If you prefer to look at them on a printable PDF, click the button:
Friday Courses (2021-2022)
at Cranston Christian Fellowship
WRITING 1/LITERATURE: (6th – 9th grade) Using Excellence in Writing materials, students will have an opportunity to refine writing skills using IEW’s Structure and Style techniques. Students will also be enjoying the experience of diving into the enchanted land of Narnia. Homework will include one writing lesson per week, weekly reading assignments, reading-based vocabulary/questions, and occasionally a special project. Each weekly lesson is tailored to integrate IEW writing techniques with topics from three novels of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; The Horse and His Boy. As a complement to the Writing and Structure lessons, students will examine Narnia in relation to biblical standards, become accustom to literary terms, and explore the themes and ideas crafted by C.S. Lewis. In class, we will practice writing techniques, discuss the week’s reading assignment, and even play games if time allows. Students should plan on spending approximately 1 hour per day on homework. Please purchase the three novels; IEW student manual included in class fee. Materials/Copies: $40.00. Taught by Rachel Young.
WRITING 2: This class reviews all the basic Excellence in Writing techniques learned in Writing I and adds more advanced stylistic devices, while also putting more emphasis on the cohesiveness, clarity, and content of the student’s writing. While those who think clearly are also strong writers, it is also true that learning to write clearly leads to stronger thinking skills. Conducting research is a major emphasis of Writing II, so students write a 12-paragraph research paper step by step, learning the skills of choosing and limiting topics and sources, organizing outlines, integrating quotations, and citing properly. Also adding to the style toolbox, students spend time analyzing and imitating famous authors, writing descriptively from pictures using imagery and figurative language, and learning the structural forms and language of poetry. For creative writing and practice in figurative language, students work all year on an anthology of their own original poetry. Prerequisite: Students must have successful completed Writing I (B or C level), or its equivalent. Feel free to speak with tutor to determine level. It is very acceptable for students to repeat a level of writing. Because they cycle through sentences, paragraphs, and papers in composition classes, they will be taking it at a higher level for more mastery (thus counting as a second year on a transcript also). Grammar is taught contextually, which means it is more likely to be learned well; if students need extra support in this area, parents should plan to provide that at home. Students should have a sturdy 2-3 inch binder with tabs. Copies: $15.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.
A question about the writing classes: How do you decide in which class to enroll your students if they’ve taken one of them already? Writing is a process, and we never come to the place where we have learned it all. All the way through school we’re going back to writing words and sentences, paragraphs and papers. If your students completed a level well, and were able to be nearly independent and do the assignments fairly easily, they probably are ready to move to the next level. They will receive much more benefit from taking a class they’ve already taken and becoming more competent than by taking one for which they are not ready. Even though they are enrolled in the same class, they will definitely be working at a higher level. Students will often remain in the same level to more fully practice the concepts, achieving greater mastery. Think of it…students in school are taking composition courses every year or almost every year. At GCT they are taking the classes at different levels also, even though they may technically be in the same class two years in a row. Tutors are happy to help you decide on the correct level. What are the options if my student isn’t really ready to move up a level? You should not see this as a failure to learn, but as the need to benefit from cycling through the skills again. They could repeat the same level – many of our students have done that with great success. But you could also practice with them the things they’ve learned in order to become more comfortable, perhaps using one of the theme-based books sold by Excellence in Writing. For more information about our writing courses and other options for completing at home, check out www.excellenceinwriting.com.
CONQUERING THE CONTINENTS: (for 5th-8th grade) Want to travel the world? In this class, students will not only explore the continents of the world, but explorers, ancient civilizations, various traditions and of course the many wonders of the world. Weekly work will include research based interactive note-booking assignments, vocabulary, mapping, readings, videos, and quizzes. On Friday, students will be able to test their geographical knowledge with in-class games, have fun with in-class projects and more! Occasionally, additional special projects will be assigned, which compliment the current topic of study. In the final few weeks of class, we will complete a literary study of the book, Around the World in Eighty Days, by Jules Verne, PUFFIN BOOKS / 2016 / PAPERBACK. At the end of the course, students will have a keepsake binder showcasing their completed work. Materials required: Classroom Atlas, Rand McNally; 13th edition (September 25, 2015); Around the World in Eighty Days (Puffin books, 2016, paperback), by Jules Verne. Each student (or parent) must have an email account to review weekly assignments, view course materials, and submit certain assignments in Google Classroom. Students must have access to a computer for weekly research and will need a 2-inch wide 3-ring binder with a clear plastic cover and notecards. Materials: $20.00. Taught by Rachel Young.
US GOVERNMENT/CIVICS: (for grades 9-12) In this course, students will develop an understanding of the United States Government. They will expand their knowledge of the basic checks and balances system and the foundational principles of the US Constitution. Students will learn about federal, state, and local government. The goal of this course is to help the students increase their understanding of our country’s government and gain knowledge of contemporary issues that face our nation today. In addition, the Notgrass Curriculum provides a special emphasis on the Biblical pattern for government and the U.S. Constitution. Weekly course work will include text readings, videos, and short question-based writings. In-class exercises will include lively discussions, games, and other activities. Required: Exploring Government , 2016 Updated Edition-Curriculum Kit (cost around $60.00) by Ray Notgrass, 3” binder, dividers, highlighters. Each student (or parent) must have an email account to review weekly assignments, view course materials, and submit certain assignments in Google Classroom. Materials/Copies: $20.00. Taught by Rachel Young.
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES: (1½ hour tutorial) Don’t let your high school student graduate without this course by Summit Ministries which focuses on comparing six fundamental worldviews dominant in Western Civilization: Marxist Leninism (communism), Secular Humanism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age movement), Islam, Post-Modernism, and Biblical Christianity, all easily discovered in the current culture. Students quickly learn to do that, as well as being grounded in answers for them. Students learn to understand how worldview affects all other disciplines and how to defend their own faith. Those questioning their beliefs are encouraged to ask questions. Try taking this excellent (and free) worldview test yourself and then have your high schooler do it, to perhaps obtain some real insight into the need: http://www.secretbattlebook.com/checkup.html Where apologetics is mostly studying the basics of the Christian faith from the Bible, this course involves studying what the other worldviews believe and how they compare to Christianity, also using the Bible as the final authority. You have heard the statistic that 50% of professing Christian students leave the faith in college? The number is even higher now, but instruction in the biblical worldview dramatically changes the statistic. The lively discussion/application format is very effective in encouraging students to interact about the things that really matter, and it is what the students love most about this class, along with the video lectures by experts in every field we study. Check out the college credit option at http://understandingthetimes.com/college-credit/. The material was written for juniors and seniors in high school, but, though challenging, it need not be limited to that age. This class meets for 1½ hours per week. Materials fee includes hard cover textbook, student manual, access to online video lectures, and copy fee. Materials: $75.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.
ENGINEERING: Ideal for students in grades 5-7. This is a hands-on science class that will lead students through the engineering design process. Working in teams to problem solve and think creatively, students will be presented with a new engineering challenge each week that will build on concepts over several classes to culminate into a final design challenge! Each unit will focus on a different area of Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical etc) Using a variety of curriculum including Teachengineering.org, Design It!, online videos and Middle School Engineering projects and online videos, students will be introduced to the concepts, principles and processes used by engineers. Students will learn new vocabulary, about engineering history, research famous engineers and complete one age appropriate report each month. Students will have weekly reading assignments and will be asked to complete design challenges at home as well as in class. Supplies will be provided and recycled materials will be used as much as possible. Please note that projects are rotated between two years, so students may take Engineering for two years without repeating the same ones. Materials/Copies: $40. Taught by Denise Mudge.
GENERAL SCIENCE: This Apologia junior high school level course is the foundation for all the upper level Apologia high school science courses due to its introduction to areas of biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology in a simple and approachable manner. Labs and fun projects will be done in class while bi-weekly tests will be proctored at home. Apologia science courses follow a routine and rhythm that helps the students, and that routine is established effectively in this foundational course. Required Materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition, by Jay Wile; 3 ring binder with section divider and a single subject notebook or notebook paper. All homework will be assigned through Google Classroom. Materials/lab fee: $20.00. Taught by Denise Mudge.
BIOLOGY (1½ hour tutorial): This well-narrated Apologia high school biology course covers numerous topics including the science of life, the chemistry of life, ecology, cell structure and function, cellular energy, DNA, proteins, genetics, prokaryotes, viruses, fungi, plants, and animals. The students observe both microscopic and macroscopic specimens and learn how to write lab reports. Dissections include the earthworm, crayfish, fish, frog, and flower (pending availability). The classroom experience covers lectures, games, discussion, and laboratory work. Homework includes reviewing vocabulary and a quiz and test for each unit. Required Materials: (1) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition, Dincher (hardcover or now softcover). (2) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition Student Notebook (softcover). Please note: This is a change in the edition from last year and has great updates! Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing. Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab fee: $25.00 Taught by Renee McInnis.
CHEMISTRY (1½ hour tutorial): This Apologia high school chemistry class provides each student with an introduction to measurement, matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, acid and base chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reduction/oxidation reactions. A basic knowledge of Algebra is needed to master the mathematical equations. The experiments include building models, measurement, and observing changes in matter. Classes include lectures, experiments, and games. Homework includes a written study guide and test for each unit. Required Materials: (1) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition. (hardcover or now also available in softcover), (2) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry Student Notebook, 3rd edition. (softcover), and (3) Calculator (Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing for books.) Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab fee: $25.00. Taught by Renee McInnis.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – DIGITAL LITERACY: (1st semester) This class designed for 5th-7th graders introduces students to the world of computers for application. The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Designed specifically for student use, it mimics real-world experiences and encourages creativity. This project based course uses Google’s Digital Literacy Curriculum to teach basic computer skills, such as, file management, internet safety, using documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows. Additional skills such as creating hyperlinks, sharing documents, digital collaboration, internet searching and keyboarding skills (through the Typing Club interactive program- a must for anyone who uses a computer) are also taught. Required: access to a laptop with internet capability for each class. Copies: $25.00. Taught by Denise Mudge.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – INTRODUCTION TO SCRATCH CODING: (2nd semester) Ideal for 5th to 7th graders. Calling all inspiring innovators! Want to create your own animations, games and interactive stories? In this introduction to Scratch Coding, a block based computer coding language, students create computer projects for students in 5th-7th grade. Curriculum produced by MIT and Lero challenges students to think creatively, problem solve, and work collaboratively. Students are required to have access to a laptop with internet capabilities for each class. Required: 3 Ring Binder with Pocket Holders for papers. Grading is done through Rubrics. This is an experiential and design based class. Copies: $25. Taught by Denise Mudge.
WRITING 2: This class reviews all the basic Excellence in Writing techniques learned in Writing I and adds more advanced stylistic devices, while also putting more emphasis on the cohesiveness, clarity, and content of the student’s writing. While those who think clearly are also strong writers, it is also true that learning to write clearly leads to stronger thinking skills. Conducting research is a major emphasis of Writing II, so students write a 12-paragraph research paper step by step, learning the skills of choosing and limiting topics and sources, organizing outlines, integrating quotations, and citing properly. Also adding to the style toolbox, students spend time analyzing and imitating famous authors, writing descriptively from pictures using imagery and figurative language, and learning the structural forms and language of poetry. For creative writing and practice in figurative language, students work all year on an anthology of their own original poetry. Prerequisite: Students must have successful completed Writing I (B or C level), or its equivalent. Feel free to speak with tutor to determine level. It is very acceptable for students to repeat a level of writing. Because they cycle through sentences, paragraphs, and papers in composition classes, they will be taking it at a higher level for more mastery (thus counting as a second year on a transcript also). Grammar is taught contextually, which means it is more likely to be learned well; if students need extra support in this area, parents should plan to provide that at home. Students should have a sturdy 2-3 inch binder with tabs. Copies: $15.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.
A question about the writing classes: How do you decide in which class to enroll your students if they’ve taken one of them already? Writing is a process, and we never come to the place where we have learned it all. All the way through school we’re going back to writing words and sentences, paragraphs and papers. If your students completed a level well, and were able to be nearly independent and do the assignments fairly easily, they probably are ready to move to the next level. They will receive much more benefit from taking a class they’ve already taken and becoming more competent than by taking one for which they are not ready. Even though they are enrolled in the same class, they will definitely be working at a higher level. Students will often remain in the same level to more fully practice the concepts, achieving greater mastery. Think of it…students in school are taking composition courses every year or almost every year. At GCT they are taking the classes at different levels also, even though they may technically be in the same class two years in a row. Tutors are happy to help you decide on the correct level. What are the options if my student isn’t really ready to move up a level? You should not see this as a failure to learn, but as the need to benefit from cycling through the skills again. They could repeat the same level – many of our students have done that with great success. But you could also practice with them the things they’ve learned in order to become more comfortable, perhaps using one of the theme-based books sold by Excellence in Writing. For more information about our writing courses and other options for completing at home, check out www.excellenceinwriting.com.
CONQUERING THE CONTINENTS: (for 5th-8th grade) Want to travel the world? In this class, students will not only explore the continents of the world, but explorers, ancient civilizations, various traditions and of course the many wonders of the world. Weekly work will include research based interactive note-booking assignments, vocabulary, mapping, readings, videos, and quizzes. On Friday, students will be able to test their geographical knowledge with in-class games, have fun with in-class projects and more! Occasionally, additional special projects will be assigned, which compliment the current topic of study. In the final few weeks of class, we will complete a literary study of the book, Around the World in Eighty Days, by Jules Verne, PUFFIN BOOKS / 2016 / PAPERBACK. At the end of the course, students will have a keepsake binder showcasing their completed work. Materials required: Classroom Atlas, Rand McNally; 13th edition (September 25, 2015); Around the World in Eighty Days (Puffin books, 2016, paperback), by Jules Verne. Each student (or parent) must have an email account to review weekly assignments, view course materials, and submit certain assignments in Google Classroom. Students must have access to a computer for weekly research and will need a 2-inch wide 3-ring binder with a clear plastic cover and notecards. Materials: $20.00. Taught by Rachel Young.
US GOVERNMENT/CIVICS: (for grades 9-12) In this course, students will develop an understanding of the United States Government. They will expand their knowledge of the basic checks and balances system and the foundational principles of the US Constitution. Students will learn about federal, state, and local government. The goal of this course is to help the students increase their understanding of our country’s government and gain knowledge of contemporary issues that face our nation today. In addition, the Notgrass Curriculum provides a special emphasis on the Biblical pattern for government and the U.S. Constitution. Weekly course work will include text readings, videos, and short question-based writings. In-class exercises will include lively discussions, games, and other activities. Required: Exploring Government , 2016 Updated Edition-Curriculum Kit (cost around $60.00) by Ray Notgrass, 3” binder, dividers, highlighters. Each student (or parent) must have an email account to review weekly assignments, view course materials, and submit certain assignments in Google Classroom. Materials/Copies: $20.00. Taught by Rachel Young.
UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES: (1½ hour tutorial) Don’t let your high school student graduate without this course by Summit Ministries which focuses on comparing six fundamental worldviews dominant in Western Civilization: Marxist Leninism (communism), Secular Humanism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age movement), Islam, Post-Modernism, and Biblical Christianity, all easily discovered in the current culture. Students quickly learn to do that, as well as being grounded in answers for them. Students learn to understand how worldview affects all other disciplines and how to defend their own faith. Those questioning their beliefs are encouraged to ask questions. Try taking this excellent (and free) worldview test yourself and then have your high schooler do it, to perhaps obtain some real insight into the need: http://www.secretbattlebook.com/checkup.html Where apologetics is mostly studying the basics of the Christian faith from the Bible, this course involves studying what the other worldviews believe and how they compare to Christianity, also using the Bible as the final authority. You have heard the statistic that 50% of professing Christian students leave the faith in college? The number is even higher now, but instruction in the biblical worldview dramatically changes the statistic. The lively discussion/application format is very effective in encouraging students to interact about the things that really matter, and it is what the students love most about this class, along with the video lectures by experts in every field we study. Check out the college credit option at http://understandingthetimes.com/college-credit/. The material was written for juniors and seniors in high school, but, though challenging, it need not be limited to that age. This class meets for 1½ hours per week. Materials fee includes hard cover textbook, student manual, access to online video lectures, and copy fee. Materials: $75.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.
ENGINEERING: Ideal for students in grades 5-7. This is a hands-on science class that will lead students through the engineering design process. Working in teams to problem solve and think creatively, students will be presented with a new engineering challenge each week that will build on concepts over several classes to culminate into a final design challenge! Each unit will focus on a different area of Engineering (mechanical, civil, electrical etc) Using a variety of curriculum including Teachengineering.org, Design It!, online videos and Middle School Engineering projects and online videos, students will be introduced to the concepts, principles and processes used by engineers. Students will learn new vocabulary, about engineering history, research famous engineers and complete one age appropriate report each month. Students will have weekly reading assignments and will be asked to complete design challenges at home as well as in class. Supplies will be provided and recycled materials will be used as much as possible. Please note that projects are rotated between two years, so students may take Engineering for two years without repeating the same ones. Materials/Copies: $40. Taught by Denise Mudge.
GENERAL SCIENCE: This Apologia junior high school level course is the foundation for all the upper level Apologia high school science courses due to its introduction to areas of biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy and physiology in a simple and approachable manner. Labs and fun projects will be done in class while bi-weekly tests will be proctored at home. Apologia science courses follow a routine and rhythm that helps the students, and that routine is established effectively in this foundational course. Required Materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition, by Jay Wile; 3 ring binder with section divider and a single subject notebook or notebook paper. All homework will be assigned through Google Classroom. Materials/lab fee: $20.00. Taught by Denise Mudge.
BIOLOGY (1½ hour tutorial): This well-narrated Apologia high school biology course covers numerous topics including the science of life, the chemistry of life, ecology, cell structure and function, cellular energy, DNA, proteins, genetics, prokaryotes, viruses, fungi, plants, and animals. The students observe both microscopic and macroscopic specimens and learn how to write lab reports. Dissections include the earthworm, crayfish, fish, frog, and flower (pending availability). The classroom experience covers lectures, games, discussion, and laboratory work. Homework includes reviewing vocabulary and a quiz and test for each unit. Required Materials: (1) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition, Dincher (hardcover or now softcover). (2) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition Student Notebook (softcover). Please note: This is a change in the edition from last year and has great updates! Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing. Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab fee: $25.00 Taught by Renee McInnis.
CHEMISTRY (1½ hour tutorial): This Apologia high school chemistry class provides each student with an introduction to measurement, matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, acid and base chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reduction/oxidation reactions. A basic knowledge of Algebra is needed to master the mathematical equations. The experiments include building models, measurement, and observing changes in matter. Classes include lectures, experiments, and games. Homework includes a written study guide and test for each unit. Required Materials: (1) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition. (hardcover or now also available in softcover), (2) Apologia - Exploring Creation with Chemistry Student Notebook, 3rd edition. (softcover), and (3) Calculator (Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing for books.) Required Communication: Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom. This process will be explained in the class. Materials/Lab fee: $25.00. Taught by Renee McInnis.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – DIGITAL LITERACY: (1st semester) This class designed for 5th-7th graders introduces students to the world of computers for application. The most important aspect of computer science is problem solving, an essential skill for life. Designed specifically for student use, it mimics real-world experiences and encourages creativity. This project based course uses Google’s Digital Literacy Curriculum to teach basic computer skills, such as, file management, internet safety, using documents, spreadsheets, and slideshows. Additional skills such as creating hyperlinks, sharing documents, digital collaboration, internet searching and keyboarding skills (through the Typing Club interactive program- a must for anyone who uses a computer) are also taught. Required: access to a laptop with internet capability for each class. Copies: $25.00. Taught by Denise Mudge.
COMPUTER SCIENCE – INTRODUCTION TO SCRATCH CODING: (2nd semester) Ideal for 5th to 7th graders. Calling all inspiring innovators! Want to create your own animations, games and interactive stories? In this introduction to Scratch Coding, a block based computer coding language, students create computer projects for students in 5th-7th grade. Curriculum produced by MIT and Lero challenges students to think creatively, problem solve, and work collaboratively. Students are required to have access to a laptop with internet capabilities for each class. Required: 3 Ring Binder with Pocket Holders for papers. Grading is done through Rubrics. This is an experiential and design based class. Copies: $25. Taught by Denise Mudge.
