High School Literature: Homer's Iliad

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Literature: The Iliad: Glory and the Will of God
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Class dates: Tuesdays, September 14 to November 2, 2010 (no class Oct. 19th)
Total classes: 7
Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Fee: $140 for entire 7-week course. $20 Early Registration Discount before August 1, 2010
Instructor: Henry Russell, Ph.D.
Prerequisite: The ability to read, understand, and enjoy The Iliad
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
High school credit: 1/2 semester credit. Follow up with Dr. Russell’s Sophocles course for a full semester credit.

Course description:
Homer’s Iliad, the ultimate epic of war and the warrior, examines the problem of men who seek individual glory but who must unite to fulfill the will of Zeus. How do they subordinate their own wills to a greater cause, and how much suffering will it take before they learn to do so? On an even greater level, how can a city resist God’s gift of an ultimate beauty, even when that beauty comes to them by an act of evil? But what price must even the best of men pay when the community agrees not to punish such evil?

Course outline:
Class 1: Introduction to the Epic
Class 2: Books 1 – 4
Class 3: Books 5 – 8
Class 4: Books 9 – 12
Class 5: Book 13 to 16
Class 6: Books 17 – 20
Class 7: Books 21 – 24

Homework: Dr. Russell will provide quizzes, essay topics, and a midterm and final exam to be graded by parents.
Course materials: The Iliad, Robert Fitzgerald translation
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Dr. Russell 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.

Literature: The Iliad: Glory and the Will of God
(Click above for registration)

Fr. Mitch Pacwa Bible Course for Adults

Homeschool Connections is branching out. We are very excited to announce our newest venture, Aquinas Connections which now offers courses designed just for adults. Our first course is with none other than Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J., President of Ignatius Productions who is best known for his appearances on EWTN television and radio. This course is limited to 30 attendees so don't wait too long to register (click on the title below).

Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem In St. Luke’s Gospel

Course dates: Mondays, August 2 to September 13, 2010. No class Sept. 6 due to Labor Day holiday.
Total classes: 6
Starting time: 9:30 pm, Eastern (8:30 pm. Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $125 for all six classes
Instructor: Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J.

Course description:
In Luke 9:51 Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem, and mention of his destination is repeated in 13:22, 17:11, and 18:34, with allusions to the journey in 9:57, 10:38, 11:53, 14:25. This journey links the beginning of Christ’s public ministry with its purpose in his death and resurrection. During this Year of Cycle C Readings, the Church presents readings from this unit of the Gospel, from the Thirteenth through the Thirtieth Sundays in Ordinary Time. It is easy to hear each episode during the Sunday readings, but that would miss seeing the unity of these episodes and their function within the message of the whole Gospel. This course will limit itself to examining the Journey to Jerusalem. While the individual units of the Gospel will be examined in as much detail as is possible, the focus will be on making the links between each unit and the theme of the Journey, as well as the connections with other parts of the Gospel of St. Luke.

Course materials: A Catholic Bible. To enjoy this course completely, a careful reading of Luke 9:51-18:34 before the first class is recommended.
Optional materials: Here are some popular commentaries on St. Luke recommended by Fr. Pacwa if you would like to have some aids:
The Human face of Jesus: Meditation and Commentary on the Gospel of Luke (out of print but available for as little as $1 used).
Luke: A Devotional Commentary (out of print but available for as little as $2.25 used).
A more technical (some knowledge of Greek would be useful), yet quite excellent, commentary: John Nolland, Luke 9:21-18:34 Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas, Texas: Word Books, Publisher 1993).
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet. A headset with microphone is recommended. If you don't have a headset, you at least need speakers.
Availability of recorded classes: Recordings of classes are provided to students within 24 hours and available for 6 months for your review. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the recording and/or course contents in any form is strictly prohibited.

Instructor's biography:
Father received his B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from the University of Detroit, summa cum laude. He was ordained a Catholic priest in 1976 with the Society of Jesus and then continued his studies and received his Master of Divinity and S.T.B. from the Jesuit School of Theology of Loyola University, magna cum laude. At Vanderbilt University, he received his Master of Arts, Ph.D. in Old Testament. Father Pacwa is fluent in twelve languages and has a unique understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Middle East.

He has taught at the high school, university, and seminary levels. Being a well-known biblical scholar, he has lectured at hundreds of conferences and churches around the world. He is best known for his appearances on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), where he currently hosts two programs – “Threshold of Hope” and “EWTN LIVE.” Father Pacwa also serves as the weekly host of EWTN Radio “OPEN LINE” program.

In the year 2000, Father Pacwa established Ignatius Productions, a Catholic media production apostolate, whose mission is to teach people the scriptures, educate Catholics about their Faith, and promote unity and understanding within the Mystical Body of Christ. Father has recently announced that Ignatius Productions will raise funds for a much needed unique ten part documentary on the history of the Reformation. Check out www.fathermitchpacwa.org to see a short preview.

Father Mitch Pacwa appears courtesy of Ignatius Productions to share with you his knowledge of scripture and the Church. Father Pacwa’s teachings and travels are available as CDs and DVDs on his web site at www.fathermitchpacwa.org. There you’ll find a list of all his available teachings, his calendar of upcoming events, free PACWACASTS as well as information about his video production company. You may also sign up for his monthly newsletter that brings you Father Pacwa's “Words of Wisdom” on a variety of subjects.

Jesus’ Journey to Jerusalem In St. Luke’s Gospel

Online German Classes for Middle & High School

Update: This live course has concluded. However, it will be offered again in the fall. Also, it is currently available as a recorded course through our Unlimited Access! service. This is a great way to learn at your own pace when your schedule allows. To subscribe or learn more:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

German I, Part One (First Year German)

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Note: Part Two is scheduled in the spring for a full year of German.

Class dates: Mondays, September 13 to December 6, 2010 (no class on Nov. 1 for All Saints Day)
Total classes: 12
Starting time: 11:00 am Eastern (10:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $180 for entire 12-week course. $20 Early Registration Discount before August 1, 2010
Prerequisite: None
High school credit: One full semester credit. Add German I, Part Two in the spring for one full year credit.
Suggested grade level: 7th to 12th

Course description:
This course will cover a year’s worth of German in two parts, Fall and Spring. We will use a child’s approach of learning the language through music, story-telling, and poetry. Each class will consist of vigorous grammar drills, a quiz, cultural activities, and story-telling. At the end of the year, the student should be able to carry out short conversations in German and write short, simple stories. This will be tested with a final exam.

Course outline: To be announced
Homework: Composition, translation, and memorization of grammar charts and rules and of various German poems and songs.
Course materials: "German Grammar Drills" by Ed Swick $12.95 List price, $9.32 Amazon.com new, $7.24 used
"German Made Simple" by Arnold Leitner, Ph.D. $13.99 List price, $9.88 Amazon.com new, $7.61 used
Equipment requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc: The instructor 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.

German I, Part One (First Year German)
(Click above for registration)

Beginning Latin: Middle & High School: Online Homeschool

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Latin I, Part One (First Year Latin)

(Click on title above for registration)

Note: Part Two is scheduled in the spring for a full year of Latin I.
Class dates: Mondays, September 13 to December 6, 2010 (no class Nov. 1 for All Saints Day)
Total classes: 12
Starting time: 9:30 am Eastern (8:30 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $180 for entire 12-week course (Part One). $20 Early Enrollment Discount before August 1, 2010
Prerequisite: None
Suggested Grade Level: 7th to 12th
High school credit: One full semester credit. Add Latin II, Part Two in the spring for one full year credit.
Course Description:
This course will cover a year’s worth of Latin in two parts, Fall and Spring. The course will focus on the student’s ability to compose Latin, allowing for a greater mastery of the language than what is often found with other approaches that focus on translation. Each class will consist of rigorous grammar drills, a quiz, some history, new grammar presentations, and practice. At the end of the year, the student should be able at the very least to compose a short, simple story using the present and future tenses. This will be tested with a final exam.
Course Outline: To be announced
Homework: Composition, translation, and memorization of grammar charts and rules and of various Roman speeches and Church prayers.
Course materials: Latin for Beginners by D'ooge available for free download at TextKit. Also, Cassel's Latin-English Dictionary is recommended. However, it is not required if you already have a Latin-English dictionary. It isn't available as a free download. It's available in soft or hard cover (I've seen the hardcover at Amazon used for as little as $2.70).

Equipment requirements: Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc: The instructor 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.

Latin I, Part One (First Year Latin)

(Click on title above for registration)

Latin Textbooks for Middle and High School

Our Latin instructor has given us the list of Latin books for the fall and spring. They are all available Free at TextKit. We love Free!

These books will be used for a backbone to the courses and for exercises. In addition, they will make good reference tools. They are of course also available at Amazon, but Free makes .pdf very attractive.

Latin I: "Latin for Beginners" by D'ooge
Latin II: "Latin for Beginners" by D'ooge
Latin III: "Latin for Beginners" by D'ooge
"Latin Prose Composition" by North and Hillard
"A Latin Grammar" by Charles E. Bennet

Also, Cassel's Latin-English Dictionary is recommended for all 3 levels. However, it is not required if you already have a Latin-English dictionary. It isn't available as a free download. It's available in soft or hard cover (I've seen the hardcover at Amazon used for as little as $2.70).

Middle School Writing & Literature Online Class

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Literature: Mark Twain; Friends, Fiends, and Freedom in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

(Click title above for registration)

Class dates: Saturdays, September 11 to October 16, 2010
Total classes: 6 Starting time: 11:00 am, Eastern (10:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $80 for the entire 6-week course. Early Registration Discount of $10 off before August 1, 2010.
Instructor: Dayspring Brock
Prerequisite: Ability to read, understand, and enjoy Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th
Course description: In his lecture notes concerning his most profound work, "Huckleberry Finn," Mark Twain says that "a sound heart is a surer guide than an ill-trained conscience." One of the most beloved American novels written, this story of a young Odyssean wanderer discovers friendship and loyalty through the runaway slave, Jim, and discovers a profound lesson in trusting in the worth of a another human being over and against the societal prejudice of the time. Though the work can often be taught as a study on American racism, this course will mostly focus on themes of friendship, loyalty, and the value of the human heart. Students at this age enjoy the masterful plot of this story and will be thoroughly challenged through its reading and lectures. Vocabulary and grammar will be reading based and the paper written will cover a particular theme of the work. The first three lectures will cover the work and the final three lectures will concern the writing.
Course outline:
Class 1: Introduction to Huckleberry Finn and the American Novel (please have read Ch. 1-5 for the first class)
Class 2: (Ch. 6-20); Vocabulary due
Class 3: (Ch. 21-35)
Class 4: (Ch. 36-End); Character map due; Writing about a theme
Class 5: Lecture; Editing the rough draft
Class 6: Lecture; Final paper
Homework: Miss Brock will provide vocabulary, reading quizzes, essay assignment and instructions, and a Final Exam. Answer keys will be provided for parents to grade.
Course materials: We will use the Penguin Classic of Huckleberry Finn, Paperback: 368 pages, Publisher: Penguin Classics; Deluxe edition (Oct. 27, 2009), ISBN-10: 0143105949. You are free to use any edition, but for better ease of reading along with the teacher, the student would be best served if the page numbers correspond with the teacher’s edition.
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Miss Brock 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.

Literature: Mark Twain; Friends, Fiends, and Freedom in the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

(Click title above for registration)

High School Online Class: Advanced American Government

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Government: Advanced American Government

(click on above title for registration)

Class dates: Fridays, September 10 to November 5, 2010
Total classes: 9
Starting time: Noon Eastern (11:00 am Central) Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Fee: $160 for entire 9-week course. $20 Early Registration Discount before August 1, 2010
Instructor: Ed Rivet
Prerequisite: Government, Democracy, and Citizenship (recorded) or other introductory American government course.
Suggested grade level: 10th to 12th
High school credit: 3/4 of a semester credit. To give full credit, add reading assignments from Mr. Rivet's supplemental reading list plus an essay on the book(s).
Course description: Building on the fundamentals from the prerequisite course, this course will delve deeper into political and economic theory. There will be a deeper review of constitutional (common) law developed by our courts and a deeper exploration into the legislative process. There will be more emphasis on class participation each session, with less straight lecturing.
Course outline:
Class 1: The Interrelationship of Legal-Political-Economic Theories
Class 2: Marxism-Communism and Socialism
Class 3: Democracy - Greek, Roman, American, Parliamentary
Class 4: Constitutional Rights Revisited - Due Process of Law
Class 5: Law & Order: Crime, Punishment & Justice
Class 6: Impact of Litigation - Public & Private
Class 7: Legislative Roles and Authorities
Class 8: The Heart of Making Laws
Class 9: Synthesis of Theory & Practice
Homework: Much more essay-based assignments than prerequisite course - analysis and articulation that shows a grasping of the subject matter. Students will study specific pending legislation in detail and propose their own bills.
Course materials: Online resources, a couple books that are readily available in libraries or cheap on Amazon, etc. (TBA August 1, 2010)
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Mr. Rivet 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.

Government: Advanced American Government

(click on above title for registration)

High School Theology: The Trinity

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Theology: The Trinity

(click on title for registration)

Class dates: Fridays, September 10 to October 15, 2010
Total classes: 6
Starting time: 10:00 am Eastern (9:00 am Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $120 for the entire 6-week course.
Instructor: Robert Gotcher, Ph.D.
Prerequisite: none
Suggested grade level: 11th to 12th
High school credit: 1/2 semester
Course description: The reality of the Trinity, whom we worship, permeates all reality, including all human history. We are destined to spend eternity sharing the life of the Trinity. In order to love God more fully, this class will help you know who God is as Trinity. What is the content of the Church’s teaching? How did the Church receive it? What does it mean for me in my life?
Course outline:
Class 1: Who is God?
Class 2: The Trinity in the CCC
Class 3: The Trinity in the Bible
Class 4: The Trinity in the Theologians
Class 5: The Trinity in the World
Class 6: The Trinity in the Liturgy
Homework: Online readings from CCC, Bible, Church Fathers, Aquinas, the Liturgy of the Mass. There will be a short online quiz after each class period based on reading and class material. Final exam.
Course materials: Catechism of the Catholic Church, Bible, and a Missal. Other incidental readings are available free online
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Dr. Gotcher 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.

Theology: The Trinity

(click on title for registration)

Historiography Reading List for High School

The Historiography summer course went great. The students loved Mr. Campbell and the course. So much, they asked for an additional reading list. So here's some interesting stuff to read on Historiography recommended by Mr. C. Keep in mind, some are written by secular authors, so read with a grain of salt.

"Historiography: An Introduction" by Ernst Breisach

"History and Historians" by Mark Gilderhus

"The Discoverers" by Danile Boorstein (this book has a bit of an anti-Christian bias, but if you look up just the section on time it is pretty good - talks about how people have looked at time and history throughout the ages)

Villehardouin's "Conquest of Constantinople," an example of a medieval chronicle.

Joinville's "Life of St. Louis IX," a great example of a medieval vita.

Kate Turabian's "A Manual for Writer's of Research Papers, Theses and Dissertations."

St. Augustine's "City of God", especially Book IV, V and XI

This should keep the students busy for awhile!

High School Theology: Ecclesiology I (The Study of the Church, Part 1)

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

Theology: Ecclesiology I (The Study of the Church, Part 1)

(click on title for registration)

Class dates: Tuesdays, Sept. 7 to Sept. 28, 2010
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $75 for the entire 4-week course. $15 Early Registration Discount before August 1, 2010
Instructor: Monica Ashour, M.T.S., M.Hum.
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
High school credit: 1/3 semester credit. For a full semester credit in Theology then enroll in 2 more of Miss Ashour's 4-week courses.
Course description: The students in this course will study the nature of the Church, that is, how She is in the “nature of a sacrament” (Lumen Gentium), along with her other aspects, particularly how the Church is Body and Bride of Christ, “the most apt” description of herself (Lumen Gentium). Once we have established Jesus Christ as the Bridegroom of His Body-Bride, the Church, and the consequences arising thereof, we then move naturally to theological ramification of dogmatic teachings such as the 4 Marks of the Church, authority (especially infallibility) and hierarchy, and Mariological teachings. A particular focus will include Pope Benedict’s writings about ensuring that the Church’s feminine qualities be of primacy to ensure that the Church is not seen merely in a “masculine, structural, purely theoretical way” but that the Marian “mystery exists” (Mary: The Church at the Source).
Course goal: The final goal of this course is for each student to glorify the Father as a person “fully alive” (Ireneas) as he/she grows in his/her encounter with Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, and with the Holy Spirit, the Soul of the Church, for all of time and eternity. The proximate goal is for the student to see the wondrous gift of the Catholic Church so as to become resolute in his/her lifelong commitment to Jesus’ Body-Bride.
Course outline: To be announced
Homework: None
Course materials: Optional reading assignments will be provided

Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Miss Ashour 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.

Theology: Ecclesiology I (The Study of the Church, Part 1)

(click on title for registration)

High School Theology: Church History; Trinitarian

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

History: Church History; Trinitarian

(click on title for registration information)

Class dates: Tuesdays, August 17 to September 7, 2010
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 1:00 pm Eastern (Noon Central) NOTE: The Sept. 7th class will take place at 11:00 am Eastern instead of 1:00 pm.
Duration: 1 hour
Fee: $75 for entire 4-week course. $15 Early Registration Discount by August 1, 2010 Instructor: Monica Ashour, M.T.S., M.Hum.
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th
High school credit: 1/3 semester credit for history or theology. For additional credit, see Dr. Gotcher’s Theology: The Trinity course (Fall 2010)
Course description: “*Christ’s kenosis and appointment of apostles, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Eph 4:7-11)] illuminates the change in Christ’s life from being formed by history to forming history. All existences, both before him and after him, receive their meaning from Christ’s existence” (Von Balthasar, A Theology of History, 76). As such, in this course, the students will explore the historical and transcendent aspects of the Church from its inception “in the heart of the Father” (Catechism of the Catholic Church) to its eschatological—its end of time—existence.
Course goal: In this, the first part of a series of Church History courses, the student will examine Trinitarian Theology (the Church that was “in the heart of the Father”), through the Church’s preparation in the Old Testament, to Jesus’ founding and His sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The student, moved by such knowledge of God’s love for His people, will, in turn, be devoted even more readily to the Church.
Course outline: To be announced
Homework: None
Course materials: Optional reading assignments will be provided
Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
Miss Ashour 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.

History: Church History; Trinitarian

(click on title for registration information)

Win a Free Catholic Homeschool Magazine Subscription

You can win a free one-year subscription to mater et magistra! This is an awesome magazine for any Catholic homeschooler. (If you win and already subscribe, you'll get an extra year for free.)

To enter is real simple. Become a Facebook fan of Homeschool Connections and then leave a political joke in the comments. The winner will be chosen by random.

The contest ends Monday, June 21 2010.

All this is designed to help out our government instructor Ed Rivet. Mr. Rivet ends every class with good, fun political joke for the kids. Well, Mr. Rivet is already busy creating his lesson plans for his Advanced American Government classes for the fall and he needs some new jokes. Lots of new jokes.

So, help out Mr. Rivet as well as give yourself a chance to win a great magazine by heading over to the fan page now.

Paying for College: Plans for Families with Young Children

UPDATE: The webinar went great! You can watch the free recorded event here: Paying for College: Plans for Families with Young Children.

Katherine O'Brien, MA CCPS of Celtic College Consulting has presented several free webinars for Homeschool Connections in the past and she is a treasure trove of information when it comes to information regarding planning for college funding.

This particular free webinar will deal specifically with how create a college plan while your children are young.

Paying for College: Plans for Families with Young Children

(click on title to register)

Date: Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Starting time: 8:00 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (7:00 pm, Central)
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Presenter: Katherine O'Brien, MA CCPS
Description: College costs are daunting! We will address some of the pitfalls of saving for college and outline effective ways to save. It is important to maintain financial aid eligibility AND save. Knowing how to save makes all the difference. Katherine is eager to share her knowledge and experience with other Catholic families, especially those interested in sending their children to the Newman Guide schools. So, get a cup of tea and a pad of paper, hear some stories, learn a lot, and get inspired to create a college fund for your children.
Presenter biography: Katherine O'Brien has a BS in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University and an MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. She is also a certified College Planning Specialist with five years' experience helping families prepare for college. As a mother of six, she understands the need to save for college - and the challenge to do it! With eleven years' homeschooling experience, she also understands the homeschooling lifestyle.

New England Catholic Homeschool Conference This Weekend!

If you're wondering where you can find Homeschool Connections this weekend, just look east.

Our anatomy & physiology professor, Kris Corriera, will be giving a workshop on Homeschool Leadership. She'll also be manning the Homeschool Connections vending table answering questions about Catholic online education.

This is sure to be a wonderful conference with a nice lineup of speakers, including Susie Lloyd.

Here are the details:

June 5, 2010 (Sat.)
2nd Annual New England Catholic Homeschool Conference
St. Stanislaus Basilica & School
534 Front Street
Chicopee, MA 01013
9 AM - 7 PM
Info: Call Mary 413-533-0045 or Christine 413-315-9999

SAT and ACT Prep Courses

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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:Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

I am so very excited to announce that Homeschool Connections will be offering SAT/ACT preparatory classes this summer.

We are offering a two-part series. You can take Prep I for an introduction or take both Prep I and Prep II for an in-depth study that will fully prepare you for both the SAT and ACT. The maximum number of students for Prep I is 30 and the maximum for Prep II is 20 so seating is limited and you should register as soon as possible.

Please see below for full descriptions of both courses as well as links to register:

Equipment requirements:
Students are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.
Misc:
The instructor 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.

SAT & ACT Prep I: The Test and the Strategies

(click on the title above to register)

Class dates: Monday & Thursday—July 19, 22, 26, 29
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 7:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Central)
Duration: 2 hours
Fee: $80 for entire 2-week course.
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 10th, 11th, and 12th grade
Course description: This course aims to provide the student with a thorough introduction to the format and content of the SAT and ACT as well as to introduce him to the key strategies to use when approaching the various types of problem that he will encounter. The course will be intensive, requiring a significant amount of work outside of class (1–2 hours per day). Class time will involve the systematic presentation of test sections and the strategies necessary for them followed by limited practice problems as time allows. Methods will include everything from solving the problems using traditional means to the various ways of “gaming” the questions, answering using strategies that are more cognizant of the special format of the tests. Homework will include practice problems and vocabulary acquisition. Once completed, the course will provide the student with a thorough knowledge of exactly what is on the test and the various theories to use in approaching the test.
Course outline: (Tentative)
Session 1: Overview, Essay Writing, Science Section
Session 2: Math Section
Session 3: Reading Section
Session 4: Writing Section
Homework: Practice Problems and Vocabulary
Course materials:
If you plan to take only the SAT or only ACT, you need only purchase that particular test book.
ACT: The Real ACT Prep Guide, 2nd edition
and
SAT: The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition
Available new and used through many providers, or your library.

SAT & ACT Prep II–Practicum

(click on the title above to register)

Class dates: Monday & Thursday—August 2, 5, 9, 12
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 7:00 pm Eastern Time (6:00 pm Central)
Duration: 2 hour
Fee: $90 for entire 2-week course.
Prerequisite: SAT & ACT Prep I
Suggested grade level: 10th, 11th, and 12th
Course description: This course aims to provide the student with extensive practice in the use of strategies introduced in part one. The course will be intensive, requiring a significant amount of work outside of class (1–2 hours per day). Class time will be spent working through problems as a group, especially those that have proven troublesome in the homework prepared for the session. Methods will include everything from solving the problems using traditional means to the various ways of “gaming” the questions, answering using strategies that are more cognizant of the special format of the tests. Homework will include practice problems and vocabulary acquisition. Test sections will be graded by the students; those problems that the students miss will be communicated to the instructor prior to class to aid him in preparing. Two practice essays will be graded by the instructor. Once completed, the course will provide the student with a real, hands-on familiarity with all of the content and strategies involved.
Course outline: (Tentative)
Session 1: Science and Math Sections
Session 2: Math Section
Session 3: Reading Section
Session 4: Writing Section
Homework: Practice Problems and Vocabulary
Course materials:
If you plan to take only the SAT or only ACT, you need only purchase that particular test book.
ACT: The Real ACT Prep Guide, 2nd edition
and
SAT: The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition
Available new and used through many providers, or your library.

Seven Reasons to Learn Latin

Latin is the one subject I've always had to seek out help to teach. I know the importance of teaching it to my children but I have a mental block when it comes to foreign language, especially Latin. If you'd like some help teaching Latin, Homeschool Connections is offering a series of high school and middle school Latin courses for summer, fall, and spring. But first, let's talk about Why Latin?

1. It's the official language of the Church. As Edward Peters has stated, "A working knowledge of Ecclesiastical Latin affords one direct access to nearly two millennia of accumulated Christian wisdom"
2. Higher SAT scores. Latin students score 160 points higher than non-Latin students in the verbal section of the SAT. They also have significantly higher scores in math. An investment in Latin can translate into college scholarships!
3. Builds character. Learning Latin can be challenging. It takes perseverance and dedication.
4. Builds vocabulary. At least 60% of words in the English language are derived from Latin, often through middle French, 30% of English words are of Anglo-Saxon origin, and 10% from Greek and other languages.
5. Scientific and medical terminology often come from Latin. Did you know that most, if not all, of the 206 bones in your body are Latin words?
6. English grammar. To learn Latin well, you must learn the grammar. In Latin the word order won't help you as it is a highly inflected language with lots of endings to learn.
7. Logic skills. Latin trains your mind and memory. Translating a Latin sentence is an exercise in logical thinking.

To learn more, please visit our website or drop us an email. All of our online courses are interactive -- the student sees and hears the professor. The student easily communicates verbally or through chat. Homework is graded for you or an answer key is provided. Plus, the professor is available between classes for help. The summer camps are a great way to keep Latin alive during the break so you don't spend weeks in review come fall.

Foreign Language and SAT Scores

We've all heard how the study of foreign language increases SAT and ACT scores. Are high test scores our end all goal in homeschooling? Of course not, but they sure are helpful when it comes time to apply for college and scholarships. Also, higher scores tell us that our children are learning which is the end all goal.

The chart linked here shows the difference foreign language makes in the verbal portion of the SAT. It's pretty significant -- up to 25% higher.

Studies conducted by the Educational Testing Service show that Latin students consistently outperform all other students on the verbal portion of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
Year: 2004
All students 508
Latin 674
French 642
German 627
Spanish 575
Hebrew 630

This summer and next school year Homeschool Connections will be offering Latin and German for middle to high school students. As you can see from the chart above, Latin students average 166 points higher on their SAT and German students 119. That's a nice plus in addition to all the other benefits to learning languages.

Online Classes: Job Search Skills

Update: This live course has concluded and is available now 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: Adult and High School Catholic Online Classes

As a former Human Resource Manager and Corporate Recruiter, I cannot stress enough the importance of good job search skills. During my career I saw a lot of wonderful individuals go unemployed or underemployed because they did not have strong job search skills. There is not a lot to learn but it is all important. From being able to create an eye-catching resume to standing out in a job interview to getting that interview in the first place, and more.

This is ever so much more important in the current job market. This 4-day course will teach a high school and college students the skills necessary to put them in the driver's seat of their future.

Life Skills Camp: Job Search Skills

(Click on title for registration information)

Class dates: Monday through Thursday, May 24 to May 27, 2010
Total classes: 4
Starting time: 8:00 pm Eastern Daylight (7:00 pm Central)
Duration: 1 hour
Instructor: Derek Prentice
Fee: $60 for entire 4-week course
Recommended Age: 10th grade to college
Homework and Course Materials: Mr. Prentice will provide free online resources. There will be no graded homework but to make the most of this course you will want to practice the techniques learned in class on your own. Mr. Prentice will be available via email to help you with questions.

Course description:
Be a Beacon of Light in the Workplace!

Obtaining victory in an employment world that is full of Serpents and Traps. Are you prepared for the challenge? Your parents have given you a great education in your homeschool. Some of you may be on your way to college. Are you ready to take your education and skills to the workplace? Join Mr. Prentice and Homeschool Connections to learn how to find and get your dream job.

Have you ever wondered "How in the world did that person get that job?" or "Wow, that is the coolest job in the world. I would have never thought that a person could get paid to do that!" Find out how you can be that person. The mainstream media continues to tell us that the "Sky is Falling!" Well if you like to follow the "Pied Piper" and listen to the symphony of employment destruction ... be my guest. However, if you have the "No Guts, No Glory!" attitude, then read on and seriously consider joining us in this career search course.

In this course you will learn about:
-- Resumes / Electronic resumes
-- Applications (90% are now online)
-- Interview skills (How to become an expert at phone and face to face interviews)
-- Online Job Boards such as Monster, Career Builder, Indeed and many others
-- Social Media and how it can be used for and against you
-- Reputation Management and Networking
-- Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, etc.
-- Questions potential employers like to ask
-- Confrontational Interviewing and other types of interviews you may encounter
-- Other Grassroots / DYI marketing yourself ideas
-- Creating your own Unique Selling Proposition

Course Outline:
Class 1) Overview of the current market and how it is changing
Class 2) Commonsense and Mistakes that Kill
Class 3) How to create a great marketing blitz – for yourself
Class 4) How to utilize social media and what not to do.

Presenter's biography:
Derek Prentice is a graduate of Hope College with a B/A in Communications, Business and Art. An accomplished and integrity-driven professional with over 14 years of business success with Fortune 500 organizations and start-up companies, specializing in technology, automotive, power sports and consumer electronics.

Equipment requirements:
Attendees are required to have high-speed internet and a headset with microphone.

The Cost of a Quality Catholic Online Education

Homeschool Connections Fees

Live courses:
Prices vary from $40 to $180 for individual courses. The price is based on several factors:

• Length of the course
• Whether or not homework is graded by the instructor
• The instructor’s degree and experience
• Whether or not you take advantage of the Early Enrollment Discount

Prices are shown with each course listing in the course catalog.

Recorded courses (Subscription Service):
Our 200+ hours of classes plus content are available for only $1 for the first seven days and then only $30 per month thereafter. The subscription fee is an automatic deduction each month. You can cancel anytime, subscribing for as long or as short as you need. During your subscription period you have unlimited access to all of the available recorded courses and supporting materials. Live courses become available to subscribers 3 to 6 weeks after their last class, so new content is always being added.

Course materials:
To help you keep your costs down, we provide most of our materials free online or as a PDF file. In the case of the literature courses, the books should be easily available from your library. A few courses do require the purchase of lab materials or a textbook. In those cases, we provide information to find them inexpensively or used. See individual course listings for required course materials.

Equipment:
Students are required to have high speed internet (not dial up) and a headset with a microphone. Headsets can be found for as cheap as $11. However, we recommend a quality headset that plugs into your USB port. These run about $30.

Additional fees:
None. We do not charge registration fees, late enrollment fees, or any other extra fees.

Early Enrollment Discount:
We do provide a discount for early enrollment. Early enrollment helps our instructors plan their courses more efficiently. The discount ranges from $10 to $30. The discount for individual courses is found in the course catalog under each course listing. The deadlines are:

• Fall: August 1
• Spring: November 1
• Summer: April 1
  

Homeschool Planning

It's that time of year again. Many of us are looking back over the school year and thinking about our plans for the next. Some have already laid their 2010/2011 plans in stone. Others are putting it off until September.

In a beautiful effort to help us all with this task (that some of us love and others of us loathe) Jenny Bales presented a webinar series on the topic last year. Those webinars were recorded and can help you get it together this year. Prayerfully.

Jenny's homeschool group holds a Day of Reflection for moms in preparation for planning the next school year. They developed a self-evaluation survey for the mothers to complete with questions covering personal spirituality, successes and struggles from this year, and goals for the next year.

Jenny brings that experience to the entire Catholic homeschool community via two free webinars. These are ones well worth your time.

Prayerfully Reflecting on Last Year
Here is a chance to really step back from the busy-ness of family life and pause to reflect on the previous academic year's highs and lows. The focus will be to take some time to ponder our personal spiritual growth and our successes and challenges from the past year of homeschooling with a goal to prayerfully discern what, if anything, needs to change for next year. Participants are provided with a thorough self-evaluation survey at the close of the webinar to complete on their own time, which has been an inspiring process for all who have done it, so far! This webinar is part one of a two part series, continuing with Prayerfully Planning for Next Year but one can be attended without the other, if desired.

Prayerfully Planning for Next Year
Regardless of what stage of planning for next year moms have completed, this will be an opportunity to consider our plans in light of God's will through prayerful discernment. Having evaluated the previous academic year in the webinar Prayerfully Reflecting on Last Year, our goals for this discussion are to ask the Lord for guidance in choosing materials and preparing lessons for next year and setting some goals for ourselves, our family, and each individual child that truly reflect our priorities. This webinar is part two of a two part series but one can be attended without the other, if desired.

Presenter's Biography
Jenny is a richly blessed homeschooling mother of two children, with a baby boy due in June. Her daughter is finishing second grade and her son is finishing pre-Kindergarten. Previously a middle school and high school English/Language Arts teacher, youth retreat director, and strategic planning consultant (among other things), her enthusiasm for and experience with personal and curriculum planning has been a great asset to her own homeschooling way of life. She cannot wait to share with you the process she developed with her local homeschooling group to evaluate each homeschooling year and make plans for the next year all focusing on God's will for our families and raising holy children in Christ-centered homes!