Leah Patti

The goal of this class is to expand students` knowledge of basic French grammar and widen their vocabulary. We will explore more conjugation, will learn how to form the immediate future tense and how to talk about past events. (Simple Past versus Past Continuous). In terms of vocabulary, we will learn the parts of the body, how to ask for directions, how to book a hotel and how to talk about the weather. 
Students will also memorize the Lord`s Prayer this year. 
In terms of culture, we will look at some famous writers and poets, some French composers and painters and we will explore topics like how schools operate in France and whether homeschooling is allowed or not. 

Materials required: To be determined

0.5 credit upon request for 8th and 9th graders (with extra homework)

This class takes a deep dive into the differences between the beliefs of various religions, cults, and new religious movements. Students will learn what each of these religions and cults teach about who God is, who Jesus Christ is, what salvation is and what happens after death. This course also puts a strong emphasis on what the Bible teaches about these different topics and equips the students to defend their faith, keeping in mind what 1 Peter 3:15 commands all Christians to do:  "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, " 
In the second semester, students will look at different objections non-believers and sceptics have about Christianity and will discuss how to answer them. 
Some of these objections include: 
- How can a loving God send people to Hell? 
- Science has disproved Christianity. 
- You can`t take the Bible literally. 
- How can God allow suffering? 

This class is worth 1 high school credit.

Homework expected: 2-4 hours per week.

The focus of this class will be on real life language use. Students will use basic vocabulary to talk about themselves, to ask for directions, and to order food in a restaurant. Students will learn to conjugate some important French words (ÊTRE, AVOIR, PARLER, PRENDRE etc), learn how to use articles and adjectives and how to ask questions in French. Students will also learn about French culture: geography of France, President of France, the French flag, famous sights in Paris, Edith Piaf, The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry etc...

This class is a good stepping stone to students approaching Middle School - it will require consistent studying and completing HOMEWORK assignments. (a lot of the homework assignments will be graded)  It will also help deepen students` understanding of their own language. (what is a pronoun? what is an adjective? what two types of articles do we use and when? how do we form a sentence? what is an auxiliar verb? what is a subject and a predicate? etc) 

Upon request, 8th graders who wish to put in more work than the rest of the class, I can provide extra homework and an opportunity to earn a half a credit for High School. 

Book required: Beginner French Workbook: Learn over 400 words! Level1 Paperback
 by Imane Diouri (Author), Bilingoal (Author)