Class Descriptions
P.A.C.T. classes are optional. They are intended to supplement the education of our home school children.
P.A.C.T. Class Descriptions for 2011-2012 Classes
ART
Art History – (grades 7+) Location: PACT 2
Having a general understanding of art history is fundamental to one’s appreciation of art. Students will look at the effects of time and place on art and the artists who produced it. As we go from the 1800’s to the present, students will experience “hands-on” art projects as well as related written assignments. A visual time line will be established, presented, and discussed in groups to enrich the learning process. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Drawing – (grades 1 - 6) Location: PACT 2
This class uses a method for teaching drawing created by Mona Brookes called “Monart”. It emphasizes learning to see and to draw what one sees. Students will draw from nature, from photographs, and will do worksheets in class designed to improve eye-hand coordination. Children in this class will learn to draw creatively and representationally, and studies have shown that students using the Monart method score better in reading, writing, and math. This is a semester course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Drawing and Painting - (grades 6+) Location: PACT 2
Art expression activates the body and the mind. Its language is reflective of the whole person. Emphasis will be placed on originality, creativity, and most of all, a desire to learn new skills. Students will work with a variety of different mediums in drawing and painting during the year. They will have fun and do art in a non-threatening atmosphere while learning and being pleased with their artistic accomplishments. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY SKILLS
Compuskills – (grades K-1) Location: Not offered at this time
This class uses the program, “Type to Learn, Jr.,” to familiarize your students with the computer keyboard and correct fingering techniques used in word processing. We will also use the program, “KidPix Studio Deluxe 3.” This is a great program, especially for beginners. KidPix will help in your child’s reading, writing, and fine motor skills. It is primarily a drawing program with fun to use drawing tools and sounds. It will speak the names of letters and numbers, or read aloud what your student has keyed. This gives them a fun way to practice their reading and writing (not to mention their typing skills). Students in Kindergarten and 1st grade will be challenged each week with a weekly assignment pertaining to each letter of the alphabet. 1st grade students will compose sentences to accompany their project. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Compuskills (grades 2-3) Location: Computer Lab
This class will cover the basic grade appropriate computer skills and will introduce students to programs where they can practice the skills they learn. We will utilize Microsoft Word where students will learn word processing terms and concepts. We will spend time in KidPix where students will digitally create illustrations for their typewritten work. This program will also aid in your child’s reading and writing skills. Students will also spend time in Type to Learn where they are exposed and challenged to type using the correct fingering. This is a semester long course however your student would benefit greatly if taken for the full year. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Compuskills (grades 4-5) Location: Computer Lab
This class will cover the basic grade appropriate computer skills and will introduce students to programs where they can practice the skills they learn. Our primary focus will be in Microsoft Word where students will learn word processing terms and concepts. They will demonstrate proficiency at creating, editing, saving, printing, and retrieving documents. They will compose and edit documents at the keyboard that are accurate in spelling, capitalization, punctuation and grammar. Students will learn to create and manipulate simple tables and useful desktop publishing features as they manipulate and format graphic objects. If taken for the full year, students will also be exposed to and learn PowerPoint basics. This is a semester long course however your student would greatly benefit if taken for the full year. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Compuskills (grades 6-8) Location: Computer Lab
This class will cover the basic grade appropriate computer skills and will introduce students to programs where they can practice the skills they learn. Our primary focus will utilize Microsoft Office with an emphasis in Word and PowerPoint. Students will demonstrate proficiency at creating, editing, saving, printing, and retrieving documents. They will compose and edit documents at the keyboard that are accurate in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Students will learn to create and manipulate simple tables, create a newsletter, and orally present a PowerPoint presentation. We will work through PPT the 2nd semester. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Computer Lab Location: Computer Lab
This lab is available for both students and parents to use to reinforce your students’ education. You do not need to sign up for this class but may attend on a drop in basis. You may use our computers to complete assignments, write reports or access the Internet for research. We do have a collection of “Edutainment” software that is available as well. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Inspiration (grades 5-8) Location: Computer Lab
Powered by the proven techniques of visual learning, Inspiration supports improved achievement for students. Inspiration strengthens critical thinking, comprehension and writing across the curriculum. This course is designed to help students develop strong thinking skills and teaches students how to brainstorm, plan, organize, outline, diagram, and write. This is a semester long course.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Kidspiration (grades 3-4) Location: Computer Lab
Kidspiration is the visual way for young learners to think, write, and comprehend. Students create graphic organizers by combining pictures, text and spoken words. Working visually, young learners build important early literacy skills, while more advanced students are able to better understand information and communicate ideas. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Newsletter/Publishing Class (grades 4-8) Location: P.A.C.T. Computer Lab
Students will produce a monthly student newsletter, which could include articles about current events at PACT, cartoons, short stories, poetry and anything else that is newsworthy. Students will also learn to publish their own personal newsletter. This could be a collection of stories, poems, cartoon books, or other great literary works that they may want to include. (Must be able to write comfortably) This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Typing Class (grades 3-8) Location: Computer Lab
This is a self-paced class using typing software with lots of activities to make learning to type lots of fun. I would recommend this class for anyone who has not had any formal typing training and for those who would like to increase their accuracy and skill level. The software has built-in timers and calculates your speed and accuracy after every exercise. Typing is a very valuable skill in today’s world. Students may sign up for two 1-hour sessions/week. This is a semester long course however your student would greatly benefit if taken for the full year.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Yearbook (grades 7-8) Location: Computer Lab
This is a hands-on production class that will work on taking, collecting, and organizing photographs and editing all information for the P.A.C.T. Yearbook. Students will create the yearbook from start to finished product. The yearbook staff will assist in the advertising and selling of P.A.C.T. Yearbooks. Entry into this class is subject to instructor approval. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Spanish 1 – (grades K-3) Location: PACT 2
This course is designed to assist students in developing communication skills and cultural awareness, and emphasizes listening and speaking with correct pronunciation and intonation. Students will participate extensively in oral communication, and classroom activities will include singing, games, and grade-appropriate reading and writing projects. Students will usually be able to complete all schoolwork and projects assigned to them during class time. This is a semester course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Spanish 1 –(grades 4-8) Location: PACT 2
This course is similar to the above, with the addition of more extensive reading, writing, and listening activities, and oral communication will be stressed. The emphasis will be on comprehension and common grammar forms. Homework will be given at least twice a week. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Spanish 2 –(grades 4-8) Location: PACT 2
This course will assist continuing Spanish students (must have taken Spanish 1 or equivalent) in developing cultural awareness and communication skills involving reading, writing, and especially listening and speaking in the Spanish language. The emphasis is on comprehension and use of frequently used language and basic grammar forms. Student’s practice extensively in oral communication, and classroom activities are related to the real world. Homework will be given. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
GENERAL ACADEMICS
Mrs. P’s Class K– (grade K) Location: PACT 3
This class is intended to give your child the experience of a basic kindergarten class once a week. We will do “letter of the week” starting with “a” which will culminate in an alphabet book at the end of the year. We will memorize nursery rhymes, do art projects, and other activities. In the spring, the class will perform a mini-musical. This is a yearlong course; regular attendance is encouraged so that your child may receive the full benefits of this wonderful class. Instructor: Margaret Padilla
Mrs. P’s Class 1 Location: PACT 3
This class will focus on building your child’s writing skills. We will cover the parts of speech, what makes a sentence, and fiction and non-fiction writing. At the end of the year, the class will write a book. It is also the hope of the instructor to perform a play during the year. Prerequisite: Child must be able to recognize and hear letter sounds at the beginning, middle, and end of a word. This is yearlong course. Instructor: Margaret Padilla
Mrs. P’s Class 2 Location: PACT 3
This class will build on Class 1 with more sentence writing, story writing, and paragraph writing. Students will write a book to be finished by the end of the year. The students will also perform a play sometime during the school year. Prerequisite: Child must be able to write simple sentences. Placement is subject to instructor approval. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Margaret Padilla
LIFE SKILLS
Home Education – (grades 6+) Location: PACT 2
This class is divided into two semesters. The first semester we will be focusing on learning some basic sewing skills. We will be focusing on simple sewing projects and introducing you to some basic alteration techniques. Second semester our focus will be on cooking. We will be making a cooking journal to record our recipes and meal costs. Come to learn, leave to serve, and have fun in the process! This is a semester long course. Instructor: Brenda Holts
MATH
Math Lab (grades 1-8) Location: Computer Lab
This lab is designed to help students in math areas where they may be struggling or just need extra reinforcement. Students will be working with math software on the computer designed to help improve their math skills. Each student will be working at his/her individual skill level. If there is a particular area you would like your student to focus on, please let me know. Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Pre-Algebra Readiness - (grades 5-7) Location: Conference Room
This class is designed to cover the concepts in the Saxon 7/6 textbook in order for a student to be prepared for pre-algebra. The first semester will be a review of lessons 1-70, continuing in the book the second semester. This is a good choice for fifth and sixth grade students who are at grade level in math or seventh grade students who are not quite ready for pre-algebra. Homework will be assigned for the days when class does not meet in order to complete the text in a year. Parents will be given an answer key in order to correct homework. This is a yearlong course that will meet 3 times/week. Instructor: Jeany Plooy
Pre-Algebra - (grades 6-8) Location: Conference Room
This class is designed to cover the concepts in the Saxon 8/7 textbook, with the first semester reviewing lessons 1-80, and finishing the book in the second semester. This class is suitable for students that need additional support before entering Algebra. Homework will be assigned for the days when class does not meet in order to complete the text in a year. Parents will be given an answer key in order to correct homework. This is a yearlong course that will meet 4 times/week. Instructor: Jeany Plooy
MUSIC
Choir – (grades 3-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn musical concepts such as melody, harmony, and rhythm patterns while learning new songs, exploring familiar ones, and discovering their musical heritage through folk songs. Students will learn songs in French, Spanish, Japanese, and American Sign Language. Students will be able to perform for the Visual/Performing Arts program in May. This is a semester course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Guitar 1 – (grades 3-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn correct posture and form, and will learn to play several songs. Students will learn the basics of music, and will participate in individual as well as group performances. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Guitar 2 – (grades 4-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn techniques and songs at a more difficult level. Students must have taken Guitar 1 or equivalent. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Music Appreciation – (grades K-3) Location: Dance/Music Room
Music appreciation enables students to learn to recognize basic rhythm patterns, scales with numbers and solfege syllables, and relate pitches to the treble staff. Students will use locomotor movement, dancing to stories and songs that reinforce the concepts of rhythm, improvising their own movement as well. Students will also interact with classical composition in a way that will help them to recognize some of the most famous classical works and composers, using Classical Magic’s Themes to Remember. As a culmination of learning basic rhythm and classical masterpieces, students will be inspired to listen and dance to classical music and play themes on the recorder. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Piano 1-3 – (grades K-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
This is a child centered music-learning system that integrates keyboard, creative movement, rhythm, music theory, and composition. Students will be assigned a class according to the child’s age and experience level. For K-1 students, Parent Participation may be required in class with your student. Instructor: Pamela Buck
Violin 1a + b - (grades K-2) - Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn correct posture and form, and will learn to play several songs on the violin, using traditional as well as a Suzuki method. Students will learn the basics of music, and will participate in individual as well as group performances. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
Violin 2 - (grades K-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will continue lessons at the appropriate level and continue using traditional as well as a Suzuki method. Students will be playing more complicated pieces. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Patricia Valdovinos
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Ballet A-D- (grades K-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
At the core of all dance technique, these classes will train dancers in proper placement, balance, and strength. As an aid to all other classes, the emphasis in these classes will be disciplined technique and vocabulary. This is a semester long course. Ballet A (K-3), Ballet B (3 and up), Ballet C (6th and up or two years dance experience), Ballet D (recommendation) Instructor: Leah Riggs
Jazz Dance A– (grades 2-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
From beginning to intermediate levels, students will focus on advancing and developing jazz abilities. This includes, but is not limited to, technique and terminology, turns, leaps, and combinations which will further their experience. This is a semester long course. Instructor: Leah Riggs
Jazz Dance B – (grades 4-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
From beginning to intermediate levels, students will focus on advancing and developing jazz abilities. This includes, but is not limited to, technique and terminology, turns, leaps, and combinations which will further their experience.
This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Leah Riggs
Musical Theater – (grades 3-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn Broadway style tap, jazz, and Fosse type movements set to fun up-beat songs from popular musicals. Instructor: Shelly
Taekwondo - (grades K-8) Location: 1584 W. El Camino Blvd. Suite 102
This course meets two times a week and will focus on the fundamentals of Taekwondo. The course will stress respect, responsibility, reaction, and physical fitness. New students enrolling in Taekwondo will be required to purchase a uniform from Mr. Zapata at a cost of $40. Students will be taught at their ability level and advanced to the next level as appropriate. Belt testing fees are to be paid for by the parent. This is a yearlong course unless instructor approval is obtained.) Instructor: Joe Zapata/Staff
Tap Dance A - (grades K-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn beginning to intermediate concepts in tap. The main focus will be on advancing and developing rhythmic ability as well as vocabulary and choreography abilities. This is a semester long course. Instructor: Shelly
Tap Dance B - (grades K-8) Location: Dance/Music Room
Students will learn beginning to intermediate concepts in tap. The main focus will be on advancing and developing rhythmic ability as well as vocabulary and choreography abilities. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Shelly
SCIENCE
Science4Kids Grades 1-2 Location: PACT 1
This class will focus on Earth and Space. This is a hands-on curriculum that will cover topics such as weather and seasons, the water cycle, earth's atmosphere and surface, rocks and minerals, the solar system and space. Students will explore science using the scientific method and develop extensive scientific vocabulary. Students will create a science notebook including journaling and drawing. Some homework will be required. Participation in the school wide science fair in early spring is highly encouraged. This is a semester long course. Instructor: Susie Clark
Science4Kids Grades 3-4 Location: PACT 1
This class will focus on Earth and Space. This is a hands-on curriculum that will cover topics such as weather and seasons, the water cycle, earth's atmosphere and surface, rocks and minerals, the solar system and space. Students will explore science using the scientific method and develop extensive scientific vocabulary. Students will create a science notebook including journaling and drawing. Some homework will be required. Participation in the school wide science fair in early spring is highly encouraged. This is a semester long course.
Instructor: Susie Clark
Science4Kids Grade 5 Location PACT 1
Chemistry, Physics, and Biology- This curriculum is designed to give students both solid science information and hands-on experimentation. Fundamental concepts are introduced to begin to form a solid science foundation. The textbooks are easy to read and fun to use. Students also explore real science using hands-on activities that are designed not only to teach the scientific method but also help develop the critical thinking tools necessary for all subjects. Students will have required homework. This includes material which introduces the language of each subject, explaining how scientific terminology works. Participation in the school wide science fair in early spring is highly encouraged. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Susie Clark
Earth Science Grade 6 Location: PACT 1
This course will provide complete content coverage for earth science as described in the California standards. The Holt Science and Technology Earth Science textbook will be the main text used. Students will be required to attend 2 hours per week, complete homework assignments and participate in class discussions and labs. Participation in the P.A.C.T. school wide science fair in the second semester is highly encouraged. This is a yearlong course and preference is given to 6th graders. Instructor: Susie Clark
Science 7 (grades 6-8) Location: PACT 1
This class is designed to cover the concepts in the 7th grade Holt Science & Technology textbook. The concepts will include: the study of living things, cells, heredity, evolution & classification, plants, animals, ecology, and human body systems. Outside student reading and homework will be required. This class is also open to any student in grade 6 or 8 interested in these areas of study however; preference will be given to 7th graders. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Donis Van Gilst
Science 8 (grades 6-8) Location: Conference Room
This class is designed to cover the concepts in the 8th grade Holt Science & Technology textbook. The concepts will include: Introduction to matter, motion and forces, work, machines, and energy, the atom, interactions of matter and introduction to astronomy. Outside student reading and homework will be required. This class is also open to any student in grade 6 or 8 interested in these areas of study however; preference will be given to 8th graders. This is a yearlong course that will meet twice/week. Instructor: Jeany Plooy
THEATER ARTS
1st Semester: Creative Dramatics Grades 3-5 Location: PACT 3
This class is intended to introduce students to drama in a fun and explorative way. Drama will be experienced through games, improvisation, and creative play. Simple stage directions will be introduced. This class is a prerequisite for 2nd Semester’s Play Production class.
Dates: Thursdays 9/15 – 11/17 12:30-1:30 3rd – 5th grades: 12:30 – 1:30 6th – 8th grades: 1:45 – 2:45
Instructor: Margaret Padilla
1st Semester: Creative Dramatics Grades 6-8 Location: PACT 3
This class is intended to introduce students to drama in a fun and explorative way. Drama will be experienced through games, improvisation, and creative play. Simple stage directions will be introduced. This class is a prerequisite for 2nd Semester’s Play Production class. Dates: Thursdays 9/15 – 11/17 1:45-2:45 Instructor: Margaret Padilla
2nd Semester: Play Production Grades 3-8 Location: PACT 3
These classes are about planning, producing and performing a play. All children signed up for this class will be involved in the play either by designing sets and props or by acting in the play itself (play extras, prop and set planning and making). Auditions for parts will be held the first two Thursdays of December. Class Dates: Thursdays 1/12 – 3/29 12:30-1:30 Instructor: Margaret Padilla
2nd Semester: Play Production Grades 6-8 Location: PACT 3
These classes are about planning, producing and performing a play. All children signed up for this class will be involved in the play either by designing sets and props or by acting in the play itself (main parts in the play). Auditions for parts will be held the first two Thursdays of December. Class Dates: Thursdays 1/12 – 3/29 1:45-2:45 I Instructor: Margaret Padilla
WRITING
Writing Process Class 1 - (grades 3-4) Location: PACT 3
This class will further the students’ writing skills by developing sentences, paragraphs, beginning essays, and this year, letter writing. This class will use the writing process: notes, rough draft, editing and revising, and final draft. This class should be used in conjunction with the student’s own writing program at home. Homework includes three book reports and one research report with projects. Oral presentations of these assignments are required. Placement is subject to instructor approval. This is a yearlong class. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Margaret Padilla
Writing Process Class 2 - (grades 5-6 and 4 with teacher approval) Location: PACT 3
This class will focus on the process of writing: brainstorming, notes, rough draft, editing and revising, and final draft. It is designed to extend or enrich your own writing program at home. Homework includes three book reports and one research report with projects. Oral presentations of these assignments are required. Some weekly assignments will also be given. This class will cover sentence and paragraph development, fiction writing, and fact-based writing. This is a yearlong course. Instructor: Margaret Padilla
Middle School Writing (grades 7-8) Location: Computer Lab
Middle School Writing is a challenging technology based enrichment-writing course for grades 7th – 8th. In this yearlong course, your student’s writing theme will focus on a comprehensive autobiography. There will be multiple writing assignments that address the California State Standards writing requirements and many of the technology requirements for middle school students. Students will be required to read an autobiography and interact with the text. Every student will be introduced to the outline building software “Inspiration” and will use the Internet and other research methods to complete their assignments. The students will learn how to scan photos and insert them into their autobiography. The class will culminate with a final bound autobiography and presentation. Every student will present his / her final autobiography and deliver a PowerPoint presentation for their parents and advisors on the last day of class. This is a yearlong course.
Instructor: Peggy Chapman
Institute of Excellence in Writing Course Level B Description (IEW-B) grades 6-8 Location: PACT 1
Students will be led through 9 units of writing covering outlining and summarizing, story sequencing, summarizing a single reference (reports), writing from pictures, summarizing multiple references (research reports), creative writing, essays, and critiques. The goal of this course is to develop structure and style in students’ writing, giving them a checklist to write from, while allowing their style to shine through. Students will be given homework and parent involvement in student writing is required. A parent meeting will be held before classes begin to ensure success for the student. This is a yearlong course. Instructors: Cristy Smith & Sharon Crockette
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