Online Class: Tolkien & Fairy Stories

Update: This live course has concluded and is now available as a recorded course through our Subscription Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows.To subscribe or learn more: Online Catholic Courses

Course Title:
Literature: Tolkien & Fairy Stories
(click on the hyperlink to register)

Course Description:
In this course we will discuss in seminar (discussion) format five short stories by J.R.R. Tolkien in light of his essay called “On Fairy Stories.” The stories are “Smith of Wooton Major,” “Farmer Giles of Ham,” “Leaf by Niggle,” “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,” and “Roverandom.” All five stories and the essay are available in one volume, called Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien. The assignment will be to write your own fantasy story by the end of the six weeks. High school.

It is preferred that students have read Lord of the Rings before coming to this course, but not required.

Fee:
Six-week course for $120.

Dates and Time:
Classes will begin Tuesday, September 15, 2009 and meet every Tuesday through October 20, 2009. The time will begin 8:00 PM Eastern (7:00 Central). The class is one hour 15 minutes.

Enrollment Period:
Enrollment is currently open and will close when the class is filled. (Maximum 15 students.)

Course Materials Needed by Students:
Tales from the Perilous Realm by J. R. R. Tolkien

Equipment requirements:
Because this is a discussion course, students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with a microphone. If you do not own a headset, you can find them for a reasonable price at Amazon.

Course Access:
All Homeschool Connections courses are recorded and available to registered students for up to six months.


Professor's Biography:
Dr. Robert F. Gotcher most recently served as Associate Professor of Systematic Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the home schooling of his children, especially in the junior high and high school years. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts.

Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1991 and his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002. In his adult life he has done everything from volunteering with the poor in Appalachia, to religious education and youth ministry, to desktop publishing and computer related responsibilities at a law firm. At the seminary he taught introduction to theology, the doctrine of God, one and three, theological anthropology (creation, sin, redemption, grace, four last things), life principles, and human sexuality and has given public presentations on Vatican II, the encyclicals of the pope, social justice, life issues, human sexuality and the theology of the body. His publications focus on family issues, lay spirituality and issues related to the Second Vatican Council. He is involved in the secular Franciscan order, home schooling, and pro-life activities in the Milwaukee area and nationally.

Dr. Gotcher blogs at Heart, Mind & Strength, Classic Catholic and Love2Learn.

Click here to learn about other homeschool online classes.

The Mass Explained for Teenagers

Update: This live course has concluded and is now available as a recorded course through our Subscription Service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows.To subscribe or learn more: Online Catholic Courses

Dr. Robert Gotcher will be teaching a 6-week online class for high school students on the beauty of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. This is an awesome opportunity for Catholic students, whether they attend public school, private school or home school, to learn directly from a college theology professor who also has a deep love for the Church.

Course Description:
n order to participate fully in the Mass, we need to understand it better. The Bible provides many images and ideas that are the basis for the structure and prayers of the Mass. This course looks at these Biblical ideas and explains how they are realized and fulfilled in the celebration of the Mass. Some of the images include the Trinity; temple, priest and sacrifice; the Passover and the Exodus; and the bridegroom/bride. In this course we will look closely at the prayers and structure of the Mass in light of these images and ideas. This course will not require written assignments. It will involve reading from the Bible. High school.

Fee: $90

Registration:
Go to Theology: The Mass Explained. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Register button and then follow the instructions. We take Visa and Master Card. If you prefer to pay by check, or have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Maureen Wittmann.

Course Materials Needed by Students:
A Catholic Bible and missal.

Dates and Time:
This is a six-week course. Classes will begin Wednesday, September 16, 2009 and meet every Wednesday through October 21, 2009. The time will begin 8:00 PM Eastern Time (7:00 Central) and last one hour.

Enrollment Period:
Enrollment is currently open and will close on September 15, 2009.

Homework:
There is no graded homework for The Mass Explained.

Misc. Details:
Dr. Gotcher will be available via email in between classes to answer questions and take comments.

Recordings of the classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.

Equipment Requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet. A headset with microphone is required. You can find them reasonably price at Amazon. To check your connection with the online classes visit: http://www.webex.com/lp/jointest/.

Professor's Biography:
Dr. Robert F. Gotcher most recently served as Associate Professor of Systematic Studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. He and his wife, Kathy, are raising their seven children in Franklin, Wisconsin. Dr. Gotcher has been actively involved in the home schooling of his children, especially in the junior high and high school years. He has taught Latin, literature, physics, astronomy, and religion to homeschooled students. He has a special devotion to the classical trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, especially as they pertain to the written arts.

Dr. Gotcher graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1981 with a B.A. in the Program of Liberal Studies. He received his M.A. in Theology of the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1991 and his Ph.D. from Marquette University in 2002. In his adult life he has done everything from volunteering with the poor in Appalachia, to religious education and youth ministry, to desktop publishing and computer related responsibilities at a law firm. At the seminary he taught introduction to theology, the doctrine of God, one and three, theological anthropology (creation, sin, redemption, grace, four last things), life principles, and human sexuality and has given public presentations on Vatican II, the encyclicals of the pope, social justice, life issues, human sexuality and the theology of the body. His publications focus on family issues, lay spirituality and issues related to the Second Vatican Council. He is involved in the secular Franciscan order, home schooling, and pro-life activities in the Milwaukee area and nationally.

Other Courses Taught by Dr. Gotcher:
Literature: Tolkien & Fairy Stories
Theology: Catholic Spiritual Writers

Preparing Future Voters, Part Two

In yesterday's post, Maria Rioux mentioned the importance of teaching economics in preparing our children to be leaders in this country. Another important course along this vein is Political Science: Democracy, Government, & Citizenship.

Note that as of today there are only 5 seats left for this course.

American government has been called the most radical experiment in self-governing in human history based on its unique system of democracy and citizen involvement. Learn how the fundamental elements of American government are supposed to work, how they actually work, and the role and responsibility each citizen has in our government and our future.

Preparing Future Voters

From Maria Rioux, homeschool mom:

I want to make sure you all know about a terrific opportunity to study the principles of economics in light of Catholic social teaching. Our friend, Dr. David Harris, is teaching an online class, aimed at high school students but open to others, on the subject. David is a committed Catholic, and somewhat unique among economists in that he includes a study/discussion/application of Catholic Social teaching in his class. Given all the policy changes/economic troubles our country is facing, this would be a great way to prepare those future voters to make prudent and faithful choices ... and back them up with a solid grasp of the principles one ought to use when considering these things.

To help you decide whether this class would be a good fit for you and whether you like David as much as we do :), you might want to view the recorded webinar: Meet and Greet the Economics Professor.

Here's a brief description of the class:

Economics with Catholic Principles
This course is intended to introduce students to fundamental concepts of economics. We will develop the use of economic reasoning to answer basic economic questions in a rational manner. It also aims to provide a thorough understanding of many economic concepts, including marginal analysis, demand and supply, and market equilibrium analysis. The class is intended to assist students in using critical thinking to solve problems. A series of applications will often accompany the course material. In addition, the class will include a brief review of Catholic Social Teaching and its role within the economic realm.

Homeschooling with Real Books

Here are links to free webinars from our series: For the Love of Literature:

Bringing Joy to Your Homeschool Science and Math Lessons
Bringing an Appreciation of Art and Music to Your Homeschool
How to Teach History with Real Books

These webinars are loaded with lots of book ideas & practical advice for implementing living books into your classroom.

As with all Homeschool Connections recorded webinars, make sure to click on the video and chat icons in the top right corner after the recording starts to get the full effect.

Homeschool Planning and Organization

Do you have all your ducks in a row?

The first day of school is just around the corner. Are you scrambling to get your curriculum plan together? Have you been putting off getting the classroom organized? Are you still wondering what you're going to do for high school science? Well, we're here to help. To find high school online classes, click here.

And here are links to free webinars on homeschool planning and organization:
Prayerfully Reflecting on Last Year
Prayerfully Planning for Next Year
Choosing Worthwhile Homeschool Materials
Time Management for Moms 101
Homeschool Organization 102
Organizing Your Classroom 101

Free Webinar: Paying for College Without Breaking the Bank

Addendum:
The live webinar was fantastic. Katherine shared a lot of practical advice for us. You can watch the recording at: Pay for College Without Breaking the Bank. Make sure to bring along pen and paper so you can take lots of notes.

Whether your children are little or in high school, this is an important webinar to attend. If you can't make it, don't worry as all Homeschool Connections webinars are recorded and you can watch at a later date. I'll post the link here as soon as it's filed.

However, if you can make to the live event it's ever so much better as you can interact with the speaker and get your questions answered.

Paying for College Without Breaking the Bank

Date: Thursday, August 27, 2009
Time: 8:30 Eastern (7:30 Central)
Length: 90 minutes

Description:
This webinar will teach you how to document your child's achievements so colleges will recognize them. Additionally, it will cover admissions and college selection. Financial aid basics will be explained next, including the kinds and sources of aid, as well as the forms involved. Funding strategies will also be introduced.

If you want your child to go to a Newman Guide college, you need a funding plan. If you don't know what the Newman Guide is, come and learn how to find authentically Catholic colleges.

Presenter:
Katherine O'Brien
Katherine is an eleven-year homeschool veteran with six children. She earned her BS Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MA Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville.

She founded Celtic College Consultants in 2004 and has been helping students and their families make their college dreams come true without breaking their banks.

Katherine holds the Certified College Planning Specialist designation from the NICCP. NICCP advisers are professionals with extensive training and continuing education in college financial planning. She also belongs to the Western Association for College Admissions Counseling. She has expertise both in admissions and college funding.

Catholic Homeschool Mom Bible Study

Register for Meet & Greet Webinar

Register for Bible Study for Homeschool Moms

Is it a challenge for you to make it to your local Bible study or prayer group? Attend a mother’s study group in the comfort of your home! Join other homeschooling mothers for an online interactive webinar twice a month as we prayerfully reflect on and discuss a book selection designed to inspire us and challenge us in our vocations. Emily Crawford and Jenny Bales will be co-leading this exciting new group!

This fall’s selection is Chosen and Cherished: Biblical Wisdom for Your Marriage by Kimberly Hahn. This is the first in her series of Bible studies based on Proverbs 31. This particular book focuses specifically on verses 10-12. Her audio series on Proverbs 31, More Precious Than Jewels: How to Be a Godly Wife and Mother, has been extremely popular among Catholic and all Christian mothers for well over a decade! Our discussions on this book will be united by our common vocation as homeschooling mothers. In our busy days as mothers and teachers of our children, sometimes our husbands can be overlooked or unappreciated. It is our hope that this study group will inspire each of us to place a new priority on our marriage, giving our children one of the most valuable lessons we can, as we witness the beauty of a holy marriage.

Every other Thursday evening, September 3 through November 12, we will gather in prayer to discuss two chapters of the book, which mothers are asked to read before each meeting. The discussion questions at the back of the book will provide structure for our conversations. Mothers are asked to participate both in the online chat and audio components of the technology, so it is requested that each mother have a headset with microphone. A donation of $10.00 to a Scholarship Fund sponsored by Homeschool Connections will ensure committed participation by the mothers throughout the sessions. (This donation will be donated to a scholarship fund that will benefit Catholic homeschool students attending Catholic universities. Due to services rendered this is not tax deductible.)

You can sign up below for the study group now and/or sign up to attend a free informational Meet & Greet Webinar on Thursday, August 20 at 8:30PM ET to learn more about the technology and the group. Please contact Emily and Jenny at heartofacatholicmom@gmail.com with any questions.

Register for Meet & Greet Webinar

Register for Bible Study for Homeschool Moms

Free NASA Goodies for Homeschooled Kids

Last week Domenico Ruggiero gave an awesome webinar on his work at NASA. It was a wonderful learning experience for my family. The great news is that the webinar was recorded and you can watch it yourself at: One Small Step for Parents, One Giant Leap for Homeschool Kids: Insights from a NASA Engineer.

If you have a child with the least bit interest in aerospace, astronomy or engineering, you absolutely should not miss this one.

PLUS, Domenico arranged with NASA to give away all kinds of neat NASA goodies -- posters, decals, rulers, and more. To receive these giveaways drop Domenico an email. He'll email back a form so you can choose what you would like to receive. But don't wait! The deadline is August 19, 2009.