Great writing begins with great thinking. In Composition 3, students learn to examine evidence, evaluate competing viewpoints, and communicate their ideas through clear, thoughtful writing. As students write about Providential History, they will explore the people, events, and ideas that shaped our nation while developing the skills needed to think critically from a Biblical worldview.
This middle-school composition course builds upon the writing skills developed in earlier levels and introduces students to more advanced analysis and argumentation. Through weekly writing assignments, students will learn to summarize information, compare perspectives, support conclusions with evidence, and defend their reasoning in an organized manner. Weekly assignments include two well-developed paragraphs and emphasize critical thinking, vocabulary development, logical reasoning, transitions, note-taking, and advanced IEW stylistic techniques.
Through their study of Providential History, students will encounter important questions about liberty, leadership, character, faith, government, and God's providential hand in the affairs of men and nations. Through class discussion and writing, students will learn to distinguish fact from opinion, recognize assumptions, evaluate arguments, and articulate their own positions with clarity and respect.
Grammar, editing, and writing mechanics are continually reinforced as students strengthen their composition skills. By the end of the year, students will be writing with greater confidence, maturity, and precision, laying a strong foundation for success in high school writing.
Most importantly, students will be reminded that words matter because truth matters. Through the study of Providential History, they will learn to use writing not only to communicate effectively but also to seek wisdom, pursue truth, and glorify God.
Requirements:
Students should be able to write a cohesive paragraph with a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. They should be familiar with the Key Word Outline process and be able to retell information from notes in their own words. Prior experience with IEW is helpful but not required. Students who are new to IEW should be prepared to learn stylistic techniques and writing expectations as part of the course.
Students must be able to follow directions, participate respectfully in class discussions, read aloud when called upon, and complete short in-class writing activities. Reading short history selections will be required.
Weekly homework is required. Assignments typically include writing two paragraphs, revising or editing a previous assignment, and occasionally completing exercises that reinforce grammar, editing, sentence construction, or vocabulary.
Families are expected to support their students by helping ensure that assignments are completed, corrected, and brought to class.
**Required Materials**
* 3-ring binder for handouts and class resources
* Lined notebook paper (loose-leaf; no bound notebooks)
* Black, blue, and red pens
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.” $27 for 40 min. (all ages) Payment due first class of the month.
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration! I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.” $27 for 40 min. (all ages) Payment due first class of the month.
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Music composition lessons are, in fact, just like lessons on an instrument, but instead of weekly practice on that instrument, students are required to practice
composition by *writing* music each week. Lessons focus on the craft of composition and on music theory. Both are universal to composing in all genres of music. As we lay the groundwork, I will help your student explore the particular genres they are most interested in, whether it be classical, songwriting, worship, jazz, video game music, working with a DAW, hymn-writing, pop/rock… whatever it might be! Or, if they're not sure, that's even better, because we learn much by exploration!
I grew up in Vancouver, steeped in its rich musical community. I studied piano, clarinet, and jazz piano before attending Western Washington Univ. from which I received a B.A. in music, focusing on music education, but also investing much in music theory and history. I went on to study composition privately with Roger Briggs, culminating in one year of a Master’s degree in composition at the Jacobs School at Indiana University. I absolutely love my job as a teacher of music, recognizing that young, aspiring musicians growing up in households of faith look to their teachers as examples of how to be close followers of Jesus Christ. Even as we learn how to become better musicians, it is even more important to become better followers of Christ, knowing who we are in Him. I seek to model Keith Getty’s charge: “Be the best musician you can be and make sure that your faith is growing faster than your music.”
$27 for 40 min. (all ages).
Requirements:
One year of private lessons on an instrument or voice.
Come strengthen your keyboarding and computer skills in this hands-on course! Students will spend 4 weeks each on: word processing, spreadsheets, slideshow presentations, and simple graphic design. This class is appropriate for students looking to learn their way around a computer as well as seasoned students needing time in the computer lab to complete homework assignments. The teacher will give assignments for each unit, but any assignment may be replaced with a similar one of the student's or parent's choosing to make the best use of lab time. This class accommodates a wide age range as it is run more like concurrent tutoring than whole classroom teaching, reach out to the teacher on Slack if you have any questions!
In this class we will learn the basics of typing and computer software while creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Projects may include: writing letters, printing labels, creating a budget, making a class schedule, displaying charts, and giving a slideshow presentation.
Come strengthen your computer skills in this hands-on course! Centered around the theme of planning a birthday party, students will learn about: basic typing, computer literacy, and introductory graphic design. In-class assignments will include making a party invitation in canva, searching the internet for a recipe, creating a document for gift ideas, using spreadsheets to manage guests and budget, and sending an email thank you note.
Requirements:
At home, students need access to a computer with a keyboard for typing homework. Students will use a classroom google account for docs, sheets, and email. In-class assignments can be done on a personal laptop or a computer from the computer lab. This is a computer class, so tablets or mobile devices are not permitted
Get ready to embark on a digital adventure! In this imaginative computer class, students become Wildlife Explorers as they use real technology tools to investigate animals and their diverse habitats. Through hands-on projects, explorers learn practical computer skills like typing, document formatting, digital design, data analysis, and email—all within a fun, nature themed framework. Each lesson connects creativity and technology as students design field guide pages in Docs, craft custom explorer ID badges in Canva, create animal sighting data charts in Sheets, and send an email to “Wildlife Headquarters.”
Requirements:
At home, computer and internet access will be necessary for typing homework. Students will use a classroom google account for docs, email, and other Google Workspace applications. Supply fee will cover Wildlife ID badges with lanyards and printed student field guide books.
Get ready to embark on a digital adventure! In this imaginative computer class, students become Wildlife Explorers as they use real technology tools to investigate animals and their diverse habitats. Through hands-on projects, explorers learn practical computer skills like typing, document formatting, digital design, data analysis, and email—all within a fun, nature themed framework. Each lesson connects creativity and technology as students design field guide pages in Docs, craft custom explorer ID badges in Canva, create animal sighting data charts in Sheets, and send an email to “Wildlife Headquarters.”
Requirements:
At home, computer and internet access will be necessary for typing homework. Students may wish to continue working on in-class assignments at home. Students will use a classroom google account for docs, email, and other Google Workspace applications. Supply fee will cover laminated ID badges with lanyards and printed field guide books.
Concert band is an opportunity to learn an instrument in a classroom setting. Students will learn to read music, play an instrument, and participate in an ensemble. You are welcome to choose from one of five instruments- flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, or percussion. If you have experience on another instrument, or would like to try one that is not offered, this can be accommodated. Learning to play an instrument in a group setting such band fosters a sense of support and connection. Music is a lifelong journey!
Materials: You will need an instrument and music stand. These can be rented locally or owned. The only other material needed for the class is a book called Essential Elements, available on amazon for about $10.
About the teacher: I graduated from Central Washington University majoring in music education and performance with a full teaching certificate. This is my thirteenth year of teaching, and I look forward to many more!
Requirements:
This class is offered to grade 6 and above. Everyone is welcome regardless of experience!