Homeschool Connections: August 2014

Monday, August 25, 2014

ACT/SAT Test Prep Online Classes

Homeschool Connections is offering a number of SAT and ACT test prep courses in the fall and spring.

Please scroll down to see details of the live, interactive courses. To register, go to: HSC Registration.

Note: These courses, and others including Math ACT/SAT Test Prep, are also available as recorded, independent-learning courses though our Unlimited Access program.

FALL 2014

SAT Quick Test Prep

Notes: The SAT test dates for the 2014/2015 school year are: Oct. 11; Nov. 8; Dec. 6; Jan. 24; Mar. 14; May 2; and June 6. Please visit the College Board website to verify dates and to register.

We will offer this course again in January 2015.

Class dates: Mondays, September 15 and September 22, 2014
Total classes: 2
Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 10^th to 12^th grade
Fee: $40 for 2 classes.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME
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:
Class 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
Class 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: Provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Daily practice.

ACT Test Prep

Notes: The ACT test dates for the 2014/2015 school year are: Oct. 25; Dec. 13; Feb. 7; Apr. 18; and June 13. Please visit the College Board website to verify dates and to register.

We will offer this course again in January 2015.

Class dates: Wednesdays, September 3 to September 24, 2014

Total classes: 4

Starting time: 3:00 pm Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific)

Duration: 1 hour

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grade

Fee: $65 for 4 classes.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME

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:
Class 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
Class 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
Class 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
Class 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: Provided free by the instructor.

Homework: Daily practice.
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 immediately follows this course.

ACT/SAT English and Writing Test Prep

We will offer this course again in February 2015.
Class dates: Wednesdays, October 1 to October 22, 2014
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 3:00 pm Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9^th to 12^th grade
Fee: $85 for 4 classes plus personal feedback.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME
Course description: In this ACT / SAT 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 or SAT English and Writing portions of the exam. Students will view actual ACT/SAT 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:
Class 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.

Class 2: The English Section continued.
Class 3: 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.

Class 4: The Writing Section continued.
Course materials: Provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Assignments will increase your student’s skills with personal feedback on his or her skills, as well as specific suggestions for improving scores.

SPRING 2015

SAT Quick Test Prep

Note: The upcoming SAT test dates are Jan. 24; Mar. 14; May 2; and June 6. Please visit the College Board website to verify dates and to register.

Class dates: Mondays, January 12 to January 19, 2015.
Total classes: 2
Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 Central; 10:00 Mountain; 9:00 Pacific)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 10^th to 12^th grade
Fee: $30 if you register on or before November 15, 2014. $40 if you register after Nov. 15^th for 2 classes.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME
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:
Class 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
Class 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: Provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Daily practice.

ACT Test Prep

Note: The upcoming ACT test dates are Feb. 7; Apr. 18; and June 13. Please visit the College Board website to verify dates and to register.

Class dates: Wednesdays, January 7 to January 28, 2015.

Total classes: 4

Starting time: 3:00 pm Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific)

Duration: 1 hour

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 9^th to 12^th grade

Fee: $55 if you register on or before November 15, 2014. $65 if you register after Nov. 15^th for 4 classes.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME

Course materials: Provided free by the instructor.

ACT/SAT English and Writing Test Prep

Class dates: Wednesdays, February 4 to March 4, 2015. No class Feb. 18.
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 3:00 pm Eastern (2:00 Central; 1:00 Mountain; Noon Pacific)
Duration: 1 hour
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 9^th to 12^th grade
Fee: $75 if you register on or before November 15, 2014. $85 if you register after Nov. 15^th for 4 classes plus personal feedback.
Instructor: Geralyn Rea, ME
Course description: In this ACT/SAT 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 or SAT English and Writing portions of the exam. Students will view actual ACT/SAT 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:
Class 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.

About the Instructor:

Geralyn Rea, M.E.

Geralyn Rea was born and raised in Wichita, KS, but journeyed north to complete her B.A. in English at Hillsdale College in Michigan. After graduating summa cum laude, she ventured down south to Texas to begin her Master of English degree at the University of Dallas. While working for the university and completing her degree, Geralyn also served as a writing, literature, and standardized testing tutor for homeschoolers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. While tutoring, she rediscovered a passion for teaching, rivaled only by her love of the written word, and she is anxious to share both of these passions with all of her students. Geralyn lives with her husband near Dallas, TX, and she is looking forward to the joys of motherhood as she and her husband welcome their first child.

About the Course Designer:

Erin Brown Conroy, MA (E. B. Conroy)

Mrs. Brown Conroy has been teaching writing for 17 years, including teaching students in private colleges, universities, and online. She was an online professor of writing and research for Patrick Henry College (six years) and taught writing, leadership and management, and health and wellness for Cornerstone University’s Professional and Graduate Studies Division (seven years). Professor Brown Conroy is an author of several non-fiction books, including Simplified Writing 101: Top Secrets for College Success and Twenty Secrets to Success with Your Child; designs online courses (including an AP English Language and Composition course for PHC Preparatory Academy online); and speaks at conferences on education and learning, reading, and writing. She has a BS and MA from Western Michigan University (WMU) and is currently completing an MFA in Creative Writing at Western Colorado State University (WCSU) with a double concentration in Creative Writing, Genre Fiction and Screenwriting. 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; has judged writing contests; and has been a freelance professional writer in marketing/web writing and ghostwriting for twenty years. Professor Brown Conroy authored True North Reading: The Complete Mastery Reading and Spelling Program – a five-level multisensory learn-to-read program for children ages 2 to sixteen, and teaches an international online LIVE reading program at www.readwitherin.com. Mrs. Brown Conroy, who has been homeschooling for 29 years, lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan and homeschools four of her 13 children who still live at home.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

High School Modern European History

Modern European History; 1789-1991

(click on course title to register)

Class dates: Wednesdays, January 28 to May 20, 2015. No class Feb. 18th and Apr. 2nd
Total classes: 14
Starting time: 5:00 pm Eastern (4:00 Central; 3:00 Mountain; 2:00 Pacific)
Duration: 55 mins
Prerequisite: Recommended but not required: Rending of Christendom (Fall 2014 or Unlimited Access).
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. 9th to 10th grade students with above average reading and comprehension skills can also do well.
Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester History
Fee: $195 if you register on or before November 15, 2014 for all 14 classes. $220 if you register after Nov. 15th.
Instructor: Mr. Phillip Campbell
Course description: This class will acquaint students with the people, movements and events that have contributed to the formation of Modern Europe, defined as the period of the French Revolution to the present. Economic, political, military and ideological trends will be examined with an aim of helping students understand the problems of contemporary Europe and those areas once under European control.
Course outline:
Week 1: The Coming of the French Revolution: The crisis of 1789-1794 and the violent overthrow of the oldest monarchy in Christendom
Week 2: The Napoloenic Era: The rise and fall of the great dictator of the Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the influence of Napoleon's conquests on the development of Europe
Week 3: The Age of Metternich: The Holy Alliance and the conservative reaction following the Congress of Vienna
Week 4: The Age of Reform: Europe's cautious advance towards liberalism from 1830-1848
Week 5: War and Chaos: The post-Napoleonic peace breaks down in the revolutions of 1848 and the Crimean War
Week 6: Unification: Germany and Italy, torn asunder since the Middle Ages, struggle for unification
Week 7: The Imperialist Era: Britain, France, Italy and Germany race for empire and carve the world up among themselves
Week 8: The Great War: The last remnants of Christendom collapse in the blood and slaughter of the Great War
Week 9: Rise of the Dictators: The chaos of the Great War and the terms of Versailles lead to the rise of the totalitarian movements
Week 10: World War II: The democracies of the West engage in a fight to the death with the Fascist dictatorships
Week 11: The Cold War in Europe: In the wake of World War II, half of Europe is assimilated by the Communist empire of Russia
Week 12: Collapse of the Empires: The dissolution of the old colonial empires and the emergence of the Third World
Week 13: Europe's Socialist Experiments: The post-war west turns to socialism to solve their problems
Week 14: End of the Cold War: From 1989-1991 the failures of Communism lead to the collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite states
Course materials: To be provided FREE by the instructor.
Homework: Homework will consist of textbook readings coupled with primary source readings provided by the instructor with weekly quizzes and occasional essays.

Instructor biography: Phillip Campbell holds a BA in European History from Ave Maria University and a certificate in Secondary Education through Madonna University. He has a background as a Youth Director and RCIA instructor. He teaches history and Scripture for the St. Augustine Homeschool Enrichment Program. Mr. Campbell is the author of the popular fantasy-epic Tale of Manaeth. His writings have also appeared in such publications as St. Austin Review and The Distributist Review. Most recently, Mr. Campbell was elected Mayor of Howell, MI. Mr. Campbell and his wife of thirteen years homeschool their four children. Mr. Campbell teaches history, economics, and logic for Homeschool Connections.

High School History: The Rending of Christendom

The Rending of Christendom

(click on title to register)

Course name: The Rending of Christendom (1417-1648)
Class dates: Wednesdays, September 24 to December 17, 2014. No class October 29th.
Total classes: 12
Starting time: 5:00 pm Eastern (4:00 Central; 3:00 Mountain; 2:00 Pacific)
Duration: 55 mins
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th grade. 9th to 10th grade also if they have above average reading skills.
Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester of history.
Fee: $190 for all 12 classes
Instructor: Mr. Phillip Campbell
Course description: This 12-week course will acquaint students with the pertinent people and ideologies that led directly or indirectly to the outbreak of the Protestant Revolt. Protestant ideas will be contrasted with Catholic theology throughout in order to give the course an apologetic dimension in addition to the historical. Students will see how the ideologies of Protestantism affected the various nations of Europe politically and how many of the attitudes and assumptions of modernity are rooted in 16th and 17th century developments. Students will also learn how the Church responded to these changes to the traditional order.

Course outline:
Week 1: Christendom: Review of growth of the Christian Church in the Middle Ages and the establishment of "Christendom" as a united, political expression of a Catholic world view.
Week 2: Origins of the Revolt: A look at several religious and political factors that led to the revolt (the Avignon Papacy, Western Schism, growth of nationalism and the printing press).
Week 3: Martin Luther & Lutheranism: Biographical sketch of Luther, the historical origin of his ideas and Lutheran theology compared to the Church's teachings.
Week 4: Germany on Fire: 1525-1555: A look at how the incendiary writings of Luther led to the Peasant's Revolt of 1525 and ushered in a generation of warfare in Germany.
Week 5: Anglicanism: the via media: The origins of the Anglican schism in the divorce proceedings of Henry VIII and the manner in which the old Faith was eradicated in England.
Week 6: Calvin & Knox: The historical origin and theology of the more "Puritan" elements of Protestantism and their vision of society.
Week 7: Consolidation of English Protestantism: The anti-Catholic measures of Edward VI and Elizabeth of England and the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
Week 8: The True Reformation: A look at the true Reformation, the so-called "Counter Reformation" of the Church and the Council of Trent.
Week 9: French Wars of Religion: A look at the religious strife in late 16th century France between the Catholics and the Huguenots.
Week 10: The Spanish-English Wars: The dissolution of Anglo-Spanish relations, culminating in the defeat of the Spanish in 1588; the origin of the "Black Legend" of Spanish cruelty.
Week 11: The Thirty Years' War: The final religious conflict in Europe that raged from 1618 to 1648 and how it changed the political and religious outlook of Europe.
Week 12: The Stalemate: Survey of the state of the revolt in various countries by 1648 and how the mentality of the revolt took root in the development of the American colonies.
Course materials: Everything provided free by the instructor.
Homework: Homework will consist of readings from primary source documents available online, as well as the completion of a series of mini-essay questions and short quizzes weekly. All homework is due no later than 7 days after it is assigned (e.g., the homework listed for the first day of class is due on or before the second class). Estimated homework time all week, including rewatching recordings and reviewing notes, is 3 hours per week.

Instructor biography:
Phillip Campbell holds a BA in European History from Ave Maria University and a certificate in Secondary Education through Madonna University. He has a background as a Youth Director and RCIA instructor. He teaches history and Scripture for the St. Augustine Homeschool Enrichment Program. Mr. Campbell is the author of the popular fantasy-epic Tale of Manaeth. His writings have also appeared in such publications as St. Austin Review and The Distributist Review. Most recently, Mr. Campbell was elected Mayor of Howell, MI. Mr. Campbell and his wife of thirteen years homeschool their four children. Mr. Campbell teaches history, economics, and logic for Homeschool Connections.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

The Incredible Back-to-Homeschool Giveaway

The Incredible Back-to-School Giveaway from Homeschool Connections and TAN Books

Homeschool Connections has partnered with Saint Benedict Press / TAN Books for an Incredible Back-to-Homeschool Giveaway. You can win one of three $100 gift certificates from TAN Books!!!

Saint Benedict Press has long been a great asset for Catholic homeschooling families. They are best known for publishing quality Catholic Bibles. They are also known as the parent company of TAN Books, Neumann Press, Catholic Courses, and Catholic Scripture Studies.

So, how do you enter The Incredible Back-to-Homeschool Giveaway? Easy schmeasy. Just use the fun widget here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Entries will be verified before issuing prizes, so please make sure you've completed all of the steps for your entries. For example, make sure you go to the Facebook fan page and click on Like for the Facebook entry.

God bless you all. We're praying for a fantastic school year for you!!!