Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Online Summer School: Middle to High School

You now have access to a series of live, interactive summer classes! This gives your child a head start on the school year, for success! You can also take our recorded classes at your convenience for independent learning at your own pace.

We design our live summer classes for summer ease.
-- Inexpensive to help you save on your school budget.
-- 4 classes a week for 1 or 2 weeks, instead of spreading them over 4 to 8 weeks ... less chance of classes interfering with vacation, 4-H fair, etc.
-- Keeps learning alive so that fall school work doesn't knock you out in the first weeks
-- Prepares you for success for the next school year by giving you the basic tools you need to build an academic foundation.

Register for these today! Register before April 1st for a generous discount!

Click on title ...

If you prefer recorded courses for independent summer learning, Click Here: Unlimited Access!  We call this service Unlimited Access! because your whole family has access to ALL of our recorded courses for just one low fee.
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Monday, February 27, 2012

Punctuation and Grammar for Middle and High School

We've created two new essential courses just for you!

In response to your needs (through student and parental feedback), we've added two new short courses this semester designed to help you get what you need right away:

(click on course title to register or learn more)

These specialty courses focus on polishing punctuation and grammar skills -- taking care of those bothersome details that get in the way of your student's good writing.

Scroll down to learn more about Essential Punctuation and Grammar for Middle School and Essential Punctuation and Grammar for High School, and how you can sign up now.

Please share these new courses with your friends and families on email and Facebook. The classes will be here before you know it, and we'd love for all Catholic homeschoolers to be able to take advantage, to "get your student ahead."

(click on the course title to register)

Class dates: Mondays, April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21
Total classes: six
Starting time: 12 noon Eastern (11:00 am Central)
Duration: 45 minutes
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade
Fee: $75 for all 6 classes
Instructor: EB Conroy, MA
Course description: This is an essential writing course for all middle school students. If you want to give your middle school student confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well, then this is the course for you. Don’t let your student struggle with commas or wonder which tense to use. Make sure that your middle school student completely understands how to correctly use a semicolon, colon, and grammar.
Course outline:
Class 1: Solid commas in a series and comas with conjunctions
Class 2: Solid commas within clauses and tough constructions
Class 3: Solid tense, competing punctuation, and quotations
Class 4: Sticky-pair sentence construction (if-then, not only-but also) and tough grammar
Class 5: Using colons and semicolons correctly
Class 6: Introducing tricky punctuation details and end punctuation
Course materials: Everything is provided free online from Professor Brown Conroy.
Homework: Weekly quizzes to help students practice skills learned in class. Automatically graded by the computer.


(click on course title to register)


Class dates: Mondays, April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21
Total classes: Six
Starting time: 2 pm Eastern (1:00 Central)
Duration: 60 minutes (one hour)
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $75 for all 6 classes
Instructor: EB Conroy, MA
Course description: This is an essential writing course for all high school students. Give your high school student exactly what’s needed for high school and college writing—including the confidence and the ability to use punctuation and grammar well. Don’t let your student struggle—master commas, tense, colons, semicolons, dashes, ellipses, and more. This class will give your student the strong foundation needed to finally master the details that are holding him or her back from writing well. Sentence constructions in the course are upper level, meant to challenge and prepare your student for upper-high school and college courses.
Course outline:
Class 1: Mastering commas in a series and comas with conjunctions using complex sentences
Class 2: Mastering commas and clauses and tough constructions, including multiple ideas, connectors, and transitions
Class 3: Mastering tense, competing punctuation, quotations, dashes, and ellipses
Class 4: Sticky-pair sentence construction (if-then, not only-but also) and tough grammar in upper-level constructions
Class 5: Mastering colons and semicolons with leading sentence constructions
Class 6: Mastering tricky punctuation details, end punctuation, and the most common grammar challenges
Course materials: Everything is provided free online from Professor Brown Conroy.
Homework: Weekly quizzes to help students practice skills learned in class. Automatically graded by the computer.

Instructor biography: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, is the professor of College-Level Writing and Writing and Research for Patrick Henry College (five years) and taught writing at Cornerstone University for seven years. She is the author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Writing Success, and has designed four college writing courses, including an AP English Language and Composition. Professor Brown Conroy also privately coaches ACT English prep live and across the US via Skype and phone conferencing and has spoken at conferences regarding the teaching of writing. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students for the last ten years and has judged writing contests. She is also a freelance professional writer and ghostwriter. Professor Brown Conroy also authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program, a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 3 to 15. Mrs. Brown Conroy lives in Howell, Michigan, and has been homeschooling for 27 years. She enjoys attending Old St. Patrick’s Parish in Michigan, her two Australian Labradoodles, playing wooden flutes, and homeschooling four of her 13 children who still live at home.

Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.

Misc:
The instructors will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.


(click on course title to register)


Don't hesitate to email me at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com with questions or comments. I love hearing from you!
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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Summer Writing Courses Online

We've had a lot of requests for writing classes over the summer. We are offering three writing-related summer camps:
Writing: Creating Attactive and Effective Professional Correspondence (high school) 
Mastering Microsoft WORD: Skills for Success; Level I (middle to lower high school) 
ACT English and Writing Prep (upper high school)
Scroll down for more information on each of the three courses ...

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, June 4 to June 8, 2012
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: Any high school writing curriculum
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade (or advanced 9th to 10th grader)
Fee: $50 for all 4 classes.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Course description: How do you write an effective letter of application? How do I correspond with a company concerning a complaint? How do I write my congressman to encourage him to vote for a bill? In our professional, consumer, and public life we are called upon to write many e-mails, letters, and fill out forms. This workshop can help develop the proper approach to such writings so you can gain a respectful hearing. We will learn formatting, proper word choice, developing an adult, professional "voice," and a handy treatment of "do's" and "don'ts."
Course materials: FREE online resources.
Homework: Daily practice assignments of writing e-mails, letters, and other types of professional correspondence.

Mastering Microsoft Word: Skills for Success; Level I
(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, August 6, 7, 8, 9
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 12:30 pm Eastern (11:30 am Central)
Duration: 60 minutes (one hour)
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade. Highly recommended for middle school students but open to any student who needs instruction in this area.
Fee: $50 for all 4 classes.
Course description: This is an essential skills course for all students. For all future education, your student will need a strong knowledge and skill level in Microsoft Word. Give your student confidence and the ability to use all of the basic functions of Word before the school year begins. Instruction will be in Word version 7 and above.
Course outline:
Class 1: The keyboard and using functions on the HOME tab: cut, paste, copy; font type and size, color, highlighting; centering, bullets, numbers; spelling and grammar check
Class 2: Page layout, margins, and columns; indenting and spacing; inserting headers and footers, page numbers; sizing and view;
Class 3: References: inserting citations, footnotes and endnotes, and comments
Class 4: inserting pictures, shapes, clipart, and charts; borders and color
Course materials: You will need Microsoft Word version 7 or above. Everything else is provided free online from Professor Brown Conroy.
Homework: Daily practice assignments of approximately ½ to 1 hour, for the four days


(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14, 2012
Total classes: 2
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central)
Duration: 2 hours each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $60
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy
Course description:  In this ACT English and Writing Test Prep Course, your student will get personal help with his or her English writing skills in a way that enhances their ability to score well on the ACT English and Writing portions of the exam. Students will view actual ACT English and Writing test questions, analyze the questions, and learn how to approach the questions for success. Students will also learn how to analyze a writing prompt, sculpt a good essay, and use their writing time to produce a high-scoring essay.
Course outline:
Session 1: The English Section: types of questions on the English portion of the test; how to analyze questions; how to read the questions for hints regarding the answers; practice test questions; introduction to the writing portion of the test
Session 2: The Writing Section of the test: analyzing numerous prompts; analyzing well-written essays; creating essays together, live; words and phrases to avoid/words and phrases to use; “diamond words” and their use in writing an essay; and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing portion of the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil
Homework:  There will be homework for this Test Prep Course on the evening of Monday, August 13, that will take your student approximately one hour to complete.
NOTE: This increases your student’s skills with personal feedback. Your student will have homework the evening of the first class, to be sent in by midnight of that day; your student will then receive direct feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving his or her scores.



Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.

Misc:
The instructors will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
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Thursday, February 23, 2012

Summer School: Latin Prep I and II

One of the blessings of homeschooling is the ability to teach year round, though summer learning usually takes a slower, easy-going pace. Homeschool Connections offers a variety of summer classes to help you keep learning alive as well as help your child enter the school year well prepared.

In the area of Latin, we are offering two preparatory courses to get your student a step up:

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, July 9 to July 19, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 11:00 am Eastern (10:00 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $80 if you register on or before April 1, 2012. $100 after April 1 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Catherine Alvis
Course description: A precursory look at forms for nouns and adjectives of the 1st and 2nd declension as well as the Present System endings for verbs. We will memorize and learn to apply forms, as well as beginning some light translation.
Course outline:
Week 1: Learning the forms and how to recognize them.
Week 2: Review the forms and some translation.
Course materials: May purchase and use Wheelock's Latin, but it is not obligatory.
Homework: Estimate 45 minutes of homework per class night, mostly memorization.

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, July 23 to August 2, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 11:00 am Eastern (10:00 Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9-12th
Fee: $80 if you register on or before April 1, 2012. $100 after April 1 for all 8 classes.
Instructor: Catherine Alvis
Course description: We will review verb tenses in all 4 conjugations in the Present and Perfect System. We will also practice relative clauses, which are the trickiest to master... (qui, quae, quod). A review of the forms of the demonstrative pronouns will be practiced as well. The goal is to refresh our knowledge of the forms so as to move to Latin II with little difficulty.
Course outline:
Week 1: Review of all pronouns (demonstrative and relative).
Week 2: Implementing our knowledge of the forms with some translating.
Course materials: Wheelock's Latin
Homework: 30 to 45 minutes after class, mostly memorization.

Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.

Misc:
Miss Alvis will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
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Saturday, February 18, 2012

Spring Courses: Middle and High School

If you are finding that you need a little help homeschooling yet this semester ... help is here!

SPRING 2012 COURSES STILL OPEN FOR REGISTRATIOn (click on title to register):

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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Fiction Writing Classes for Homeschool Teens

Kaleb Nation, homeschool grad, at a book signing
for his terrific fiction book Bran Hambric.
You can be an accomplished author too!
Photo Credit: http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/BEAPhotos/

We are very excited about our new writing program. Our next offering is Professor E. B. Conroy's mini fiction writing course on Description and Setting. This is part of a series that add up to a complete larger course. You can drop in any time and take the mini courses in any order. Added bonus: All course materials provided for FREE -- no books to buy.

We've gotten rave reviews for the Plot course, so we know this one will also be fantastic. I hope to see you in class on March 8th!!!


(click course title to register)

One of six mini-courses in the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. Note: Courses in this series can be taken in any order.
Class dates: Thursdays, March 8 to March 29, 2012
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th grade
Suggested credit: 1/3 semester (three courses in the Write Your Fiction Book series equals one semester credit)
Fee: $90 for all 4 classes.
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA (E.B. Conroy)
Course description: This course teaches key components of using excellent description and crafting a strong and memorable setting for your fiction book. The course covers when a good writer uses description and setting (timing and amount of use); types of description (sensory, metaphor and simile, figures of speech, and literary techniques); principles and techniques of memorable settings; and how to integrate description and setting into plot, structure, and character development.
Series description: There are a total six parts to the Write Your Own Fiction Book Series. We will continue the series in the fall and into next spring and start all over again. Students can jump into the series at any time. Once you have completed all 6 mini-courses, you can have a completed book!
Course outline:
Class 1: Description and Setting: Timing and the Basics of their Use
Class 2: Types of Description—The senses, metaphor and simile, figures of speech, and literary techniques
Class 3: Principles and techniques of memorable settings (including examples to learn by)
Class 4: How to integrate description and setting into plot, structure, and character development
Course materials: All materials are provided FREE via the instructor.
Homework: Weekly writing assignments, with direct feedback from Professor Brown Conroy, with an estimated five hours per week for homework (outside of class time) that includes reading, writing, and responding to feedback.


Professor's biography: Erin Brown Conroy, MA, is the professor of College-Level Writing and Writing and Research for Patrick Henry College (five years) and taught writing at Cornerstone University for seven years. She is the author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Writing Success, and has designed four college writing courses, including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online. Professor Brown Conroy also privately coaches ACT English prep live and across the US via Skype and phone conferencing and has spoken at conferences regarding the teaching of writing. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students for the last ten years and has judged writing contests. She is also a freelance professional writer and ghostwriter. Professor Brown Conroy also authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program, a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 3 to 15. Mrs. Brown Conroy lives in Howell, Michigan and is attends Old St. Patrick's Parish. She has been homeschooling for 27 years. Mrs. Brown Conroy loves enjoying her two Australian Labradoodles, playing the Irish wooden flute, and homeschooling five of her 13 children who still live at home.

Equipment requirements: Classes are online, live and interactive. Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.

Misc:
Professor E. B. Conroy will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.


(click course title to register)
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Friday, February 10, 2012

Summer School: Math Prep

Time to start thinking about summer learning! Our math prep camps are our most popular summer classes. They're a great way to shake the cob webs from your brain and prepare for the upcoming school year. Mrs. Hoeft loves math and her love is so contagious, that her students can't help but catch her enthusiasm.


Four camps for students of all ages ...


Scroll down and learn more! 



(click on the camp title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, June 18 to 28, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: Basic math skills
Suggested grade level: 7th to 9th
Fee: $100 for all 8 classes.
Course description: Pre-requisite skills for Algebra 1/2 in the fall.
Course outline (week by week):
Week 1: fractions with all operations, decimals and percents using all operations, integers using all operations.
Week 2: equation solving with one and two steps, order of operations and distributive property
Course materials: Paper, pencil, and calculator
Homework: One homework worksheet per night to be corrected and checked in the next class.


(click on the camp title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, June 20 to 30, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 11:30 am Eastern (10:30 Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: Algebra 1/2 or its equivalent
Suggested grade level: 8th to 10th
Fee:  $100 for all 8 classes.
Course description: We will be practicing all skills needed to succeed in Algebra 1 in the fall.
Course outline (week by week):
Week 1: order of operations, distributive property, equation solving using multiple steps and two variable equations.
Week 2: graphing equations of lines and non-linear equations, functions and distrance problems
Course materials: Paper, pencil, and calculator
Homework: One homework worksheet per night to be corrected in the next class.

(click on the camp title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, August 6 to 16, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
Fee: $100 for all 8 classes.
Course description: We will be reviewing all of the Algebra 1 concepts that we can to get ready for algebra 2 in the fall.
Course outline (week by week):
Week 1: Solving linear equations using inspection, substitution and elimination.
Week 2: Non-linear equations including quadratic, absolute value and exponential
Course materials: Paper, pencil, and calculator
Homework: One worksheet per day to be corrected on the following day in class.

(click on the camp title to register)

Class dates: Mondays through Thursdays, August 6 to 16, 2012
Total classes: 8
Starting time: 11:30 am Eastern (10:30 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: Algebra 1/2 and Algebra 1
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
Fee:$100 for all 8 classes.
Course description: We will review all of the geometry concepts we know so far to get ready to take Geometry in the fall
Course outline (week by week):
Week 1: Perimeter, area, surface area and volume of figures
Week 2: Review of proof formulas and properties of shapes.
Course materials: paper, pencil, calculator (if needed)
Homework: One worksheet each night to be corrected in the following class period.

Please don't hesitate to email (homeschoolconnections@gmail.com) or leave a comment if you have a question or suggestion. Visit our website at www.homeschoolconnections.com. 

Four camps for students of all ages ...


Click on the camp title to register!
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Thursday, February 9, 2012

Summer School: Local Government for High School

How cool would it be to take a local government course with a city mayor?! Well, we think it would be way cool and so we've set it all up for you!  This June you can take one of our famous summer boot camps with Phillip Campbell, Mayor of Howell, MI. Mayor Campbell will introduce high school students to the the hows and whys of local government. This is not one to miss!  Please scroll down for all the details and the link to sign up!

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, June 11th - 14th, 2012
Total classes: 4
Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 am Central(
Duration: 55 minutes
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade
Fee: $40 if you register on or before April 1, 2012. $50 after April 1st for all 4 classes.
Instructor: Mayor Phillip Campbell (Howell, MI)
Course description: A nuts n' bolts breakdown of how your local City or township government functions, taught by the Mayor of Howell, MI. This is a great addendum or precursor to Homeschool Connections' other government courses.
Course outline:
Monday: Origins: The beginning of local government in America in law, practice and theory.
Tuesday: People, Operations and Services: The people who make a local government run, and what kinds of services local governments provide to their residents.
Wednesday: Decision Making and Funding: How local governments make decisions, take action and find money to pay for their operations.
Thursday: Participation: Why don't more people participate in local government and what opportunities exist for you to get involved with your local government?
Course materials: Any course materials will be available free online or provided by Mayor Campbell
Homework: Daily quizzes

Misc.
Mayor Campbell will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.


(click on course title to register)
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Monday, February 6, 2012

ACT and SAT Test Prep Courses

Give your high school student a helping hand -- college acceptance and increased scholarships!

Homeschool Connections is offering a series of test preparation courses. We've scheduled them to coincide with upcoming ACT and SAT test dates. Scroll down for the next three courses available:

(click on course title to register)

Class dates:  Tuesday, May 22 and Thursday, May 24, 2012
Total classes: 2
Starting time: 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th grade
Fee: $30
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA
Course description: In this SAT Quick Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success in taking the SAT: 1) About the test itself: what happens in an SAT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) How to study for the SAT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to the week before testing, be fully prepared for the test.
Course outline:
Session 1: about the test itself: what happens in an SAT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored
Session 2: how to study for the SAT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil.
Homework: None


(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, August 6-9, 2012
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 2:00 pm Eastern (1:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $60
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy, MA
Course description: In this ACT Test Prep Course, your student will learn information in two critical areas that will allow for success with the ACT: 1) about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and 2) how to study for the ACT: how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the test.
Course outline:
Session 1: about the test itself: what happens in an ACT testing situation, what is on the test, how long the testing sections last, what students are and are not allowed to do, and how the test is scored, and general preparation
Session 2: Math and Science: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the math and science portions of the test
Session 3: Reading and English: how to study, how to approach questions, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the reading and English portions of the test
Session 4: Writing: how to approach the essays, tricks and tips to score well, and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing essays on the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil.
Homework: Assignments each day.
NOTE: This course tells the student what to study but does not work on increasing your student’s skills with personal feedback. If you want personal feedback to increase skills in the reading, English, and writing portions of the test, sign up for the ACT English and Writing Test Prep course that is scheduled August 13 and 14, 2012. The English and Writing course will give your student direct feedback on your student’s skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving your student’s scores.


(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Monday and Tuesday, August 13 and 14, 2012
Total classes: 2
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central)
Duration: 2 hours each
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade
Fee: $60
Instructor: Erin Brown Conroy
Course description:  In this ACT English and Writing Test Prep Course, your student will get personal help with his or her English writing skills in a way that enhances their ability to score well on the ACT English and Writing portions of the exam. Students will view actual ACT English and Writing test questions, analyze the questions, and learn how to approach the questions for success. Students will also learn how to analyze a writing prompt, sculpt a good essay, and use their writing time to produce a high-scoring essay.
Course outline:
Session 1: The English Section: types of questions on the English portion of the test; how to analyze questions; how to read the questions for hints regarding the answers; practice test questions; introduction to the writing portion of the test
Session 2: The Writing Section of the test: analyzing numerous prompts; analyzing well-written essays; creating essays together, live; words and phrases to avoid/words and phrases to use; “diamond words” and their use in writing an essay; and what to do to be fully prepared for the writing portion of the test
Course materials: Paper and pencil
Homework:  There will be homework for this Test Prep Course on the evening of Monday, August 13, that will take your student approximately one hour to complete.
NOTE: This increases your student’s skills with personal feedback. Your student will have homework the evening of the first class, to be sent in by midnight of that day; your student will then receive direct feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving his or her scores.


Instructor biography:  Erin Brown Conroy, MA, is the professor of College-Level Writing and Writing and Research for Patrick Henry College (five years) and taught writing at Cornerstone University for seven years. She is the author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Writing Success, and has designed four college writing courses, including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online. Professor Brown Conroy also privately coaches ACT English prep live and across the US via Skype and phone conferencing and has spoken at conferences regarding the teaching of writing. A member of the Society of Children’s Book Authors and Illustrators, she is also a fiction writing coach for high school and college students for the last ten years and has judged writing contests. She is also a freelance professional writer and ghostwriter. Professor Brown Conroy also authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program, a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 3 to 15. Mrs. Brown Conroy lives in Howell, Michigan and is a member of Old St. Patrick's Parish. She has been homeschooling for 27 years. Mrs. Brown Conroy enjoys her two Australian Labradoodles, playing the Irish wooden flute, and homeschooling five of her 13 children who still live at home.

Misc.
Mrs. Brown Conroy will be available via email in between classes for questions and comments.
Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months.
Homeschool Connections does not provide record keeping services.
at No comments:

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Help Us and Win!

ATTN: Homeschooling Parents of Elementary-Age Children ... 

Fill out the following brief 10-question survey and be entered into a drawing for a free $10 gift card for Amazon. This is something you actually have a high chance of winning!
Survey: Video Lessons for Elementary School

We have received numerous requests here at Homeschool Connections to offer grade school classes. Now it's becoming a reality! The elementary school program will be different from the middle and high school classes. Instead, they will be a series of short video lessons. If you're interested, please fill in this survey and you'll be entered into a drawing for the $10 Amazon gift card.

Contest ends Wednesday February 8, 2012 at Midnight Pacific time. Winner will be announced Thursday morning.
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