Explorers Home School Association

A co-op for the whole family

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1ST/2ND GRADE CLASSES
Team leader Rachael Varblow
 
 1st Hour2nd Hour 3rd Hour
Beginning Ballet Great Composers and Great Kids' ChoirLet's Experiment with Science!
Creative Gifts Healthy Kids, Safe KidsPicturing America

Drama for the Young

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Private Guitar

Introduction to Worship Dance (2nd only)

 

Private Guitar

 
Twelve Great Americans

Private Guitar

   
Violin Group Class Books 1-2-Two Grenadiers   
  
  
  

1st hour (8:55-9:55)

EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Beginning Ballet
Discipline:
Dance
Grade Level:
Ages 5 through 10 (Younger with permission from instructor)
Instructor:
Darlene Morin
Tuition:
$70 plus $10 costume fee (per semester)
Class Size:
6 – 15
Class Length:
Two semesters, new students may join second semester
Curriculum:
Classical Ballet
Homework:
Minimal practice
Prerequisites:
None
Class Description:
Students will learn the beautiful art of ballet. Classes include the ballet positions, steps, and terminology of ballet, good posture, ports de bras, demi pliés, point and close, balancing & eye focus, Also the ballet walk, group dancing, creative movements, rhythm, fun exercises, centre work, and combinations.  Students should wear ballet shoes, leotard & tights or cotton shorts and t-shirts, with hair up and tidy. Students will perform in the Extravaganza.  Children will keep their costumes.
Instructor Bio:
Darlene Morin is an Education graduate of EMU specializing in early development education. She trained in Classical ballet at the Randazzo studio in Ann Arbor. Darlene has been a member of the Ann Arbor German Park Traditional German Dance group since the age of 10 and spent several years as their instructor of the Klinekinder group of dancers. Darlene enjoys working with prospective young ballerinas.

EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Creative Gifts
Grade Level:
K4/5-2nd
Instructor:
Jenifer Andrews
Tuition:
$15, material fee: $40
Class Size:
4 minimum, 12 maximum
Class Length:
12 weeks
Homework:
none (unless they want to add embellishments to their project at home)
Class Description:
The students will learn how to make the simplest projects into the neatest gifts. Some project areas to be included are coffee cups, fabric painted bags, Christmas ornaments, wooden ships, cards, candy, wreaths, & center pieces.
Instructor Bio:
Jenifer Andrews is a sophomore at EMU and was homeschooled her whole life up until she entered EMU.  She is a graduate of Explorers and has taught previous Explorers classes including some in art.

EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION

Course Title:
Drama for the Young

Grade Level:
1st-6th grade
Instructor:
Shelly Smith
Tuition:
$90
Class Size:
18
Class Length:
1 semester
Homework:
none
Class Description:
Step right up, join Drama for the Young and be the STAR! Join us for a semester of fun-filled, information packed, skill building classes.  Classes will focus on strengthening skills, learning and practicing new techniques and gearing up for a mid- scale production in the fall of 2009. Plan now for a showcase of talent during our last class for family and friends!  No experience is necessary to join, just a desire to learn, have fun and make memories for a life time. Students will gain insight into method acting, imagination play, and improvisation. Each student will be able to participate at their own comfort level.
Instructor Bio:

Shelly began her theater career at the tender age of five, and has not stopped acting since.  She has been the recipient of many theatrical awards including “Best Actress” from the Livingston County Press and Cornerstone University.  Shelly has starred in such major productions as “Noises Off,” “Our Town,” and the one woman show—“Shirley Valentine.”  To her writing credit are several children’s plays and short stories.  Shelly holds a BA degree in theater, speech, and communication from Siena Heights University, and is a licensed teacher.  In 2001, Shelly began the Mason Youth Theater, a non-profit children’s theater that provides every child with an opportunity to operate in their God-given talents and giftings.  Shelly teaches from the heart with an M&M philosophy—making meaning & memories in the lives of children through theater.  Shelly also believes that children learn best in their natural state of movement and that the best lessons learned by children are through play.  

 

Shelly came to know the Lord as personal Savior at the age of four through a Child Evangelism outreach on the carnival and has been serving Him since then in any capacity to which He calls her.   Shelly’s love for children and her call to empower them with God’s gift of communication is what ignites a fire within her and keeps her charging forward!  Shelly and her husband Michael live in Mason and have two beautiful children and three crusty cats.


EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION

Course Title:
Introduction to Worship Dance

Grade Level:
2nd-5th
Instructor:
Sarah Polk
Tuition:
$20 plus $10 materials
Class Size:
4-10
Class Length:
1 semester
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Students should come with an eager desire to use their talents to glorify God with dance. Students at all levels of experience are welcome since basic ballet instruction will be given in order to prepare a dance to Christian worship music (music to be decided). This will be performed at the Christmas Extravaganza.

Instructor Bio:

Sarah is a Junior in High School and has been dancing for 13 years. She is currently enrolled in the Pre-Professional program at CAS Ballet Theatre School. She has danced with the Peter Sparling Youth ensemble and trained with Ballet Magnificat! in Jackson, MS. She is also in the St. Luke’s worship dance troupe under Tricia Wise and has been ever since age eight. She has been home-schooled all her life and she loves it!


EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:

Private Guitar

Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf 
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student.

For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background.  Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice.  The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles.  Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student

Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years.  He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular  interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.


EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION

Course Title:
Violin Group Class Books 1-Book 2—Two Grenadiers
Discipline:
Music-instrumental
Grade Level:
Elementary, MS
Instructor:
Julie Toshach
Tuition:
$42 first child/$30 all other siblings /$10 materials
Class Size:
4-12
Class Length:
1 hour
Curriculum:
Suzuki Violin Repertoire Books 1-2
Homework:
Practice —there will be two concerts scheduled outside class time
Prerequisites:
Permission of instructor/must be enrolled in private lessons
Class Description:
Group violin class emphasizing ensemble playing, music theory, reading and rhythm games.  Fall semester working toward a Christmas concert; Spring semester ending with a group performance— joined by the advanced violin class. The group concerts will be outside of class time.

Instructor Bio:
Julie Toshach holds a BA in Music from SUNY at Plattsburgh and is certified for Suzuki Books 1- 10 by the Suzuki Assoc. of the Americas.

She has taught violin for over 25 years.


2nd hour (10:00 - 10:55)

Grade Level:
1st/ 2nd
Hour:
2nd
Course Title:
Great Composers and Great Kids’ Choir
Instructor:
Julie Fitch and Ela Hammond
Class Fee:
$12
Class Description:
Which famous composer had a secret hideout in the woods? How many children did Bach have? (Hint: more than 15!)  Come learn the answers to these questions and more as we look into the lives of 12 Great Composers.  We will listen and move with their music, hear interesting stories of their lives and explore their home countries.

Along with enjoying the classics, students will experience the delight of singing together. We will work on a variety of songs including folk and scripture songs as well as rounds. Some music reading activities will be included. Students will be encouraged to practice at home.  We plan to perform in the Extravaganza.


Grade Level:
1st/2nd
Hour:
2nd
Course Title:
Healthy Kids, Safe Kids
Instructor:
Shelly Smith and Danelle Hill
Class fee:
$12
Class Description:
Join us for a great time learning about health, safety and nutrition.  We'll learn which foods are best for us and which to avoid.  We'll make our own food pyramids, prepare healthy snacks, discuss and practice good exercise habits, and learn about and practice good hygiene.  We will learn to identify community helpers; safety signs and rules that help us make wise choices.  We will explore our five senses, our skeletal & muscular systems and how wonderfully God made us.   This will all be active and lots of fun!


Grade Level:
1st/2nd
Hour:
2nd
Course Title:
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Instructor:
Kim Pawlowski and Christine Fierek
Class Fee:
$20
Class Description:

We will cultivate your child's curiosity by learning about birds, bees, and blossoms. This backyard science class will feature plant structure, seeds, composting, attracting wildlife, and much more. A healthy garden theme snack will be provided each week.


EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION

Course Title:
Private Guitar

Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf 
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student.

For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background.  Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice.  The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles.  Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student

Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years.  He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular  interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.


3rd hour (11:00 - 11:55)

Grade Level:
1st/2nd
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Let’s Experiment with Science!
Instructor:
Stacy Maurer
Class Fee:
$12
Class Description:
This class will consist of at least one science experiment each week.  Throughout the semester the experiments will involve physical, life and earth science.  These experiments will help the students in their understanding of some of the fundamentals of science.  Each child will be actively involved in the experiments throughout the semester.  The students will learn science terms and skills during each experiment.

 

Some of the topics covered may include:  simple machines, gravity, living and non-living, life cycles, parts and needs of plants, classification, rocks and minerals, electricity and magnetism, the water cycle, light, heat and matter.


Grade Level:
1st/2nd
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Picturing America
Instructor:
Liz Pothen and Mary Fletcher
Class Fee:
$18
Class Description:
In this class your child will study some of the great American masterpieces.  We will view beautiful paintings, statues, pottery, and more.  These works of art will be the inspiration for exploration into history, architecture and literature.
Using the same curriculum as the 3rd/4th and 5th/6th classes of the same
name, we will tailor this class for the younger grades with more hands on
activities to bring learning to life.

EXPLORERS' PROFESSIONAL CLASS DESCRIPTION
Course Title:
Private Guitar
Discipline:
music
Grade Level:
1st -12th
Instructor:
Aaron Wolf 
Tuition:
$220 for 1/2 hour lesson, $396 for hour; 3 or more students $140
Class size:
Private 1/2 hour lessons, private full hour lessons OR a group class of 3-6 is possible. For the group class students need to sign up together with fellow students they have contacted and decided will work well together, SEE DESCRIPTION. Please call Julia Cooper at 734-944-9317 to discuss before sign-up if you have organized such a group for first, second, or third hour.
Class Length:
One semester
Curriculum:
Syllabus is tailored to fit the learning style, musical interest, and pace that is appropriate to each student.
Homework:
Daily practice (15-30 minutes or more)
Prerequisites:
none
Class Description:
Individual instruction is ideal for aspiring guitarists at any level. Styles may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk... contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student.

For Group Class: To sign up for this class option, students are asked to find fellow students with similar enough interests, motivation, and background.  Ideally, they might even live close enough to meet sometimes during the week between classes for extra practice.  The group should coordinate and sign up together for their preferred class hour. Classes may include classical, experimental/creative, jazz, blues, rock, folk, or exploration of many different styles.  Contact the teacher with any particular questions. Students will need the following: Appropriate size guitar with case or padded bag, music stand for home practice, guitar tuner and metronome (ideally combination unit). Other materials including book(s) or other accessories may be suggested as applicable to each student

Instructor Bio:
Aaron graduated from EMU, 2004 with a degree in classical guitar performance. A dedicated teacher, he has been teaching for over 10 years.  He has experience performing and composing both solo and in a pop/rock band but is now focused primarily on teaching. He has particular  interest in the physics and psychology of music and believes in critical understanding of musical experience beyond studying only traditional styles and techniques. Aaron's teaching is aimed toward enabling students to be thoughtful, critical, creative, curious, and self-motivated.

Grade Level:
1st/2nd
Hour:
3rd
Course Title:
Twelve Great Americans
Instructor:
Kim Simon
Class Fee:
$2
Class Description:
Take a trip through American history by focusing on twelve of our brightest and best.  Each week will focus on a different person.  We’ll read great books, do fun crafts and activities that will tie in with the readings, and make the great Americans really come to life. 


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