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English Courses (Click Course Name to expand or hide details)

Middle School US History and Literature​

TitleMiddle School US History and Literature​
GradesMiddle School
TutorTammy Elrod
Contactbtelrod@comcast.net
Frequency2 Days per Week
Costs$55/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksAmerica from the Beginning, Student Guide by Joshua Franklin and Debbie Lawrence (available on christianbook.com for about $42)
(can be found used on Amazon or other Homeschool textbook site for a reasonable price)
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
These books can be easily purchased on Amazon or checked out from the public library.
DescriptionThis class will primarily be a study of history that will include limited reading and study of works of literature. It will rotate each year from a US History and Literature focus to a World History and Literature focus. For 2020-21, our focus will be US History. We will be using a history text which will be supplemented by 2 works of fiction (1 each semester).

Middle School World History and Literature

TitleMiddle School World History and Literature
GradesMiddle School
Tutor *Kym Estes
Contactcheaperbyhalfadozen@gmail.com
Frequency2 Days per Week
Costs$55/Month; $30 supply fee for the year
BooksIt’s BJU World Studies 4th edition student text.
Literature is TBD. The history text will be supplemented by four works of fiction (2 each semester).
DescriptionThis class will primarily be a study of history that will include the reading and study of works of literature. It will rotate each year from a US History and Literature focus to a World History and Literature focus. For 2021-22, our focus will be world history. We will be using a history text which will be supplemented by four works of fiction (2 each semester).

Elements of Literature

TitleElements of Literature
Grades9th-10th
Tutor *Lori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$45/month; $20 supply fee for the year
BooksWorks such as Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado," and Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will be included in the reading list.​​
DescriptionStudents will develop skills in literary analysis through the study of the short story, poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and drama. We will consider works from writers around the globe and analyze and interpret these works from a worldview prospective.

World Literature

TitleWorld LiteratureTop
Grades​9th-12th
TutorWendy Hale
Contactwendyhale88@gmail.com​​
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$45/Month; $20 supply fee​
BooksTBD
DescriptionIn this course, we will consider ancient literary pieces from Sumerian and Hebrew (Biblical) cultures. Persian/Arabian, Indian, Chinese, and Japanese literature may be incorporated as needed. We will carefully study classical Greek and Roman literature including their mythologies which are referenced in many forms and necessary for cultural literacy. We'll also consider European literature including works of Shakespeare and other medieval literature such as the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Modern novels from other cultures will be studied as well.
Students will have reading and graded writing assignments/projects and are expected to participate in class discussions.
We may attend a performance at the Shakespeare Theater in Staunton in the spring. If so, the cost of the ticket and lunch will be in addition to the class tuition and fees.
This is a one day course and is offered at 2 different time spots.

American Literature

TitleAmerican LiteratureTop
Grades11th-12th
Tutor *Lori Ricks
Contactltdaricks14@gmail.com
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$45/month; $25 supply fee for the year
Description​In this class we will study writings and authors in the following periods of American History: Colonial; Revolutionary; Romanticism; Regionalism; and Realism. We may also consider the American Musical. We will review the terms of literature, styles of literature, and purposes of literature. Along with reading assignments students will have research projects and written essays/papers.

British Literature

TitleBritish LiteratureTop
Grades​​11th-12th
TutorWendy Hale
Contactwendyhale88@gmail.com​​
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$45/Month; $20 supply fee
BooksWe will consider major works of British literature such as Beowulf, Pilgrim's Progress, Shakespeare's Hamlet, a 19th century author’s work, Nineteen Eighty-Four, and non-fiction works of C.S. Lewis. Students will be assigned reading and writing assignments to be discussed and considered in class discussions; participation is expected. This list will be adjusted according to students’ experience.
DescriptionResearch papers and one or more individual projects will be assigned.
We may attend a performance at the Shakespeare Theater in Staunton in the spring. If so, the cost of the ticket and lunch will be in addition to the class tuition and fees.

Reel Writing

TitleReel WritingTop
GradesHigh School
Tutor *Mona Bausone
Contact​keystroke1@verizon.net​
Frequency1 Day per Week
Costs$45/month; $20 copy fee for the year
DescriptionMany literature concepts can be taught through the medium of film, using the same skills needed for reading literature. Each movie will be viewed in class and will include completion of a viewing guide to aid in comprehension. Students will then complete assignments, group activities, performances and writing assignments in relation to each concept introduced. Writing assignments will include, character sketches, short stories, film reviews, skits, essays, research papers and poetry/songs. Grammar practice will be interspersed with assignments. This class is writing intensive.

English Tutors

TutorTBD
Biography
2021-22 CoursesWorld History, US History and Government
TutorTammy Elrod
Emailbtelrod@comcast.net
BiographyTammy Elrod has a B.A. in History from the University of Mary Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Final Honors. She taught Social Studies in Dinwiddie County from 1985-1989. She then worked as a bank manager until her retirement in 2018. She and her husband, Bill, have homeschooled their three children since 2003.
2020-21 CoursesMiddle School US History and Literature​, World History, US History and Government
TutorKym Estes
Emailcheaperbyhalfadozen@gmail.com
BiographyKimberly Estes, Hand to Heart, LLC, is a certified Red Cross BLS (basic life support) Instructor and a certified Red Cross first aid, AED, CPR adult and pediatric Instructor.
2020-21 CourseResponding to Emergencies (formerly BLS, First Aid, & CPR)
2021-22 CoursesMiddle School World History and Literature; Responding to Emergencies (formerly BLS, First Aid, & CPR)
TutorWendy Hale
Emailwendyhale88@gmail.com​​
BiographyWendy Hale has a B.A. in English from Mary Washington College, Summa Cum Laude. She was an English instructor for Spotsylvania County Schools from 1988-1995. She taught her own four children at home from 2000-2017 and partnered with Arete Christian Academy as a board member, parent, and tutor since its founding in 2005.
2020-21 CoursesWorld Literature, British Literature
TutorLori Ricks
Emailltdaricks14@gmail.com
BiographyLori Ricks has a B. A. in Retail Merchandising from Georgetown College and a B. of Architecture from North Carolina State University. After having worked for several years in retail design and the architecture field, Lori and her husband David began homeschooling their son in 2011. Lori has a passion for teaching literature and history with a classical educational approach and has taught in a local homeschool co-operative. In addition, Lori has served in several leadership roles for homeschool parenting groups and looks forward to encouraging students and their parents on their educational journey through weekly community class time.
2021-22 CoursesElements of Literature, American Literature