Elementary (K-5th Grade) Course Descriptions 26-27

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A story time class, that may also include a Letter of the Week class-with songs, activities, books etc.  All supplies included with class fee.

Who is Fred? Fred Gauss is a 5 year old professor at KITTENS University in Kansas. The Life of Fred is a narrative series that follows Fred on many whimsical adventures and questions, all while teaching math in a ‘life applicable’ way. We will start with “Life of Fred Apples” which introduces concepts such as addition, time, shapes and some money. We will move through 2-3 chapters a day and keep learning simple but useful. While these books can be used as a curriculum I would suggest using them in addition to another math curriculum.  After reading our chapters we willl play games that reinforce concepts that we are learning about in class to give students extra practice. Students will need a notebook, good pencil with erasers, and an attitude willing to learn math in a non-traditional way. There is no textbook needed for this class and copies of any work will be provided.

 This class is a hands-on art class for ages K-2 that focuses on the process of creating, exploring and sensory learning. Each week, students will be introduced to new art concepts and will experiment with different elements. This class encourages imagination, self expression and the joy of creating!  Materials included with class fee.

English Grammar class for upper elementary grades.  Information and description TBD

We will focus mostly on memorization and basic appreciation of simple poems and songs. We will recite them together in class, using hand motions or pictures to aid in memorization. It will focus on fun and rewarding interactions with poetry. Homework will mostly involve recitation and memorization. (If behavior issues arise, parents will be asked to sit in class with their children.)

Introductory Spanish for 1st-6th grade from a native Spanish Speaker and fellow homeschooling mom. Spanish is $TBD a student + curriculum box ($50) at least one per family.  I can have 10 students max under the first teacher license.  So register for your spot before we max out.

A continuation of Introductory Spanish for 1st-6th grade from a native Spanish Speaker and fellow homeschooling mom. Spanish is $TBD a student + curriculum box ($50) at least one per family if you don’t already have one from last year.  10 students maximum

Class Description: Students will learn basic vocabulary and concepts of ASL. Classes are both conversational and topical in nature; alphabet, greetings/phrases, numbers, religious, animals, calendar/time, colors, foods etc. Also basic information on Deaf culture and History will be given. Classes are meant to be fun including some games for reinforcement.

Give your child a joyful and developmentally appropriate introduction to music! In this engaging class, students will explore music through singing, movement, rhythm play, and listening activities using the nationally respected “First Steps in Music and Beyond” curriculum created by Dr. John Feierabend.

Designed especially for young learners, this approach develops children’s natural musical abilities while building a strong foundation for future music study. Through playful musical experiences, students will learn to match pitch, keep a steady beat, develop rhythmic awareness, and begin building a vocabulary of beautiful folk songs and musical patterns.

Each class will include singing games, movement activities, rhythm exploration, and musical storytelling that nurture creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music. Students will also develop important skills such as listening, coordination, cooperation, and expressive movement.

This class is taught by Mrs. Leslie Furrow, a Virginia licensed music educator with 15 years of teaching experience and certification in the First Steps in Music curriculum. Her classes focus on joyful music-making while carefully guiding children toward strong musical understanding.

GIn this lively and engaging music class, students will grow their musical understanding through singing, movement, rhythm activities, and hands-on music making using the highly respected “Conversational Solfège” curriculum developed by Dr. John Feierabend.

This research-based approach helps children become musically “fluent” by learning to hear, understand, read, and perform musical patterns through a playful, conversational process—much like learning a language. Students will strengthen their ability to match pitch, sing in tune, recognize melodic and rhythmic patterns, and begin developing true music literacy skills.

Each class will include joyful group singing, rhythm and solfège activities, folk dances, instrumental exploration, and creative musical games that deepen students’ musical skills while keeping learning active and fun. As the year progresses, students will gradually build confidence in reading and performing music while expanding their repertoire of beautiful folk songs.

This class is taught by Mrs. Leslie Furrow, a Virginia licensed music educator with 15 years of teaching experience and certification in Conversational Solfège Levels 1 & 2. Her teaching focuses on helping children experience music deeply while developing strong musical understanding.

No prior music training is required—just curiosity, participation, and a love of music!

 Mandy is currently on staff with Attic Productions in Fincastle as a director and in the past has worked with Roanoke Children's Theater directing for them.

Description: Students will explore all aspects of theatre production ranging from the performers on stage, backstage crew, props, costumes, set design and the audience experience. Some classes will focus on the purpose of each component, exploring them in a practical way. The goal will be to have performances with one larger one culminating in an end of the year presentation that family and friends can attend. All props and costumes will be provided. Students are required to bring a notebook, pen, pencil and highlighter. There will be occasional, minimal, homework.

This 50 minute class begins with a warmup and from there moves on to teach the basics of traditional Irish dance. Dancers will learn the foundational techniques including posture, footwork, and basic soft shoe steps. Throughout the class we play games that are designed to help practice what was just learned. It is a fun, energetic environment and students should come prepared to sweat!