Early Elementary Class Offerings
1ST GRADE HOMEROOM - Stacy Kangar
SCIENCE (K-2) - Brittany Watts
This year, we’ll be using The Good and the Beautiful’s Fields and Flowers unit to dive deep into the fascinating world of trees, plants, and the critters that live in our magical forests and fields.
Our young explorers will get the chance to:
Observe hardworking ants as they build intricate tunnels underground
Discover the vital role worms play in keeping our soil healthy and our ecosystems thriving
Learn through hands-on experiences, immersive activities, and real-life encounters with nature
Whenever possible, we’ll take our learning outside to spark curiosity and engage those eager learning brains through meaningful, nature-based exploration.
Our classroom supply fee will help cover the cost of our class pets and the additional materials needed to support these exciting, hands-on lessons.
We can’t wait to see your child’s wonder and excitement grow as we explore the beauty and complexity of the natural world together.
SPANISH (1ST - 2ND) - Alexis Girling
My goal in teaching Spanish is to inspire kiddos to have fun exploring and learning something new. Many of my students are not usually exposed to other languages and cultures, so teaching them a new language that makes them think about different cultures and countries in the world we live, feels like a win to me. I like to make learning fun, but also hope to challenge the students to say things out loud in a language that is foreign to them, this is a lot easier with the younger grades, but really awesome when my middle schoolers and high schoolers get excited and want to try it too.
BEGINNER ART IN NATURE (K - 2ND) - Jerusha Betzold
Art, nature, and the work of our hands have always been important parts of my life, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to share them with you this year. From a young age, I have loved the beauty of God's creation and the creativity He placed within each of us. Whether sketching a flower, observing the tiny details of a leaf, or learning a new skill with my hands, I have always felt a deep connection between these activities and the wonder of the world God made.
My love for these subjects grew through my own education, especially during my time in a homeschool co-op. In those years, I had the blessing of being surrounded by people who encouraged a love of learning, beauty, and careful observation. We spent many happy hours studying great works of art, exploring the outdoors, and learning the traditional skills that generations before us have practiced. These experiences not only taught me knowledge and skills but also helped me develop patience, attention to detail, and a lasting sense of wonder.
Art Study has taught me that great works of art are not just beautiful images — they are windows into the heart of the artist and the times they lived in. Learning to look carefully, to notice colors, brushstrokes, and meaning behind the work has made me a more attentive and thoughtful person. I believe that studying art together will help us all slow down and truly see the beauty around us, not just in museums but in everyday life.
Nature Study has always been especially close to my heart. Being outdoors, observing the plants, animals, and landscapes that God has created, reminds me of how much there is to discover and appreciate in the world. It is through quiet walks, sketching in a nature journal, and noticing small seasonal changes that I have learned some of my greatest lessons about patience, gratitude, and awe. I look forward to exploring with you, helping you to sharpen your skills of observation, and hopefully deepening your own love for the natural world.
Handicrafts are another special passion of mine. I have enjoyed learning skills like knitting, sewing, weaving, and other traditional arts that not only create beautiful and useful things but also teach persistence, care, and creativity. Handicrafts give us the chance to work with the gifts God has given us — our hands, our minds, and our creativity — in a way that is deeply satisfying and meaningful. I hope to encourage each of you to approach these crafts not only with a spirit of excellence but also with joy and purpose.
Throughout this year, my hope is that through Art Study, Nature Study, and Handicrafts, you will grow not just in skill and knowledge, but in your appreciation for the beauty and order that God has placed in the world around us. I pray that this class will help you slow down, look carefully, and take delight in the good work of learning, creating, and observing together.
PICTURE BOOK LITERATURE, EXPLORING THE WORLD OF AWARD WINNING PICTURE BOOKS (K-2) - Ellie Johanek
In this engaging literature class, designed for our younger learners, we will dive into a world of award winning picture books. Each week, we’ll explore rich, age-appropriate stories through lively discussions and hands-on creative activities.
Students will explore essential character traits like kindness, integrity, courage, and empathy. They’ll also have opportunities to respond to the tales through art, storytelling, and personalized lap books. Whether your child is just beginning to read or already reading independently, this class meets them where they are—inviting every learner to enjoy and explore great stories in their own way.
Goals: Foster a love of reading, strengthen comprehension and promote character development, and encourage creative expression through literature.
Materials: There will be a $15 supply fee to cover in-class materials. A list of books will be provided ahead of time for families to source from the library or a place of their choosing.
Expectations: Occasional story exploration and project assignments at home will be encouraged but not required between classes.
Books for Exploring: -
Wilfred Gordon McDonald
The Seven Silly Eaters
When I Was Young in the Mountains
Brave Irene
Last Stop on Market Street
Ameila Bedelia
Metal Man
Where the Wild Things Are
Authors for Exploring: -
Jonathan Bean
John Burningham
Mem Fox
Loren Long
Robert McCloskey
MATH TUTORING (4 classes available: K-12th) - Katie DesLauriers
This course time is available to students who need extra guidance in math. I will work with your family’s chosen curriculum to guide students to a better understanding of the math techniques they are learning. Students will be required to have their own curriculum to work out of.
MATH TUTORING (1 class available: K-12th) - Melissa Fredrickson
As a math tutor, I will provide personalized support for students from elementary math through algebra. I will use each student's home curriculum when available and create a tailored plan if needed. My approach will include hands-on manipulatives, videos like those from Khan Academy, and other resources to help students master key concepts.
I will introduce multiple ways to solve problems to reach different learning styles. When students are at similar levels, I will incorporate math games to reinforce learning and keep sessions fun. My goal is to help students build confidence and a solid foundation in math.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION + HEALTH (1ST - 5TH) - Brendon Thompson
Let’s get moving, and have fun doing it!
Physical Education and Health Class will provide a variety of skills through activities, sports, and fitness exercises. Our goal is to provide a fun, active program in a Christian environment where students not only learn the technical skills of a sport or activity, but also important values such as teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship.
Students will participate in a variety of partner and small-group games. Students will play hard, get sweaty, learn new skills and have fun interacting with one another in group games and team sports. Units include, but are not limited to, indoor and outdoor games, soccer, flag football, ultimate frisbee, kickball, volleyball, floor hockey, and modifications to many of the sports listed.
There will be supplementary work packets for the students to work out of made from the book: Healthy Living - a Christian based healthy lifestyle book on the importance of exercise, good nutrition, making good choices and the immune System.
DRAMA (1st -5th) - Crystal Randgaard
Through age-appropriate games and team building exercises we will learn to build each other’s confidence and have fun. The goal is to be able to improve upon comfort in front of an audience and explore our creativity and collaboration. In turn we will put that energy and effort into our rehearsals and performances.
STEM: BRICKS CHALLENGE (1-5th) - Young Engineers
At Young Engineers, we believe in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and a love for learning in every child. Our programs are designed to make STEM exciting and accessible, led by our dedicated instructors who are not just teachers, but mentors passionate about inspiring young minds. Bricks Challenge is an educational program that introduces children to the principles of STEM and basic subjects of classical mechanics through the use of building blocks and mechanical parts. In each session, the day’s model and the day’s engineering principles are introduced. To make the topic more relatable, an interactive story related to the subject is optionally narrated. The children then construct their models, enhance them for further experimentation, and sometimes modify them for competitions. The session concludes with reinforcing questions to solidify the children’s grasp of the concepts they’ve learned.
Bricks Challenge Objectives:
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Learn key principles of engineering and physics.
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Introduce children to the fundamentals of classical mechanics.
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Develop ability to analyze engineering processes.
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Cultivate critical problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
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Nurture a love for science and discovery.
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Expand interpersonal communication skills.
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Encourage team building, cooperation, and group play skills.
Lesson duration: 75 minutes
The expectation is that each student who enrolls in Drama will be able to commit to all final performances. Final performances rely on attention during rehearsals and line memorization at home. Students are also expected to treat the teacher, assistants and each other with respect.
PIANO AND GUITAR LESSONS (9 Individual Spots avaiable) - Leslie Glenn
Piano and guitar students will learn note reading on the musical staff as well as basic music theory concepts and ear training. Students will also learn performance preparation and have the opportunity to perform their music at select events during the school
year.
Prerequisites: None
Curriculum/Text: Piano: Bastien Piano Basics and supplemental music. Guitar: Hal Leonard
Guitar Method and supplemental music.
Required Material: Music books selected by instructor according to student’s age
level/experience and a blank notebook.
