SOCIAL STUDIES 2024-25

• Where did it come from?
• Has it been changed?
• Does it have errors?
• Does it still hold up today?

n Apologetics I we covered science and Christianity as well as som other religions.  

With Apologetics II we will investigate the various major religions of the world and do a side by side comparison to Christianity.  At the end of the class you will be equiped to handle any discussion between the various major religions of the world.

THIS IS A FREE CLASS.

CONTACT:  mARTY OR cAROLYN (626) 821-0025 OR JUST DROP ON IN.

Grades 7-12

Cost:

• $250.00 for private pay per semester and
• $300.00 for charter schools.  
• $25.00 deposit  towards tuition is requested to hold your spot in the class. 
• Charter funds accepted and A-G aligned.

“We are not the makers of history.  We are made by history.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

This course will be a thoughtful exploration of the events that created our modern world, from the Columbian exchange through the year 2000.  Topics will include the Protestant Reformation and the Glorious Revolution, the Gunpowder Empires, the Age of Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and evolution of world markets, revolution and developments in South America and Mexico, colonization and de-industrialization, the Russian Revolution, the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War and the Postwar world, and the struggle of Apartheid in South Africa.  Class time will include short lectures, discussions, role playing, and interactive games to keep students engaged.  Grade is based ⅓ on quizzes and ⅔ on short papers and preparing for class discussion.  Students taking the class for A-G credit need to choose between doing a term paper or taking the final exam; optional for other students.

 Textbooks: Diary of Lena Mukhina translated by Amanda Love Darragh and Conversations with Myself by Nelson Mandela.  Both can be purchased as used books.  We will also be reading from the World History For Us All project at UCLA, which is freely available online.  Printed copies can be ordered for students who enroll in the course by June 15.  The more students who want a printed version the cheaper the price, so pricing will be available in June once we know how many are potentially interested.  Other printed reading, exercises, and games will be handed out as student readers every several weeks in class, at no additional charge.

• $300.00 Private
• $350.00 Charter

This is a one semester course.

AGE:  High School

COST: 

• $300.00 Personal funds
• $350.00 Charter

• Phone number: 408-512-0443
• Email: teacher.mrs.reyes@gmail.com

GRADES:  6 – 12

Did you know that Geography is everything?  It covers places, landforms, history, cultures, music, languages, religions, astronomy and even math?

Learn every state and country in the world and lots of important information about them through games!  We will play a variety of games every week from Carolyn’s vast collection of geography card and board games and the National Geographic Geography Bee.

Note:  This class can count for High School Credit; ask Carolyn for information.

Cost:

FREE

OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!

Appropriate for grades K-8.  Older music lovers are welcome! Younger children are welcome with a parent.

 Traditional American songs, which include folk songs from around the world, were once known by every schoolchild.  Although they are foundational to an understanding of American literature, culture and history, our public schools dropped almost all of them in the 1970s, along with the fun and historical understanding they include.

In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the history/stories behind them.  We will do a lot of singing, clapping and moving with great music while learning about American History.   Carolyn majored in Music History and has been a song leader for several decades.  End your week with music, fun and history!

COST:  $100 per semester (ask about family discounts)

Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025

CLASS BEGINS:  September 2024

COURSE DURATION:  1 school year, from September 2024 through May 2025.

In this Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will learn about the Ivan the Terrible, the American and French revolutions, the invention of the telegraph, and more while IEW’s structural units and elements of style are introduced gradually.

 During the course, students will learn to 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: $250.00 per semester ($275 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Miss Lilli is a vendor for: Sky Mountain, ILEAD, Excel Academy, Sage Oaks, Golden Valley, Gorman, Inspire, and more.

We Spark Learning

by:  Ani Janbazian

TARGET: Grades 2nd-5th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

What made Mozart a musical prodigy?

How did Marie Curie’s development of X-ray’s change medicine forever?

How many lives were saved because of Harriet Tubman’s commitment to the Underground Railroad?

Why is Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa one of the most famous painting of all time?

How did the Wright Brothers success impact transportation and modern air travel?

Journey through the life and legacies of some of histories most notable people, with video episode-inspired, discussion and hands-on explorations.  Meet the scientists and inventors who changed how we live through their innovation, technology and contributions to medicine.  Wonder at the creative genius of some of the worlds most talented musicians, artists and writers. Learn about formidable leaders and patriots that fought for their people, their freedom or a new way of thinking.  Follow the adventures of explorers who charted the earth, and made history with their discoveries.

Inspired by video cartoon biography series’ World Ahoy , Now You Know About , and Sung History and more,  classes will include:

• one or two educational cartoon biographies
• video comprehension guide
• weekly hands-on creative activities

Notable people will include*

Leonardo Da Vinci, Magellan, Marie Curie, Vincent Van Gogh, Mahatma Gandhi, Dimitri Mendeleev, William Shakespeare, Susan B. Anthony, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison/Nikola Tesla, George Washington Carver, Marco Polo, Caravaggio, Harriet Tubman,  Alexander Fleming, Zheng He, Amadeus Mozart,  Claude Monet, Ada Lovelace, Alexander the Great, Louis Pasteur, Wright Brothers, Isaac Newton, Cleopatra, Vasco De Gama, Galileo

*subject to change

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

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

TARGET: Grades 1st-5th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288.00 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

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

 “Swarms of bees overtook the town, and I…“

“The highlight of the festival was one daring performer who…“

“The wagon unhitched sending us barreling into the…”

Town residents will start by deciding what to name their town and decorating their own home and property. Each student will choose a historic job that will produce weekly earnings. They can use their income to save and upgrade their home, or buy or barter for additions to the property from the marketplace.  Each student will get a chance to be crowned “Royal of the Day” , and 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 to fit our Medieval theme.

 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 INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

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

TARGET:  Grades 3th-6th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288.00 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

Imagine…

…an underwater nation where residents live in bio-domes, and use candy for money.

…a rock n’ roll republic where music starts each day and the president looks like Elvis.

…a kingdom whose citizens wear shades of purple, and travel by unicorn.

…a gamer state where video game scores translate to real money in the bank.

In this class, students can mastermind, invent, develop, and design their very own nation and culture.  Micronations are imaginary countries that have many of the same things as real ones: laws, customs, culture and history – even their own flags, coins, and stamps.

 Step by step, using examples from real nations, other micronations, and fictional lands, students will establish a government, create a language and distinctive clothing, initiate unique holidays, print a currency, write a constitution, and so much more.

 Dynamic discussions and hands-on activities will explore:

• Government
• Political Systems
• Language
• National Symbols
• History
• Geology & Resources
• Physical Geography
• Economy
• Currency
• Citizenship
• Infrastructure:
• Transportation & Communication
• Cultural Identity:
• Food, Art, Music, Clothing, Pastimes, Holidays

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

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

TARGET:  Grades 5th-8th

COURSE DURATION: 1 year (two, 13 week semesters) begins Sept 11th

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER

$288.00 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Upon registration, you will be provided with a simple materials list of some basic school and household supplies that will be needed for class.

 Join a classroom expedition to discover lost cities, buried riches, world antiquities, sunken fortunes, valuable art, and precious collectibles. Using fascinating film footage and first-hand accounts, you’ll dive into history and culture to uncover treasures from around the globe.

 You’ll explore the long-lost gold and jewel mines, vintage heirlooms, the spoils of war, religious icons, forgotten manuscripts, Jurassic fossils, hidden Hollywood mysteries and more through the thrill seeking, true history DVD video series narrated by Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) “The Hunt for Amazing Treasures”.

 Each week, you’ll uncover the hidden item of the week, watch how it was recovered, record your findings in Adventurer’s Logbook, chart it on a map, then embark on your own classroom quest, treasure hunting to seek out a prize chest of delights!

 This class captures the imagination  and engages students across multiple subjects combining history, cultural studies, geography and…curiosity!

 Our discoveries will include the following in addition to a deeper dive into related topics:

• Sunken Riches: The Maravillas and Atocha Galleon Ships, The 1715 Fleet, Titanic’s Deck Chair, Steamship Arabia
•  Heroes and Masters: Beethoven’s Lost Manuscript, George Washingtons Pages, Charles Lindbergh Trunk, Hidden Heade Paintings
•  Hollywood Collectibles:The Stolen Oscar, Oz Costume Caper, The Maltese Falcon Statue, Frankensteins Film Poster
•  Minerals and Mining: Emerald City, Gem Mountain, Mars Meteorite
•  Buried Treasure: Dinosaur Digs, Karst Caves, Roman Coin Hoards, Lost City of Ubar
•  And more!

 REGISTRATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

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

TARGET: Grades 9th-12th grade

START DATE: Begins Sept 11th

COURSE LENGTH: This class is TWO semesters long (13 weeks each, Sept – Dec then Jan-May)

ABOUT PAYMENTS: Although you enroll for one semester at a time to make payment easier, please plan for a full year (Sept-May) unless you have extraordinary circumstances come about.  Semester 2 payment will be requested and due following winter break.

COST PER SEMESTER :

$350.00 (discount given to those who pay for class in full on day of registration).

We are an approved vendor for most area Charter schools. If not, we’ll contact you to start the vendor process for your school!

Mona Lisa – she’s been kidnapped!

Fake police make an arresting choice to steal a Rembrandt!

“The Scream” is silently taken – twice!

Robbers raid and run-off with Renoirs!

Pesky pilferer pinches Pablo Picasso’s “Le Pigeon aux Petits Pois”!

Students 9-12th grade will go behind-the-scenes of these stories ripped straight from the headlines,  of the  most notorious crimes of the art world.

 You’ll “meet” the criminal masterminds and investigate the psychology behind their twisted motives and just how they pulled it off!

 Study the masterpieces at the heart of each felony, and explore the significant artists, art movements, and museums involved, that each made their own mark in history.  Using the action filled true-crime documentary series “Art of the Heist” and select readings from art crime texts, you will discover the elaborate scams, stings, and bold hustles of thieves and forgers who infiltrate the high-priced world of rare art works.

 ThIs class captures the imagination, and engages students across multiple subjects, combining art history and culture with elements of criminology, sociology and psychology.

 REGISTRATION

PRIVATE PAY REGISTRATION: Starting April 30th at 8pm, complete the private payment registration form available here.

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

GRADES 7 – 10

COST: $250.00

This class will follow the timeline of Architectural History as it parallels the history of the world, the country and locally. By looking at the relationship between the development of Architecture over time and the factors that influence it we can better understand all forms of culture such as transportation, arts. entertainment, fashion, lifestyle, communication, furniture, business etc.

We will travel through time starting with Native Americans and ending in present day to see how each era is its own testament to Architecture and how different Architects and ethnicities contribute to that story.

Class activities will use such things as nature and Froebel blocks to influence artistic vision and awareness – that basic geometric shapes are found within the outer shape of everything. Once a month there will be an optional field trip to visit actual buildings, neighborhoods and districts to explore Architectural characteristics and styles and the hidden history that surrounds all of us every day.

Students will take away a new sense of appreciation for the hidden history that surrounds us and the need for its preservation.

Inquires & Information         cindrabarnes@yahoo.com or

                                                           TEXT ONLY 909-993-2203

Register                                         At the above contact info