderloofamily@yahoo.com or text/call 626-482-9793
COURSE DURATION:  1 Year (Two 14 Week Semesters)
BOOKS:  A List of Books for each class is Available Upon Request. Books can be purchased through Carolyn Forte at EIE.
COST:  See Below –

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 7-10

Wednesdays

2:00-3:00 OR

Fridays

11:00 – 12:00

Recommended for 7-10 year olds. The books will be approximately 100-150 pages long and appropriate for 2nd-4th graders.  

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 10-12

Wednesdays  

12:45 – 1:45 OR

Fridays 

12:00 – 1:00

Recommended for 10-12 year olds. The books will be approximately 150-300 pages long and appropriate for 5th-7th graders.

ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES 12-15+

Wednesdays 

4:30 – 5:30

Recommended for 12-15+ year olds (Middle School/ High School). The books will be appropriate for middle school and high school students. This class will be fun and a great way to meet other teens!

WHY HAVE YOUR CHILD PARTICIPATE IN A DISCUSSION LITERATURE CLASS?

•It’s fun!
•Encourages critical thinking
•Develops discussion skills
•Promotes respect for others’ opinions
•Exposes members to broader reading experiences
•Stimulates interest in reading
•Encourages higher academic achievement
•Provides an opportunity to meet new kids and make new friends
•Develops the habit of reading for pleasure and a life-long commitment to learning.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know.  The more you learn,
the more places you’ll go!”  ~ Dr. Seuss
Cost for ARMCHAIR ADVENTURES: 
1) By Semester: $154 – Class fees are due the 1st class of the semester. No refunds will be given for missed classes.
Charters: 
Sky Mountain – Please add a $25 charter school fee per semester
Homeschool Coaches – Please add a $50 charter school fee per semester. (vendor with Golden Valley, Sage Oak, Excel, iLead, Inspire, Gorman, Compass, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Academy of Arts & Sciences)  *If you do not see your school listed, please contact me to get them signed up thru Homeschool Coaches.
CONTACT:  Brenda Van Der Loo Text/Call 626-482-9793 (Cell) or vanderloofamily@yahoo.com

TALKING ADVENTURES

The Only Thing We Have to Fear is Fear Itself . . . . . and Public Speaking!!!

TALKING ADVENTURES

Taught by Brenda Van Derloo

Wednesdays

 3:15 – 4:15

Join us for Public Speaking in a Fun & Supportive Environment!  This will be a fun speech class.
Glossophobia, or fear of public speaking, is the most common phobia. Bring on the heights, spiders, small spaces, and death — just keep the speeches away. As Jerry Seinfeld so aptly put it, “If you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
Public speaking is an important life skill, useful in everything from a job interview to delivering a punch line. The style, setting, and size of the audience may change, but it still comes down to a single speaker commanding attention. Speaking in front of a class can be just as intimidating for kids as it is for adults! So many children grow up with this fear of public speaking. They don’t want to get up in front of a crowd because they are scared of speaking in public. If we get them up practicing (and enjoying) public speaking and build up their confidence as a public speaker, then as they grow, they will be confident in public speaking.  It is an important life skill to develop.
We want to make it fun for our children and if we take the emphasis away from public speaking and move it more towards to having fun then kids are less likely to be afraid of it. So, instead of calling this class Public Speaking or Speech, I am calling it TALKING ADVENTURES. They will play games and do activities that will not be graded to eliminate the fear of failing at something. The purpose of this class is to help children become more confident and help them grow in their skills as public speakers and presenters. My goal is to help your child become more comfortable talking in front of people.  To do this, we will do fun exercises in class. The kids will work in pairs, in small groups and finally in front of the whole class. These public speaking activities will help them become better communicators while having fun at the same time.
Cost for TALKING ADVENTURES:
1) By Semester: $154 – Class fees are due the 1st class of the semester. No refunds will be given for missed classes.
Charters: 
Sky Mountain – Please add a $25 charter school fee per semester
Homeschool Coaches – Please add a $50 charter school fee per semester. (vendor with Golden Valley, Sage Oak, Excel, iLead, Inspire, Gorman, Compass, CA Enrichment Academy, Valiant Prep and Academy of Arts & Sciences)  *If you do not see your school listed, please contact me to get them signed up thru Homeschool Coaches.
CONTACT:  Brenda Van Der Loo Text/Call 626-482-9793 (Cell) or vanderloofamily@yahoo.com

IEW BASED CLASSES

Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons

Writing for Younger Students

Writers Level A

Recommended grade levels 

3 through 5; however, ability dictates

Taught by Lilli Witczak

Mondays

9:00 – 10:00

Enrollment Form

Class begins September 9, 2019

In this Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will survey the civilizations of Sumer, Egypt, Israel, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Asia Minor, and Asia—the people’s ideas, traditions, systems of government, feats, and skills. IEW’s structural units and elements of style are introduced gradually.

 During the course, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, compose creative essays, and more. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn.

 The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in June.

COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.

TEXT BOOK REQUIRED Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons [Student Book only]

By Lori Verstegen

ISBN: 978-1-62341-295-1

Edition/Printing: Fifth Edition, January 2018

Copyright Date: 2008, 2014, 2018

 CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626) 232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com

Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons

Writing for Level B/C

Taught by Lilli Witczak

Recommended grade levels 6 and up, because ability dictates!

Mondays

10:00 – 11:15

Enrollment Form

In this Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will read and write about topics such as the Knights, Vikings, kings, and famous men of the Middle Ages.

From the Anglo-Saxons to the Renaissance, from chivalrous knights to Genghis Khan, students will learn about medieval times while learning to write using IEWs structure and stylistic techniques.

Top of Form

During the course, students will take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, compose creative essays, and more. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn.

The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in June.

 COST: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Plus, a one-time non-refundable registration fee of $25, which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.

TEXT BOOK REQUIRED Medieval History-Based Writing Lessons [Student Book only]

By Lori Verstegen

ISBN: 978-1-62341-311-8

Edition/Printing: Fifth Edition, January 2019

Copyright Date: 2007, 2019

CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626) 232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com

BRITISH LITERATURE

British Literature

Taught by:

Lilli Witczak

Mondays

12:30 – 1:30

Enrollment Form

Recommended grade levels – 8th through 12th

CLASS BEGINS:  September 9, 2019

COURSE DURATION:  1 school year, from September 9 through June 8.

We will be undertaking a college-preparatory course of study designed to introduce students to great literature from the British literary tradition, to teach students to read with discernment, to provide students with tools to strengthen their writing skills, and more. Of course, this includes Miss Lilli’s favorite part – exploring literary devices! Students will benefit from the classroom setting, because they will be able to discuss the books and writing assignments. Plus….we will have a couple of amazing themed tea parties that will be the envy of all!

Books Required:

Daniel Pool: What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew: From Fox Hunting to Whist-The Facts of Daily Life in Nineteenth-Century England (Paperback); 1994 Edition

  • David Copperfield by Charles Dickens
  • Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
  • The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
  • Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
  • The Code of the Woosters by P.G. Wodehouse

This above book list is a minimum goal.

 Fees: $200.00 per semester ($225 if a charter student) plus books.
Plus a one time non-refundable registration fee of $25 which is waived for students whose paid tuition and registration are postmarked before August 1.

CONTACT: Lilli Witczak (626)232-7932 or email at: lilli.witczak@gmail.com

THE ULTIMATE COLLEGE PREP WRITING CLASS

Advanced Speech and Writing

Traditional and Online

College Prep English Class

Taught by: Denis

For an introductory video with the teacher and Marty please click on the link below:
MEET THE TEACHER EIE VIDEO

For a quick video by the instructor about his class please click on the link below:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drm-bTrC4eU

Monday

9:00 – 11:00

VENDOR WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS:

  • Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • California Enrichment Academy
  • Excel Academy
  • Golden Valley
  • Gorman
  • iLead
  • Inspire
  • Sage Oak
  • Sky Mountain

Online classroom is always open. 
Open enrollment during semester.

COST: 

  • $350 per semester for Charter students.
  • $300 for non charter school students.

    This class is offered online as well as in a classroom setting. 

This course covers advanced English communications for students of any age who can handle college preparatory material and is designed to prepare students for university studies and for SAT, ACT and TOEFL exams. Emphasis is placed upon innate language acquisition through immersion and emulation as well as an understanding of grammatical principles.

Writing and speaking skills and techniques are covered and works of the masters of spoken and written English arestudied. The list is flexible depending upon class enthusiasm but has in the past included Shakespeare, Swift, Dickens, Austen, J.S. Mill, Wilde, Shaw, Grahame, Wodehouse, Franklin, Jefferson, Paine, Lincoln, Twain, Fitzgerald, Churchill, King, Buckley, Baldwin and many other surpassingly brilliant but less well known writers and orators. (It is worth noting that one finds among these greats a disproportionately large percentage of homeschoolers.) All works are provided or linked to in the online classroom. College prep skills practiced will include note-taking, research and report writing, advanced vocabulary, language usage, comprehension and grammar. Students will write college admission essays, persuasive essays, SAT essays and reports and will prepare and deliver lectures and persuasive speeches. The class uses the one-room schoolhouse paradigm (See Advantages of the one-room schoolhouse approach to teaching). Please see our Writing Skills Playsheets for a taste of class content and style. Course includes personal instructor attention, traditional classroom/online video sessions, online text, extensive resources, graded compositions, moderated discussion forums and chatrooms.

Online text: SAT, ACT, TOEFL, College Prep English Practice by K. Titchenell.
Many text, audio, and video recording resources will be used and provided free of charge.

CONTACT: K. Titchenell (323) 432-7128
or email: eieclass@abacus-es.com

The Mighty Pen

Taught by:

Denis

Monday

11:00 – 12:00

VENDOR WITH THE FOLLOWING CHARTERS:

  • Academy of Arts and Sciences
  • California Enrichment Academy
  • Excel Academy
  • Golden Valley
  • Gorman
  • iLead
  • Inspire
  • Sage Oak
  • Sky Mountain

COST:  

  • $250.00 per semester. 
  • $200.00 for non charter school students per semester.

Advanced studies in the use of language as a tool to influence,  enlighten, persuade, inspire and deceive.  Students will study the art of the  brilliant writer and orator as well as recognize and detect those of the seasoned huckster and spin artist.


A democratic study of historical examples and original efforts to overcome challenges, change  minds and move mountains, The Mighty Pen will respond to student 
interest in exploring, composing and refining effective prose, poetry and song.

CONTACT:

K. Titchenell (323) 432-7128
or email: eieclass@abacus-es.com