T.H.E. Co-op
Together Homeschooling & Enriching
FALL 2020 CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
HOUR 1
Dissection
(Ages 11+)
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Fee: $75
Instructor: Bill Trauytman
Bill Trautman, a veteran homeschool parent, has been teaching science courses in the area for decades. He has worked with public, private, and homeschooled students and also served as the principal for the Open Bible School. In this class, he will bring animals of various classifications to study, compare, and dissect. Students will study creatures such as a worm, crayfish, and frog.
Super Powering Your Mind - Applied mindfulness for expanding emotional intelligence
(Ages 6-12)
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fee: $20
Instructor: Becky McCracken
Emotional literacy, the ability to express and communicate feelings, helps us to build healthy relationships. As we learn to identify and regulate our emotions, positive effects can be experienced in our attitudes, social skills and academic performance.
This class explores techniques for identifying emotions, and provides tools for processing emotions with confidence. We will briefly discuss the science of the brain, and observe how different systems and organs in our bodies react to emotions. We will learn to promote mindfulness by connecting to our senses through fine art, music, movement, and stillness.
These classes are inspired and supported by curriculum from both MIND UP (The Goldie Hawn Foundation) and The HeartMath Institute’s 100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative. MindUp was developed to help children reduce their stress and anxiety and improve their brain fitness and resilience. Based firmly in neuroscience, MindUP offers knowledge and tools for managing stress, regulating emotions and facing challenges with optimism, resilience and compassion.
The HeartMath Institute researches and develops reliable, scientifically based tools that bridge the connection between heart and mind and deepen people’s connection with the hearts of others.
Materials needed: Sketch book (no lines/any size the child prefers) This will be used in class for notes and practice/exercises, as well as for journaling at home.
Homework requirements: Outside of class, students will practice the techniques shared in class, as well as using their journals to record observations/experiences as it relates to their individual processes. They are to bring their sketch book/journals to each class. They may be asked to think/prepare a discussion point for the next class.
Learn to Draw
(Ages 8+)
10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m. Fee: $25
Instructor: Dawn York
CLASS FULL: WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Learn to draw. No experience necessary! Learn to build on basic drawing skills. We will practice with faces, figures, places and more.
Electronics Lab
(Ages 12+)
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Fee: Spring 2020 students, $20. New students $45
Instructor: Chris Langmead
In this class, we will review fundamental electronics and the students will use an Arduino development board to interface and build interesting circuits.
Each student will need to bring a laptop computer to class, and will need to download a simple Arduino program that Chris will email to you prior to classes starting.
HOUR 2
All Star Music Squad
(Ages 8+)
11:05 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Fee: $60
Instructor: Chris Montcalmo
Join us for the All-Star Music Squad where we will learn to sing and appreciate the joy of music.
Kids will sing a variety of songs while learning about basic time signatures, major/minor tonality, and the fundamentals of reading music.
Chris Montcalmo has been playing music in & around the Maryland area for more than three decades. Now a full-time musician, Chris has a minor in music from the University of Delaware. He has sung with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra and he is the former lead singer for the rock band Union Jack. Currently, Chris is the director of contemporary music at St. Isaac Jogues' and St. Ursula's Churches, and he currently plays solo acoustic and piano shows all around the state.
Mixed Chemistry and Physics Lab
(Ages 14+)
11:05 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Fee: $75
Instructor: Bill Trautman
Bill Trautman, a veteran homeschool parent, has been teaching science courses in the area for decades. He has worked with public, private, and homeschooled students and also served as the principal for the Open Bible School. High school students will be led through weekly labs teaching concepts from both curricular areas of chemistry and physics.
What Do You Celebrate?
(Ages 5-12)
11:05 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. Fee: $30
Instructor: Miriam Snare
Holidays and festivals are rooted in history and tradition. Learning about them helps us understand people in different parts of the world. This class will take kids on a journey to 6 countries to explore a different annual celebration in each one. Each class session will include a bit of geography and background about the country and the festival, followed by a game, craft, or treat related to the holiday.
Invent It! Build It!
(Ages 8+)
11:05 a.m. – 12:05 p.m. Fee: $30
Instructor: Joanne Durrett
CLASS FULL: WAITLIST AVAILABLE
This "up and moving," hands-on class will spark the kids' inventive spirits. We'll tackle six activities designed to show how invention improves people's lives. Among other things, we'll create a game and play it, launch crazy things into the air, make earth-friendly products, and invent useful items to assist people with special needs.
HOUR 3
Wildlife Biology
(Ages: 6+)
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fee: $75
Instructor: Bill Trautman
Bill Trautman, a veteran homeschool parent, has been teaching science courses in the area for decades. He has worked with public, private, and homeschooled students and also served as the principal for the Open Bible School. Students of all ages are invited to join a meet and greet class where Bill brings animals from his own cache of live creatures. He presents frequently to groups and includes snakes, ducks, ferrets, chinchillas, hedgehogs, turtles, frogs, geckos, etc. Each week Bill will teach this life study class that allows the children to touch the creatures they are discussing.
Super Powering Your Mind - Applied mindfulness for expanding emotional intelligence
Same course as hour 1, but geared towards ages 10+
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fee: $20
Instructor: Becky McCracken
Emotional literacy, the ability to express and communicate feelings, helps us to build healthy relationships. As we learn to identify and regulate our emotions, positive effects can be experienced in our attitudes, social skills and academic performance.
This class explores techniques for identifying emotions, and provides tools for processing emotions with confidence. We will briefly discuss the science of the brain, and observe how different systems and organs in our bodies react to emotions. We will learn to promote mindfulness by connecting to our senses through fine art, music, movement, and stillness.
These classes are inspired and supported by curriculum from both MIND UP (The Goldie Hawn Foundation) and The HeartMath Institute’s 100,000 Coherent Kids Initiative. MindUp was developed to help children reduce their stress and anxiety and improve their brain fitness and resilience. Based firmly in neuroscience, MindUP offers knowledge and tools for managing stress, regulating emotions and facing challenges with optimism, resilience and compassion.
The HeartMath Institute researches and develops reliable, scientifically based tools that bridge the connection between heart and mind and deepen people’s connection with the hearts of others.
Materials needed: Sketch book (no lines/any size the child prefers) This will be used in class for notes and practice/exercises, as well as for journaling at home.
Homework requirements: Outside of class, students will practice the techniques shared in class, as well as using their journals to record observations/experiences as it relates to their individual processes. They are to bring their sketch book/journals to each class. They may be asked to think/prepare a discussion point for the next class.
Wordplay
(Ages 12+)
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Fee: $20
Instructor: Mandy Wingate
CLASS FULL: WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Join s for a fun and interactive class about writing! Students will be introduced to a variety of hints and techniques to enhance confidence and writing skills. Sample work will be edited by the group as we look for ways to make improvements. Bring a notebook to class to respond to quick prompts and practice new skills. No homework will be assigned.
Beginner Recorder Lessons
(Ages 8+)
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Fee: $20
Instructor: Joanne Durrett
Learn to play a simple musical instrument! The class will focus on holding position, proper blowing technique, and learning the notes to play a few simple melodies. No experience necessary. Class will involve minimal to no music theory.
Homework: Students will be expected to practice what was taught in class and be ready to pick up from where we were with minimal review at the next class.
Materials: Students will need to purchase a recorder (you'll be given specifics) typically around or under $10 on Amazon.